Finally really on the road – Levis to Matane

Matane, Canada

Day 3 was Levis to Matane along secondary road 132 along the Saint Lawrence River into the Gaspe region. As you can see from this pic, it was grey and rained most of the day.

Although grey, the drive along 132 still provided non-stop interest from small town to village to rural settings. It meanders along the mighty St. Lawrence, and hops over Highway 20 from time to time. Many of the towns have interesting shops and bistros, and I’m always so intrigued by the architecture and obvious pride that shows through in the houses all along the way. Bright colors, old stone, varied roof lines, and gobs and gobs of curb appeal. Although my third time along this stretch it’s always a pleasure.

I overnighted in the busy town of Matane in a field with a whale at the entrance. Well, it was a campsite, but basically it was a field with services on posts in regularly spaced intervals. You could see the St. Lawrence, there, in the distance. But there wasn’t a lot of choice and I was tired so this was it. What I neglected to note was that there was a barn with horses also sharing this field. One of my two known allergens. Another of those pesky lessons learned (LL). I set up in the rain, but enjoyed the use of my own shower to get warmed up. Another thing ticked off my orientation list.

Just as the sun was setting it broke through the clouds and produced the most gorgeous sky and a rainbow. I was sure it would bode well for the next day. There were 2 bicyclists camping in pup tents among the big rigs, who I’m sure were pleased to see it was clearing after what must have been a miserable day was undoubtably a cold night.