A Leap Across Canada

Today I set out to post a blog. And it’s about time! Since leaving New Orleans in June we’ve been so tightly scheduled with visits, activities and studying about places ahead that you’ve not heard much from us. As a new blog addict, this situation weighs on my mind. I can write only in my sleep. I try not to let guilt overcome me. Many places call out for recognition, yet have not been revealed! ARGH, as my pirate friends would say! A taste of our route:

Michigan Iron County! My first wild blueberries.

 

 

 

 

 

                                 

The Shipwreck Museum with 1849 Light Station! Since commercial shipping began on the Great Lakes, there have been 6,000 shipwrecks. The Edmund Fitzgerald is among the tragedies spotlighted here. Lost during a monster storm on November 10, 1975 with 29 men aboard, she was immortalized in song by Gordon Lightfoot.

     …That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
        When the gales of November came early…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                 Soo Locks, with tour boat and freighter passing through!

Ontario, Canada! That’s a BIG lumberman in lovely Mattawa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve had good times and don't regret it, but I aim for time ahead to share more! We did rush along, and all because we wanted to get where we are NOW before summer's gone.

And where would that be? you might ask.

We’re in the Gaspésie, the part of Quebec Province that swells into the Gaspe Peninsula and lies north of New Brunswick Province. It’s a region steeped in traditions of the Amerindians, Vikings, French, Basques, Acadians, British Loyalists, Bretons, Scottish and no doubt others. Last year, the National Geographic Society designated the Gaspésie as the third most beautiful destination in the world! We’re especially drawn by the cultures, music, and history of the seacoast – the spectacular scenery is a plus.

Our campground is in Cap-Chat, a small town on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, which is so wide here that you can't see the other side. It’s a seaway first navigated by Amerindians, with many tales to tell. As we drove farther and farther from Quebec (OMGosh I haven’t told you about Quebec!) the landscape was occasionally reminiscent of the Northern California or Oregon coast. That is, if you could include rich green farms on rolling slopes lined with pines and edged by purple, yellow and white wildflowers!

We’ve three days here to relax beside the river with Cap-Chat a bit misty across the way, windmills towering strangely on a ridge. Yesterday we were pinned down by strong, chilly winds that whipped up river waves, shook the camper all night and day, and encouraged general laziness and putting off of all tasks.

That’s OK, it was nice and sunny!