Day 17 - Euro Velo 1 along the coast

It was cold last night. Cold and damp. Hard to get out of the warm cocoon of our sleeping bags and tent this morning. We didn't even make our own coffee, we packed up and rode to a sunny cafe for a cafe au lait. And then we set off on the bike trails. 

Such an easy trail, paved and safe and well signed, we didn't even turn our lights on today. 

We took the route through the forest and parc with some hills and lovely twisting paths, as we headed for the beach. 

At one road crossing we intersected with a Triathlon! Allez! Allez!  Those guys were FAST! 

We found the beach for our second breakfast. The beach was amazing. Seemed to go on for miles. Some surfers, some kites, even some swimmers (we were still cold from the night in the tent), and beach for as far as we could see, in both directions. 

After this brief pause, we went back to the bike path and pedaled and pedaled. Just inland enough to not see the sea, but still feel that head wind! 

We climbed along the coastline to catch the ferry at Verdun. 

The ferry was big and busy. Not what I expected. Lots of cyclists, and even some cute puppies getting on with us! 

The ferry ride was smooth (nothing like the ferry ride from Newfoundland in 1979!) 

And our bikes were fine in the special velo space. 

We hit shore and cruised along the bike path on the water for several kms.  It was busy with cyclists and pedestrians and even some velo - moving advertising.  A bit like the Martin Goodman trail on a sunny weekend at home. 

We then headed for the grocery store. 

A quick aside.

When we grocery shop one of us stays with the bikes, one shops. Marc went into the store. I waited outside. A older gentleman pulled in with 2 kids in the back. He hopped out and the girl (maybe 4 or 5) hopped out too. And the 2 year old boy in the car seat stayed. Off they went into the store. Me, I started to panic. Child left alone! Yes the windows were open, child was fine, he looked around, put his hands out the windows, gave me a good stare. And then, at least 10 minutes later, his grandpa and sister came out, his sister skipping to the car with a bag of candy, so excited to share with him. Small town. Safe surroundings. Made me smile (once I calmed down!).

Cheers to a long weekend at home - happy "May 2-4" to the Canadians!

We had a good day, and tomorrow we should hit our first 1000 kms. 

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for the comments!

Stay well everyone.