After leaving the Quebec Citadel yesterday, we crossed the St Lawrence river by ferry, then drove east while remaining on the south side of the river. We passed through small-town Quebec, totally french speaking except halting english in Tim Horton's, motels, and restaurants. All signs only in French, including road signs advising of work in progress on the highway and signs regarding traffic advisories. Frankly, it left us feeling like visitors in our own country, just as a francophone from Restigouche must feel in Chilliwack. Two solitudes, no joke, but with attitude. Even our citadel guide was a bit touchy when I obliquely approached the notion of the history not being the present and the future being her generation's to shape. Their history and traditions are, it seems, integral to their present and must be part of their future. Their motto, both the Van-Doo's and the provicial licence plates, says it best: 'Je me souviens' - I Remember.
Pushed steadily east through spectacular farm country as far as Matane, home to a lighthouse with an interpretive center that we wanted to visit, and stopped for the night yesterday. Got to the lighthouse after breakfast this morning to find it closed, though it was to remain open till the end of the month. Wandered about, talked to locals a bit, then headed south. More spectacular scenery, wind farms with huge and graceful giants taking advantage of what is apparantly a strong and constant wind. Reds and yellows and oranges and greens everywhere, carefully maintained houses, pretty little rivers, just lovely to drive through in the sunny days that we have been so fortunate to have. Jan and I clicking away happily, you gotta love the digital technology. The hardest part of this website is picking the images. You are welcome to see all the images and movies, anytime after we are home, but allow about a week to do it.
Crossed from Quebec into New Brunswick over a bridge at Restigouche. No provincial markers but we knew it from Jan's maps and the fact that the signs had english on them. We will miss 'Prudence' the moose. In NB, they just call her 'Attention'.
Covered 498 kms today of lovely and easy driving. Spent the night in Shediac, NB.
