Ste-Anne - Quebec City - St Jean Port-Joli

Rain rain rain!
We had our first big downpour on our trip to Quebec City. The rain held off until we left our quirky croquet campsite, but as soon as we hit the road, down it came. And it did not stop.

So naturally, we sang songs to keep our spirits high. Here are some you may know:
- Show me the meaning of being lonely, I want it that way, larger than life (BSB obvi)
- Wannabe (Spice Girls!)
- Barbie Girl, Dr. Jones (Aqua)
- Silver Lining (First Aid Kit)
- Country Roads (mom/technically John Denver I think)

And here are a few we composed that very day:
"Soup, Bagel, Donut, Coffee" (inspired by our upcoming Timmie's stop)
"Warm and dry, at Liliana's"

We learned that garbage bags are our friends, and that nothing beats a wool sweater.

We could not have survived without Liliana! Soaking wet, muddy and tired, we rolled into Quebec City to Liliana's apartment. Liliana was one of Gill's students this summer, and was so kind to let us stay with her and her husband. At her place we dried all our clothes (because they ALL got wet), had a beautiful and nutritious dinner, including a beer, and got to practice our Spanish! We chatted and chatted and were so relieved at how easy Spanish rolled off our tongues compared to French. The evening was beautiful.

This morning we set off slowly in the light rain, took the ferry over to Levis, and took up a stride once again. Dry in our precautionary raincoats, we were able to enjoy the indescribable view of the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Rolling hills that remind us of Ireland (a place neither of us has been) and stormy waters made this day so breath taking. Every 100 metres was picture worthy.

Better still, the sun popped out around 3pm and made everything even more glorious. We've never felt so happy to see blue sky.

It was then that we finally met our guardian angel of the trip, screaming at us in French from her front porch.
"Vous allez a Gaspesie?!"
We were about to head into a forested bike path. And she told us we were going the wrong way.
We explained to her where we were going (not Gaspesie), and she told us to take the road above to get to the 132.
Mary asked, "Comment saviez-vous?" How did she know that we were going the wrong way? Also, who has the gusto to scream at two cyclists that may or may not be going the wrong way?
"Le gros baggage."
What a lady.

We decided to splurge tonight and stay at a motel because ....
THIS IS OUR HALFWAY POINT!
That's right, we have covered half of our ground, and half of our days on this journey. This night called for wine! (and cheese, and chocolate fudge from Quebec City :p)

Lots of Photos!
1) Our soggy, happy faces at Timmie's.
2) Gill and I with our amazing hosts, Liliana and her hubby.
3 and 4) On our way to the ferry on a misty morning :)
5) We found the rare last name Smith in Old Quebec, so we had to take a photo.
6) Beaver tails beaver tails beaver tails.
7) Gill looking superbad in a super good way.
8) Selfies on the road!
9) Mary learned the safe skill of taking photos while biking.
10, 11, and 12) Breathtaking countryside, around L'Islet. The sign into the town read, "between mountain and river"
13 and 14) Yay food! This is how we celebrate :)