One Last Island, Then Home!

Waterfront View

This time, it’s a beach on the St. Lawrence River in Riviere-du-loup:

Day 30: July 25

There was a ferry and another island, so off we went to White Head. We took our bicycles and enjoyed the 30 minute free ride.

We rode almost every foot of road here, looking for real estate (nothing perfect yet), but enjoyed this pretty place complete with an interesting cemetery, beautiful, rocky beach, and busy harbour:

…and some icecream (well-deserved):

We also witnessed four more parts of the dulsing story: by crane from dories onto a truck , by ATV, by hand and by rake right in the harbour. Oh, and by mouth on the ferry (and we both spit it out after smiling our thanks!):

We enjoyed another quiet evening (and I had one last beach walk). Here’s some “beach art”:

Day 31: July 26

We were up early to fog, but needed to dump and take on water, hit the bakery, and make the 9:30 ferry. Despite the murky crossing, we did see a “Marine Mammal” (likely a seal) then six or seven whales! There were also some Common Murres and, I think, a flock of Shearwaters!

The drive north through New Brunswick was uneventful, and we decided to spend the night at the de la Republique Provincial Park ($28, E/W). Here’s the view from my chair:

Day 32: July 27

Having read that Beluga Whales have been sighted from the wharf in Riviere-du-loup, we headed there early. Thanks to another whale watcher, we DID see some: white and shiny and too quick for photos. But amazing!

We found a little beach and found the last glass of the trip. Oh, and a Santa’s Village of sorts:

 

Then we decided to head east along the river via Route 132 instead of the highway. It was lovely and interesting between the small towns and the water views. And the roadside crucifixes and shrines. And artist studios and art installations. Even our lunch spot was interesting: what we thought were swans turned out to be Snow Geese!

The rest of the Quebec drive was uneventful: no construction, no accidents and very little traffic, even below Montreal. We decided to try crossing back into Ontario via Salaberry-de-Valleyfield this time and would do it again. Our last night on the road was a noisy one at the Flying J. Here’s the view from my chair (tucked among the transports):

Day 33: July 28

It was nice to have only five hours to go. Another easy drive across this part of Ontario, just as the long weekend traffic was beginning.

This was a great trip. I think the best part was that we stayed put in places for two, three, even four and five days to enjoy the waterfront campgrounds we found and these pretty Maritime provinces. We would love to have found a summer home, but not yet. So more East Coast exploring awaits!