
JOURNAL
St. Zotique, QC to McLaren Island, ON
The tent was too warm and cozy to leave. We had a slow start to the morning, waiting for the sun to peak out to lend us warmth and dry our gear from last night's storm. There was laundry to be done…
We awoke to the sun peaking out through the trees, illuminating the shores of the St. Lawrence River. It wasn't nearly as cold as the night before, and we were also glad to wake up to a dry tent. We packed up camp and sought refuge at a diner a mile into the next town. We enjoyed coffee, veggie omelets, potatoes, French toast, and the admiration of nearly everyone in the restaurant. Most diner goers were local regulars who all knew each other and were enthusiastic to hear about our trip.
After a pit stop at a nearby gas station, we were back Waterfront style with more island hopping. The route started with trails through beautiful preserved lands full of chirping wildlife and greenery turning to fall colors. We were so amazed at how many byways were dedicated to bike and pedestrian use! Our luck didn't last too long though; the path forward turned into our worst enemies: sand mixed with bumpy gravel, strong headwinds, steep elevation, and whizzing traffic. We muscled through the conditions, just grateful that it wasn't raining, too.
As we approached Brockville, the roads smoothed out and the shoulders widened. We arrived safe, sound, and hungry at our destination. Island Delight was our refuge, offering delicious Chinese takeout. We ordered sweet and sour shrimp, shrimp with mixed vegetable, shrimp fried rice, and pad thai . . . shrimp. Camille couldn't stop giggling over the phone while she ordered the quadraprawn meal. Sufficient to say, our dinner left us (cru)stationary.