Checkpoint: Cap Sante, QC

Mission Control...

This is Eco1...

Have set camp behind a small brick Quebec Hydro something-something shed at the side of Hwy 138 in a small village called Cap Sante.

Finding a spot wasn't easy. As it was getting dark and there seems no end to this rain, it seemed the best option. Second best option was at the bottom of a loose rock cliff (no joke).

There's a certain mad desperation when you're cold, soaking wet and riding up slick hills, gears jamming and transports - who see you at the last moment - pass a foot away. But now I'm snug in a wet tent hoping Surite doesn't force me to leave. Situation normal.

The building beide me is making very sinister noises, building a slow, high pitch then a big thud like a sledge hammer konking the floor. Really bizarre and disturbing, actually. Now I miss the train horns.

Got two different versions of the north shore terrain to Quebec City (50 km away). A guy on a bike in Trois-Rivieres made this whistling sound like a cartoon character falling off a bridge when he heard about cycling to Quebec City. Then he made the steep wave sign - international for steep hills - with a pained yet gleeful look on his face. Not sure if his "Bon Voyage" was too sincere.

Later, in Champlain, a woman on a bicycle tolame that the north shore was mostly flat. She's been right until Portneuf. The highway has begun to climb and descend along the river.

One nice thing happened today....

I pulled under the limbs of a large tree in
Grondines at the top of a hill as a thunder shower began Very soon after I was invited out of the rain and into the Cantin family home. Madame Cantin was right when she said I found the best Quebecois to save me. What a kind and charming family. They let me stay for dinner (with strawberry and maplefnf syrup dessert) and we shared some amusing conversation.

The whole Cantin family (minus their energetic poochie, Micka) sat for a photo for the blog. In the photo, from left to right) is Philippe, Myricim, Marie-Pyer, Melanie, and Jacinthe. Ah. the kindness of strangers....

My left leg is at about 60 percent power due to some sort of knee sprain. The good news is that I can't feel it by 2 pm, because by then my entire lower body is numb.

Tomorrow, I hope to reach Quebec City, and cross to the south shore without too much delay.

This is Eco1...Out.

-- Major Dude

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network