August 10 Sunday, Municipal Campground, Lac Ste Marie, QU
Today has been a day of huge contrasts…from a big city, to a remote lake tonight, and from an English speaking city, to crossing the border into the state of Quebec and everything in French, with only a little English.
A Sunday morning later start, we spent some time at a very nice mall nearby and did a bit of shopping. Before we left the park this morning, spoke to the Camp Manager who suggested heading north and stopping at Lac Ste Marie where there was a municipal camp right beside the water overlooking the lake, and the skifield of Mont St Marie. Sounded pretty good so set Emily to take us. And thank goodness, as getting through Ottawa without her would have been pretty difficult…..and it was only a Sunday!
Could not believe as we crossed the river into Quebec that there was a such a transformation into the French language, with English signs being very small, or non existent. My school girl French was dragged out of the grey matter!
Stopped at a small supermarket for a few fresh goodies….and some wine, and the contrast of the languages was so evident. Really had to study hard to see what we were buying.
Pulled into a big car wash, as Ruakiwi was looking a bit grimy. Ian set too with the hose and washed her down, then decided to give her a shampoo with the brush which poured out bright blue foamy shampoo. When he rinsed it off, the blue stain remained…just like a little old lady with a blue rinse. Spoke on the phone to the owner who refused to come and see it, and said it was our problem. Very frustrated, but had to take all details and took some photos. Will have to deal with the insurance company.
Felt quite steamed up as we headed north, but soon the wonderful scenic route cooled me down. We traveled beside the Gatineau river and climbed quite a bit through rocky and wooded forest areas. In a small way, it looked a little like NZ.
Turned off and drove about 5 kms into the small township of Lac Ste Marie, which is an extremely popular ski resort in the winter. The camp was at the boat ramp, and we set up with an unobstructed view across the lake to the mountains. No facilities, but a magnificent spot.
Not long after we arrived thunder sounded in the distance and the sky got progressively darker until a real storm and rain arrived. After about 15 mins it had passed over leaving a really still evening. The island in them middle of the lake has a huge cross and this is lit up at night…quite a sight.Ian spent the evening chatting with 4 fisherman in the camp next door
Today has been a day of huge contrasts…from a big city, to a remote lake tonight, and from an English speaking city, to crossing the border into the state of Quebec and everything in French, with only a little English.
A Sunday morning later start, we spent some time at a very nice mall nearby and did a bit of shopping. Before we left the park this morning, spoke to the Camp Manager who suggested heading north and stopping at Lac Ste Marie where there was a municipal camp right beside the water overlooking the lake, and the skifield of Mont St Marie. Sounded pretty good so set Emily to take us. And thank goodness, as getting through Ottawa without her would have been pretty difficult…..and it was only a Sunday!
Could not believe as we crossed the river into Quebec that there was a such a transformation into the French language, with English signs being very small, or non existent. My school girl French was dragged out of the grey matter!
Stopped at a small supermarket for a few fresh goodies….and some wine, and the contrast of the languages was so evident. Really had to study hard to see what we were buying.
Pulled into a big car wash, as Ruakiwi was looking a bit grimy. Ian set too with the hose and washed her down, then decided to give her a shampoo with the brush which poured out bright blue foamy shampoo. When he rinsed it off, the blue stain remained…just like a little old lady with a blue rinse. Spoke on the phone to the owner who refused to come and see it, and said it was our problem. Very frustrated, but had to take all details and took some photos. Will have to deal with the insurance company.
Felt quite steamed up as we headed north, but soon the wonderful scenic route cooled me down. We traveled beside the Gatineau river and climbed quite a bit through rocky and wooded forest areas. In a small way, it looked a little like NZ.
Turned off and drove about 5 kms into the small township of Lac Ste Marie, which is an extremely popular ski resort in the winter. The camp was at the boat ramp, and we set up with an unobstructed view across the lake to the mountains. No facilities, but a magnificent spot.
Not long after we arrived thunder sounded in the distance and the sky got progressively darker until a real storm and rain arrived. After about 15 mins it had passed over leaving a really still evening. The island in them middle of the lake has a huge cross and this is lit up at night…quite a sight.Ian spent the evening chatting with 4 fisherman in the camp next door
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