Day 8 - Rigaud to Clarence (ON)

86.1 km - Total so far 630 km - https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9822260

We left the TransCanada Camping at about 9 am and made our way towards the border. Quebec Hwy 342 generally follows the Ottawa River but stops at the Ontario/Quebec border. There is no way to cycle directly from Quebec to Ontario because of Voyageur Provincial Park blocking the way. Instead, we had to go over Ontario Hwy 417 then turn onto a dirt road for 4 km then back over Hwy 417 to finally onto Ontario Hwy 4.  The only thing missing was the border guard.

It is a really nice ride along the Ottawa River to Hawkesbury with lots of boats and awesome scenery. We had a quick stop to watch a farmer training with his plow and horses. We had brunch in Hawkesbury at the Good Times Restaurant. They make the best western sandwich. Well worth a stop.

Draft horses hard at work near Hawkesbury

The Ottawa River just shy of Hawkesbury. A beautiful ride along the waterfront

A very hot day, with strong headwinds, yet, still smiling

Did I mention it was really hot! We carry a total of six water bottles and they were all empty before we hit the restaurant. We pedaled just past l'Orignal, hoping to stop at Marcel and Sylvette's (Helene's brother and sister-in-law) home for a quick rest but unfortunately, they were not home.

Back onto the bikes and off to Wendover to pick up groceries and refreshments before heading to our final destination, the Leroux cottage at Carson's Point. We had never been to the cottage coming from Wendover and with that heat, it appeared to take forever to get there.

When we finally got there, we were welcomed by Helene's nephew, his lovely wife, and two kids. They were expecting two people on loaded touring bikes but they were still surprised to see all of that and two trailers in tow. After exchanging a few pleasantries and removing our cycling shoes, Helene and I jumped into the river. It was bliss.

We should all be able to find a hammock after a hard day's ride

We had a nice sit-down supper and everyone moved to the riverside to watch the two kids, Beatrice and Arthur quickly reel in fish one after the other. Once it was agreed that all of the fish had gone to bed, we bid a good night to Pierre-Yves, Catherine, and the kids. We got back into our bathing suits and had one last dip before getting ready for bed ourselves.

Pierre-Yves, Catherine, Béatrice et Arthur merci encore une foi pour votre hospitalité et le petit café ce matin. Bonne fin de vancances!

We quickly fell asleep.