August 15 Friday Saint-Apollinaire, just outside Quebec city.

We really have enjoyed traveling today, passing through countryside that reminded us of the time we spent in Vermont, 4 years ago, and really enjoyed. In fact this area is just to the north of Vermont.
We chose to take a route North east, starting on HW 243, that led us onto 116, taking us to just south of Quebec, for a night stop. We passed through small towns, very cute, and quite old, with lots of wooded areas. Initially we were quite high up, looking across miles of forest land. Arriving just south of Richmond, we saw a quaint café, Le Banc de Marguerite and as always were ready for a morning fix. What a find, it was full of antique mismatching furniture, and 2 of the girls had visited NZ. Evidently the building was owned by a lady called Marguerite (Margaret!), and they had the little stool that she used to sit on to milk the cows. Over a coffee and a chocolate croissant (Very naughty!), we also met a chap who had spent 18 months in NZ. He had spotted our van outside and came in to meet us.
Just before we came into Danville, another quaint town, we saw to our right, huge areas of mine, and saw that the town was called Asbestos….decided not to go and see though.
The country was opening up, with many very modern looking dairy farms, the cows are housed year round, and the surrounding area is cropped to provide feed. Huge silos mark where these farms are, and surprisingly the farm buildings are very close to the house. Wonder if this is because the farmers need to be close to the stock during the long harsh winters.
Stopped for lunch in Victoriaville, at a Tim Hortons Store. These are in every town, and we have discovered how good they are, thanks to a tip from Pam and Peter. They make fresh rolls, we love the BLT’s, which are made in a toasted wholemeal bun. The coffee is good, and you also get a choice of a sweet bun to go with a lunch package which costs about $6. Drove to McDonalds and parked in the carpark to eat our lunch, hoping to get onto wifi, but no joy.
Stopped in Princeville, to try again at the library, but it was closed…then discovered an unsecured link in the carpark so got our emails, and had a chat with Craig and family. Communicating on Skype makes us feel not so far from home. We hear that the weather has been really bad, cold and wet for most of the time since we left.
Found the campground about, it is very big, very French, but have a good spot and getting used to seeing vans all around us.

Comments