Today we would take the bus to Grande Entrée at the north end of the islands. Some of our "English" group wanted to cycle the 64 km back to our ship, so they would be on the first drop off by the bus. Karine noticed the chariot wasn't well secured so the driver stopped the bus and they got it attached. Due to significant construction near the end, the trip took us about an hour. The boys enjoyed watching the construction, so they were well entertained.
We were happy to see the northern tips of the islands and our bus stopped so we could explore a bit. We saw some Common Terns balanced on a buoy.
Because of the long route through construction, our keen cyclists decided to take the bus back for the second drop off, about 45 km back to the ship. This was near some lobster traps so Samuel tried to figure out how they worked. David nodded off, a tired boy.
We were the last drop off, Pointe-au-Loup, another 27 km back to the ship with little wind, but a challenging 3 km gravel stretch and two big hills at the end.
As recommended by Olivier, we rode our bikes down to the wharf to check out a boat winching cable system. As well, we recorded the birds, mostly Cormorants and gulls. Kirk and Karine had a chat with a native islander.
Then we were on our way, along a sandy causeway, stopping for ice cream and some fun in a playground at Havre-aux-Maisons.
Next we visited an amazing beach with red rock caves. It was a popular spot. It was a perfect summer day for playing in the sand. David tried out Maman`s sunglasses.
Bill enjoyed the shorebirds. This time something different - White-rumped and Semipalmated Sandpipers.
We headed back in the afternoon, crossing a long bridge, conquering two steep hills, finally arriving in Cap-aux-Meules just before 6.
Kirk suggested a family restaurant, La Patio, which turned out to be a super restaurant with fast service. We had to have our bikes back to the ship by 7 as we would be setting sail in the early evening.
Barbara got her wish to climb the Cap-aux-Meules peak before sunset. Grant counted 185 steps. We had magnificent views.
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A little ship below us called BEL ESPOIR captured our spirit.
It was the end of a magnificent day.
