To Maine, USA on Steve's Birthday

Southward bound, following friends, George and Barb in their 5th wheel. Though rainy, photos the perfect tribute to the freedom of our RV lifestyle.

We traveled farther than normal on this day, so decided to spend our first ever night in a Walmart parking lot, with our friends, the experienced Walmarters. The brief birthday celebration included a bit of whisky and hostess cupcakes by candlelight...what could be better?

Cathedral of St. Ann, Quebec Countryside

Part of the charm of the drive North along the St. Lawrence River is the presence of many historic churches and cathedrals.

Up the St. Lawrence River

 

Old Quebec City, QC, Canada

One of our favorite places to visit is Old Quebec City. It is a walled city along the St. Lawrence River, with buildings dating back to the 1600's. The entire city is like a huge work of art or museum: full of sculptures; ornate churches; quaint buildings; international, gourmet food; street artists and performers; a historic fort; that beautiful French language and many other charms too numerous to mention. It feels like being in Europe, without needing to cross an ocean. The first picture is of the Hotel Frontenac. The second is a view from the promenade/riverwalk, overlooking the rooftops, a ship and the St. Lawrence River. The third picture is of traveling friends, George and Barb, on one of the city's picturesque streets. The fourth is George, Barb and Steve on the promenade, with the river in the background.


 

Old Quebec City, Quebec

A street musician's sweet sax tones float from the plaza near the St Lawrence River Promenade and Hotel Frontenac.

Steve and Lynette enjoying the historic fountain in a nearby park.










The altar of the awe inspiring Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is a must-see. The initial construction of the church dates back to 1647.











The center townhome overlooking the St. Lawrence is where we stayed with Lynette's Mom and Aunt Margaret in 1990...great memories.

Coaticook, Quebec

Coaticook boasts several quaint covered bridges with surrounding scenery to match. It is also home to the Guiness Book of World Records "longest suspension foot bridge" which spans Coaticook Gorge. Best of all, Coaticook Creamery wins the Lynette Rauscher award for "best and creamiest ice cream in the whole world" (so far).

Idyllic Camping de Compton, Quebec

The pictures say it all. They are all taken from our campsite. If you find your way here, you won't want to leave. It is the essence of tranquility. The countryside is dotted with orchards, dairy farms, rolling hills, quaint villages, beautiful lakes and rivers. Eating out is an adventure, since almost all signs, menus and waiters use the French language, so the meals we order always contain a few surprises.

Friendly Ottawa, Ontario

We are usually wary of big cities, but Ottawa, referred to as "a big small town" by our campground host (Hither Hills), was true to his description. As we wandered in downtown, exploring historic parliament square (pictured in 1 & 2) and the other sights, there was a good samaritan, unsolicited, there to help us find our way each time we looked the slightest bit confused.


Lynette was introduced to her first Harness Race event. Her first race bet, ever, was two Canadian dollars on a horse... because she liked it's name, and it WON. In pic #4, he is walking to the winner's circle. 

Door County Peninsula, WI

Door County Peninsula is filled with charming villages, shops, cherry orchards, wineries, dairy farms and good food. The potential for cute/quaint photos was endless, but this stop, we managed only a few quirky shots, like the bendy road at the far end of the peninsula that has no apparent reason for all of the curves, or the goats eating grass on the sod roof of a restaurant. My favorite shop was the Oilerie, where I learned that all olive oil is not created equal.


 

On the Road Again: Sunrise over Lake DuBay

We left Duluth the day after Labor Day and headed for Mosinee, WI., for a visit with Niece/Goddaughter, Susie and husband, Eric. From our campground, Steve captured this beautiful sunrise over Lake DuBay.