le p’tit train du nord

We’ve been slacking off having fun rather than packing yesterday. Dan did an amazing job of fixing up our bikes this week so we would be ready for the mini bike trip this weekend. After being locked out on the “balcony” for 2 years in the snow and rain, I was amazed the locks even opened, nevermind actually being able to ride the bikes. Remember the depressed squirrel? I left a peanut out for him and Dan found it wedged under my bike seat!

Our friends Ron (and two of his children) and Véronique picked us up and Ron managed to fit 5 bikes on his bike rack after turning a few handlebars and taking off a few pedals. We drove to the North Shore (north of Laval, which is the other island) and stopped at the house of another friend who knew the area we were going to. We all drove past the St. Sauveur & Mount Gabriel ski resorts to an area that is part of le p’tit train du nord. From what I understand, this used to be a rail line leading to ski resorts in the Laurentians but the line was converted to a bike path. It goes quite far into the mountains but we just did a little section (18 k return). We went through several habited areas (most too small to call villages) including val Morin and stopped for lunch in val David before turning around. There was a river/lake on the south side of the trail which looked very beautiful (unfortunately nobody brought a camera!) and we rode through some rock walls created for the train. It’s really nice to visit the Laurentians, since these mountains, while small compared to the Rockies, are part of the oldest range on the planet.

It was so great to get out of the city. It was quiet, the air smelled like vegetation and wood fires, and everyone we met was friendly and nice. It was a wonderful afternoon!

When we got back to town, we knew the most important thing to do was to find a place to watch the Stanley cup game. We thought about going to the pub on Monkland, but I’ve always been a bit disappointed with it. Finally we decided to have supper at the Baton Roughe by my work. I’ve been to the restaurant twice and the first time I wasn’t too impressed, but the second time I had an incredible meal there. They had the hockey game on in the bar, so it was a done deal. We got there at 7:40, just in time to get a booth and order before the game started. Dan had a burger (all the burgers are cooked over wood – yum!) and I had the same meal as before – a chicken salad with avocado, palm hearts, artichoke hearts, mixed greens and ginger lime dressing. Afterward we watched the game at the bar.

What a game! I can’t believe how well they are doing. Ever since the you-know-who trade, hockey seemed to be on a decline in Edmonton and suddenly they’re one game away from winning the Stanley cup! In fact, if they win, it will be the first time since 1993 that a Canadian team has won the cup. The Oilers played so well and the fans were incredible. Dave and Ron were explaining to us how the hockey game rules had changed since the lock-out several years ago, and the changes have definately made for a more interesting and entertaining game. It’s incredible to see them flying down the ice.

So we have to find a place to watch the game on Monday night – the game we all hope the Oilers will win!