Eastward Ho!

Well after the boys disturbed us by having McDonalds Uber’d to our door at 03:00, we didn’t get as early a start as was loosely planned.  Nonetheless, we were off to La Petit Depaneur for petit dejuener.  No surprise that the morning delivery of egg sandwiches to the establishment hadn’t arrived yet, so menu was limited to the classical crossaints and coffee.  Better than yesterday at least. And the cafe was quaint and pleasant.  After that back to the flat to pack up and load the car before visiting Basilique du Notre Dame.  Now this is a Church!  The interior is spectacular, huge and ornate .  We were awestruck as this rivals if not tops any of the other churches we have visited.  Really quite amazing.  After that, being locked and loaded, we were off to the Fruiterie du Plateau for picnic supplies and then found our way to a Special SAQ (the nearby version being too unremarkable) to pick up some wine, and it was down the road with us.  Once clear of Montreal on the freeway, we got off at Grand Rang and cut over to the Rivière Richelieu and followed along to Saint Ours where we had our picnic at the locks.  In reviewing a road map this morning, I have to admit I’ve no idea how we wound up there!  But it was a lovely spot and great learning opportunity on how locks actually operate (it wasn’t clear at the Rideau canal locks alongside Parliament Hill).  After that, we wound our way back to the AutoRoute Felix-Leclerc at Trois Riveiere and on into QC.  Found the hotel, got settled in and walked over to see if we could get in at ??.  No luck there after descending a very steep hill, but then we stumbled upon Clocher Penche (Leaning Clocktower) which proved to be a great find and very much enjoyed a light meal.  Subsequent Uber ride to the Palace Royal and we were all ready for slumber.