Day 3: Brudenell to Gros-Cap (65 km)

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Day 3: Brudenell to Gros-Cap (65 km)

Written by Eric Mathurin

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

So. Much. Rain.

I woke at around 6:00am to a pattering outside the tent. I hoped it was black flies. Alas—it was the first smattering of rain. We got up and readied ourselves for our morning ride to Souris—the ferry to the Madeleine Islands leaves at 2:00pm. Unfortunately, by the time we took down the tent it was raining steadily. We were already soaked from the rain by the time we cycled out of the park.

Cold and wet at the ferry terminal.

We hoped there would be someplace to grab breakfast in Cardigan, but the gas station only had coffee—even though, at some point, they did have a kitchen. (The breakfast menus were still on the walls behind a long counter.) After our caffeine boost we headed out in earnest, deciding to go along the more scenic route than the main road so as to avoid traffic and vehicle spray. It was pretty (in a gray kind of way) and we were very wet. Gill stopped occasionally to drain water from her shoes. Fortunately we were at least warm.

As cyclists, we're the first on the ferry!

After covering only about half the day's distance (25 km) we started feeling our hunger pangs and were running out of steam. The hills loomed before us since we lacked any energy. An Irving's came into view at the crest of a hill—Eureka! Gas station food never tasted so good: microwaved chuck wagons, chocolate bars and coffee warmed us up and gave us enough fuel to continue.

The lighthouse in Souris.

We decided to stay on the main road to Souris after that. Gill's knee was giving her some pain—probably the cold and hills—and she was ready to call it quits during a particularly long climb. Except... we had no choice. I took her heaviest pannier and strapped it to my rack and we rode the last few kilometers into town.

On the deck of the ferry.

After scoping out the ferry terminal we went to a restaurant for a proper meal, change into dry clothes and kill time. After a few beers and food I was feeling like human again and in good spirits. Gill was alarmingly quiet. I was shocked at the price of the beers when the bill came—only $2.36 each. I should have had more. He he.

Ile d'Entree (Entry Island)

The ferry ride was nice; the rain had stopped and the sun had even come out to play so we soaked it up on deck. It's a big ferry with 6+ decks, a bar, restaurant, theater, and many other amenities. We slept for a bit and as we neared the island went back on deck to watch the beautiful and majestic Entry Island come into view.

We found the campground easily and after an initial bad choice in campsites set up camp on a cliff overlooking the sea and the islands. The campground is on a peninsula and the view from anywhere is spectacular.

Arriving at the islands.

It was already getting dark so we showered and made use of the laundry facilities before retiring. Having skipped dinner, we've been a little snarky and grumpy but all things considered the end of the day made the beginning worthwhile.

Amusingly, a couple walked by and asked if our tent was dry (it is, remarkably—I was able to take down the inner part while leaving the fly up). He asked because they were at the campground at Brudenell with us and saw us head out in the rain. Ha!

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