Hills, Food, and Nature

When I woke up this morning it was noticeably cooler than previous mornings. A quick thermometer check confirmed that it was only 12 degrees. Hmmmm. I’ll have to have a little chat with the weather gods during today’s ride.

Despite this being another short day I was up pretty early and was ready to go by around 9:00. I headed out past the washroom/laundry area to do a final map check online as that’s where the WiFI signal was strongest). While doing my update I met one of the other campers (Denis, or maybe Dennis – but since he’s French I’m going to go with Denis, and if I’m wrong my apologies to him – if he’s reading this perhaps he’ll let me know). Anyway, he too was taking advantage of the magical world of wireless technology.

We chatted for a bit before he offered to fill up my water bottles – oh, did I mention that the campsite didn’t have potable water? Well, it didn’t – but he did. This solved a bit of dilemma as I wasn’t sure where I was going to fill up before today’s ride. We chatted a bit more – found out about his work, and family – he’s in town for his brother’s wedding. He could offer no insight as to why the roads have so much sand on them other than to say, “That’s Quebec.” I commented that Quebec’s hills have done a nice job of wearing down my brakes. He suggested swapping the brake pads around to offset the uneven wear they’re starting to show. I hadn’t thought of that – I mean, that strategy works for underwear, why not brak … uh, I mean … well … uh, never mind. Anyway, we discussed the merits (and demerits) of the internet and solved a few of the world’s problems – sadly, no one else was there to take note. So, with the world’s problems solved it was time to move on again.

As I mentioned, this was to be another short day – 46km from Godbout to a campsite about 11km east of Baie-Trinité. The first 18km was going to be the harder portion but after that it was pretty much all downhill from there (but in the good way). As it turns out, the first part was a bit harder than anticipated – likely because I really didn’t have much for breakfast (yeah, yeah … I know).

I arrived in Baie-Trinité around 12:15pm – which was pretty much exactly how long Google Maps predicted the trip would take (I don’t know if I find that impressive or creepy). My plan for Baie-Trinité was to go to Le Centre National des Naufragés du Saint-Laurent (Shipwreck Museum) before carrying on to the campsite. Being a VERY small town, finding the museum was easy – it was right on Highway 138 (even though Google says differently). Across from the museum was a small restaurant and given my food intake for the day (ie. water and an apple) I thought lunch would be my first stop.

This turned out to be a bigger event than expected. Go figure. There was no English to be had but who needs English when you have a menu and a finger! I have to say I was feeling VERY hungry so I went with a large order of poutine AND a cheeseburger. When they arrived they didn’t last long. Still hungry I decided to add a piece of chocolate cake to the meal. That too didn’t last long. I’m not going to lie, I was expecting the burger and large poutine to fill me up. Apparently my limited diet yesterday was catching up with me. I decided to take another look at the menu. After deliberating for a few minutes I ordered a 9” pepperoni pizza. The waitress was more than a little surprised. When she returned with pizza she also brought a pitcher of water – which I was also drinking with reckless abandon (okay, maybe drinking water isn’t particularly reckless). By the time lunch was over I had consumed a large poutine, cheeseburger, chocolate cake, a 9” pizza and about 2 litres of water. And I was actually full. Very full. By my calculations I shouldn’t have to eat again until Tuesday.

With my appetite satiated, I wandered (or perhaps waddled) over to the Shipwreck Museum. To put things in perspective, it was a VERY small museum. The kids behind the counter had minimal English to converse with so I ended up paying for a 22 minute multimedia presentation (in English). I have to say it was it was very interesting. They had 3 different screens working together, a smoke machine for the fog, and a few lightning flashes and sound effects to complete the package. And the story was pretty entertaining. Bottom line: The St. Lawrence isn’t to be taken lightly!

With my educational quota for the day filled I was back on the bike to find tonight’s campground. This was a VERY easy ride. Pretty much flat the remaining 11km and by 3:30 I was at the campsite once again using my one line of French, “Je voudrais un camping pour la nuit pour moi et mon vélo.” Once again, they appreciated my efforts.

I selected a site along the water and set up my tent as the tide came in. Nature never ceases to amaze. Truly a beautiful thing.

Today’s totals (I have to rely on Google today as the sensor on my bike computer slipped out of position about 20km into the ride and I didn’t notice.)

Distance travelled: 46km
Time on bike: 2:45:18 (estimated)
Maximum speed: 60.45 km/h

And now it’s time to retreat into shelter as the mosquito attack has officially commenced – and apparently my English insect repellent has no effect on French mosquitos.