A cruise and a ride down "La route des baleines"

The ride along the river from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Matane Friday was short and free of traffic. Though the sky was threatening at times, the rain held off. At one point a large wind turbine installation appeared and so I stopped to take a few pictures. as it turns out it was at the sight where the National Research Council had erected the then largest experimental turbine in the world. You may recognize its distinctive shape.

The modern ones are just as tall, are clustered in farms, and are much more efficient at generating electricity.

Having arrived early for the ferry between Matane and Baie Comeau I stopped at a promising looking establishment, La Poisonnerie Bertrand Desbois, for lunch. However, the establishment had recently changed ownership and while there was an impressive array of fish, crab, shrimp, and live and cooked lobsters in the showcases and freezer chests, the restaurant part of the business had not been reopened yet. But things worked out well; they had lobster and lemon and young salesperson offered
to find a plate and utensils so that I could feast on a rather large crustacean that they would prepare for me. I ate it all at one of the hightop tables by the window. Sorry, no melted butter, or anything to drink, not even water; but it was great, and another small episode to store in the Retirent Rides files.

The two and a half hour crossing of the nearly calm river was very relaxing. I met two motorcycling brothers from Iles-de-la-Madeleine and they convinced me that I should make a trip to their part of our magnificent country one day.

Friday night I stayed at the Hotel Le Manoir in Baie Comeau where I watched the Redblacks win over the Alouettes by a score of 28-18.

Yesterday I rode the Routes des Baleines from Baie Comeau to Mont Ste-Anne. This involved tkaing the short ferry across the Saguenay at Tadoussac.  The next two pictures show the river looking upstream and the ferry terminal on the far shore (Hint: you can click on any of the pictures in the blog to enlarge them.)

 
Last night's dinner, the last on this trip was a perfectly done bavette of Angus beef with a shallots and green peppercorn sauce, served with a nice salad of different lettuces, tomatoes, radish slices, and micro greens. with a nice glass of red wine. For desert I had "tarte au sucre et quinoa" and it was superb. My compliments to the chef.

Today, as soon as I'm packed it's back on the bike for the home stretch.