76.2 miles, 1,340 ft ascent
Wondering how a place came to be known as Trois Pistoles? "Pistole is the French name given to a Spanish gold coin in use from 1537; it was a double escudo, the gold unit. The name was also given to the Louis d'Or of Louis XIII of France, and to other European gold coins of about the value of the Spanish coin." https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=pistole%2C+pistole&atb=v220-1&ia=definition
There was a legend about a Basque ship officer who lamented losing his pistoles when his kit went overboard into the bay, hence the name of our camping place this evening. The area was settled by Basques, and today is the site of a large French immersion college.
Thankfully, the weather has improved immensely since yesterday. Take a look at the clear sky in this photo looking down to Reviere Quelle where it enters the St. Lawrence River. Since this is an area where eel are prominent, I wonder whether those gulls are keeping an eye out for an eel delicacy.
People here are very kind to cyclists. When I was leaving camp this morning, someone told me in French to have a nice ride today.
Here you are looking north to highlands on the other side of the St. Lawrence.
A beautiful primrose hedge, tidal flats with seagulls, and an island along our route.
Clouds and giant rocks on the St. Lawrence! So much friendlier than the clouds of yesterday!
Church of Saint-Denis de la Bouteillerie. Established 1841.
Church of Notre Dame du Portage.
I rode beside cyclist from Quebec today. He told me that the saltwater in the St. Lawrence is bluer, and its freshwater further up river has a brownish cast. We talked about the Tour du Canada. He is a faster rider, and he came upon me from behind. We just began to talk while we rode. Quebec people are very nice.
I love the French name for blueberries!
Evidence of Basque influence in Trois Pistoles, Basque cheese.
Our campground is behind the point on the right of the picture.
Today was a wonderful day for cycling. The weather was perfect: tailwind, temperature in the 70sF and best of all, no rain! What a difference from yesterday's strong headwind, rain, and low temperatures. My average speed today was 5 mph faster than yesterday.
Mariah, our cyclist from Wawa took this beautiful shot at the end of our very pleasant day. A perfect ending sunset!
I have decided to stay in the tour, and I will deal with what the Canadian radiologist called a "fractured" wrist when I get home. I have spoken with several people, and the consensus opinion is to continue riding. If my very low level of pain increases, I will decide what course to take at that time.
You are welcome to return tomorrow for more Canadian adventure!
Our guys last year took to pace-line riding very well despite not having a lot of experience riding in a pace line.I l mostly stayed out due to the domino effect of mistakes and the extra concentration it took to avoid them.Good job on the blog! Good luck with the wrist! Twalsh tcd2021
ReplyDelete