Another Fine Day 

Today we cycle straight out of the campground leaving Deb and Maggie time to relax before they head out to meet us.  We agreed to meet down the road for lunch and if we have calculated right Deb and Maggie can leave around 11:30 and we should all arrive at Bistro Lewis between noon and 12:30 p.m.   Bistro Lewis while not the highest rated restaurant in Waterloo, Quebec has the highest rating for a restaurant open at lunch.  We found great food, large portions and great service.

We found that the path out of our campsite continued all the way to Waterloo as a wide paved surface.  Along the path, we were surprised to find at least 8 places with picnic tables, bike racks and benches.  In some places there were portable washrooms and even maintenance stations that had bike pumps and tools for bike repair.  Every few kilometres as the trail crossed a road there would be a small off-road parking area and on occasion a little restaurant.  The long grass along the trail was cut down about four feet on either side.  Twice within a few kilometres we came across maintenance staff cutting the sides of the trail. Quebec has taken getting people off the couch and out very seriously and you can see the impact.

In a 20 km stretch, I counted 78 other people on the trail – 5 walkers, 2 runners, 2 people on e-bikes, 1 guy on a scooter and 68 cyclists.  David commented on the fact that this was a weekday and we wondered what the trail would be like on a Saturday, Sunday or once the kids were out of school for the summer. 

After our wonderful lunch at Bistro Lewis we continued but the paved path didn’t.  It first turned to gravel and at times we were cycling on the road.  The afternoon temperature started to climb as did a number of the roads we were now cycling on. 

It takes a few days for everyone to get into a routine and each of us start to take on regular duties.  Now we are in a groove and upon arrival at camp everyone jumps into action.  It isn’t long before the RV is hooked up with hydro, water and a sewer.  The slider is out as well as the awning.  The tables and chairs are set up, the wine glasses are out and it is time to just relax and review the day before heading off for a shower and dinner.