Ship's Log - July 23, 2007

Have made camp at a municipal campground in the charming lakeside town of Notre-Dame-du-Lac. The beachside campground - and much of the town - is set on the slopes of Les Montaignes Appalaches.

It was a long velo down to the campground, so I was happy to hear that there's a bike trail along the lakeshore (a metre from my campsite) which goes all the way to Edmundston! It's part of Quebec's extensive bike trail system called 'La Route Verte'. This one's the #8 portion. I plan to take it tomorrow for 60 km +/- to Edmundston then back to the highway. It's a fitting end for my departure to cycle friendly Quebec (except for the bridges...). La Route Verte is a new idea in Quebec which I hope other provinces will see the wisdom of.

The EcoRocket on the Route Verte

It has been a nice treat to set camp at the edge of this picturesque lake and charming town. It's my preference to Quebec City.

And camping so close to these families on summer holiday with children laughing and playing reminds me of my own ritual family camping trips for two weeks every year to Killbear Provincial Park in Ontario. Thanks, mom, for making the extra effort to do that. It made a difference in my life.

End Ship's Log....

-- Major Dude

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