July 15 - Lunch along the Way

Our sag drivers, Barbara and Troy Rainwater, have the job of looking after us, shopping for lunches, finding a lunch spot along the daily route, and arriving at our overnight lodging with our luggage. They are always there with a helping hand and smile. Fresh fruit, sandwich with cheese, salad and humus, and chocolate milk energized us to continue on our way.

July 15 - Cycling on the blueberry Loop to Dolbeau-Mistassini

Our 56 mile ride to Dolbeau-Mistassini was much easier than yesterday's ride with fewer hills and straight-a-ways. Our four page cue sheets was reduced to 2 pages and we mainly stayed on two parallel routes - Verde 8 and the Blueberry Loop. Our cue sheets always have the names of the streets to turn on. However, the route markings and street bicycle paintings are so clear that one does not need the cue sheet. The routes always take the cyclist off the main roads,;obviousl safety is a primary concern.

July 14 - The Reward at the end of the Day

After this difficult day, can you imagine the joy of arriving at Gite Les 2 Sours Bed and Breakfast. The proprietor welcomed us with open arms. I relaxed with a glass of wine and enjoyed the view of the lake.

July 14 - Cycling to Roberval

What a difficult day of cycling. The terrain was hilly again, head winds, roads and bike paths difficult to find, and nine hours on the road. It's probably hard to believe but I enjoyed every minute of the day. We only stopped a few times for photographs but these photos capture precious memories.

July 13 - A unique License Plate

This license plate we spotted requires no explanation. I wish I could find another one for our car!

July13 - Cycling to Chicoutimi

The warning today was that the first eight miles of hills would be as steep as the day we entered the Saquenay region. Yes, the warning was correct.  However, Ken and Nancy forgot to tell as about the more difficult climbs closer to our destination at Chicoutimi!

I finally picked up a map today'  I can now track the upcoming routes for the next week and figure out where we have been. I was confused because I didn't do my homework and first map out the trip. This region of Quebec is 100% French and the locations are difficult to pronounce and remember.

Basically, we crossed over by ferry to the region of Saguenay and are following the Saguenay River, which leads to Lac Saint-Jean. We'll start cycling around the lake tomorrow and then head back on the north side of the Saguenay River until we reach Tadoussac.  From this location, we will take the ferry back to St. Simeon and cycle back along the St. Lawrence to Quebec City.

July 11 - The Reward at the end of the Day

Our bed and breakfast was quaint and welcoming and the French cuisine was delicious.  I am looking forward to our day off tomorrow so I can explore the area. The lake leads into the fjords, a long narrow inlet with steep sides and cliffs, crested by glacial erosion.