86.5 miles. 1,720 ft ascent
Today we had an extremely difficult journey due to the weather. We rode into a headwind of 20 mph from about 10:00 to 18:30. It rained nearly all day, so our faces were pelted with rain as we pedaled. I kept my glasses on to protect my eyes from the pin picks of the rain drops. High temperature was about 60F. By the time we arrived at camp, I was very cold, even though we stopped three times during the day for hot beverages. This ride was right up there with rides to Banff, AB, Kenore, and Thunder Bay, ON, as the coldest rides. This was the day with the longest sustained high wind and rain. I need to invest in some additional warm clothing to finish this tour.
I was not able to get good pictures today, due to the weather, but I managed a few.
Here is the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac from the ferry taking us to the south side of the St. Lawrence River. Most of what you see is the hotel, but there are some other buildings in view on the wings of the hotel.
This is a ferry boat like the one we are aboard now.
Cycling colleagues on the ferry with bicycles preparing for departure and commencement of the ride.
The St. Lawrence River seen from today's route. This picture gives you an idea of the visibility in our conditions. I took no more pictures until we reached our camp.
We are camped by the Riviere Quelle, the center of the eel fishing industry in North America, mainly for export of eel to Europe.
The St. Lawrence River is salty at this point. This part of the St. Lawrence is also a major breeding area for Beluga whales.
Thankfully, we are able to sleep this night inside the campground open room in our sleeping bags without tents, due to the extreme weather. For this small comfort, I am extremely grateful!
My injured right wrist was a little sore while riding, but nothing terribly bad. Thankfully, I was able to support my body by holding on the the handle bars without significant discomfort. However, I received a voice mail from the hospital where I was treated in Quebec City. The message indicated that after I was released, the radiologist found a fracture in the wrist, and that I should return to have a cast put on. The voice message left no call back number. What????? I think it must be just a hairline fracture that the attending doctor missed, but the radiologist found. I am in less pain than yesterday, and I do not feel the need for ibuprofen, so I will continue and have the wrist checked by my own physician when I get home.
Simon (Ace) is not just a good bike mechanic, he also assists the injured cyclist!. Here is a wrist stabilizing wrap that he provided to help me deal with my minor disability. Tusen Takk (thousand thanks), Simon!
You are cordially invited to return tomorrow to continue the adventure with us.
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