Chutes Fraser

Thursday 7/24

Before going to bed last night I checked the latest weather. Seemed like the best way to beat the rain and heat was to ride up through Maine and take the Trois Pistoles ferry accross the St Larence and avoid Quebec City entirely. The Friday ferry left port at 0600, but there was a campground next to it, with 37 sites available, so I wasn't worried about a campground reservation. If I missed that ferry I would wait or ride up to the Matane ferry as a backup. That let me rest easy.

At least I slept well until around 0300, then I decided that perhaps I should reserve a 6m ferry spot. But they claimed some vehicle types are already at capacity, call to make vehicle reservations. Not likely at 3am. So I checked the Matane ferry schedule's availability. Their webpage had a banner that read "closed do to strike". Well that wasn't on my radar. I spent some time confirming that the other ferries on my planned route are not on strike. Given that I don't know my timing, I couldn't book any yet. But imagine if the Newfoundland to Nova Scotia ferry didn't run and I needed to retrace my long ride home!

Well I wasn't taking the Trois Pistoles ferry. But I did head up through Maine and crossed through Quebec City.

A ways from home I realized my camping hat was in my summer motorcycle jacket, not the warmer jacket I was currently sweating in. When I passed Freeport, I stopped in for a replacement. The L..L.Bean Outlet and camping store didn't have what I wanted, but I payed way to much for something "good enough" at Patagonia. Now I know my value for not combing my hair. ~$45.

A couple gas stops in Maine, where I grabbed sandwiches and drinks. Then a stop north of Quebec for fuel and bathroom break. After the restroom I purchased a coffee. The cashier asked about gas, but only spoke french that I didn't understand. Luckily I pulled out my receipt for a $100 charge. Even more luckily she called an english speaking coworker, who reviewed the receipt and pointed out the Discover card was declined. International crisis avoided. I payed my $26 end went outside to enjoy my coffee in the heat.

At that poiint I reviewed the weather, as the store clouds loomed to my west. Still two hours from Tadusac and less daylight. I attempted to reserve camping where Anne and I had stayed years ago: Chuttes de Fraser. The english version of the website wasn't phone friendly, so I just continued. One of the four people at the gate spoke english, so no need to butcher their language. I reached my campsite and setup just before dark.

Expecting rain, I was always prepared. But I'm finishing up typing at the picnic table at 2145 and it's still dry. Dark, and kind of cool to have the phone app up, glowing keyboard and a citronella candle. I wanted to step back and take a photo of it. Except I use that phone for photos...

Guess I'm tired and should go use the bathroom and get some rest. Tomorrow I'll be crossing the fjord on a ferry, or perhaps riding inland around it!