Kilometres Remaining: 6,971/11,978
Up in Quebec to a fantastic continental breakfast... Actually, it was pretty basic, but all free is fantastic! Today the car was already at the Car Doctor, so we were free to see the city first thing. From the hotel we walked towards the St. Lawrence to see the Plains of Abraham. It was there that one of the most decisive battles was fought that would change the history of Canada forever. It is amazing that now there lays a great park on the plains, and that you can walk there and enjoy the open space. It is hard to believe that once upon a time men stood there against each other and lived and died. I hope that people remember that there is more to that park than just a park.
It took quite a while to walk from one side of the park to the other. We passed a number of interesting sights such as a Martello tower, a beautiful church, and a museum. We got a stunning view of Quebec’s fall colours and of the St. Lawrence River.
Continuing towards the Old City we came to the Citadel. It was interesting walking over the plains to the Citadel. In the winter when I was here last the Carnaval was set up on the plains, now it is just the green grass. We managed to find our way into the Citadel, which was surprisingly difficult since we were on the wrong side of the walls, and paid for a guided tour. The tour guide explained to us that you cannot wander around freely because the Citadel is still an active army base for the Royal 22nd French Canadian Battalion. We did actually see soldiers going out and about doing their daily... soldiery things... so that was a proven point.
The Citadel was the same design as the one in Halifax and it did its job well. After it was build there were no attacks on it. It (Quebec City) was called by Charles Dickens “the Gibralter of North America.” The Citadel has been converted to modern use and the trenches are now filled with asphalt and used as roads. Some of the buildings have been converted to museums, while some are still used by the soldiers. The Royal 22nd is a very special Battalion because it is completely French. There was an issue in the First World War where the French did not want to fight because they would be put in English speaking units. This was resolved by creating a completely French unit. Since then they have been involved in many many engagements and are very decorated. Around the Citadel there are stone carvings on buildings and in the walls. They list the name of a place and beside it show the years that they were involved. By the number of these stone plaques it is easy to see that the Royal 22nd has had an extensive history.
The guide took us around the Citadel and showed us some of the most amazing views of Quebec City. The Citadel is the highest point in Old Quebec and the vantage point was beautiful. There were also cannons and guns scattered about (no longer in working order) showing the evolution of the fort’s defences over the years. Its history is impressive, and it is easy to see why Quebec City would not be attacked with that kind of fortifications... well... that and the peace treaty with the Americans.
Afterwards we headed into the city to find a place for lunch. We stopped at a little restaurant where we had the best seafood chowder that I have ever tasted. I must say, putting smoked fish into the chowder really adds something to it... awesomeness.
That seafood was Full On Double Rainbow All The Way Across The Sky! FODRATWATS!!!
Yesterday we found a musician playing glasses as his instrument. We wandered to the edge of the Old City, looking down on Place Royal and we saw him there! We hurried down and he was still playing. We stopped for a few moments and I took some recordings of his playing. Now, when I play the CD I bought I will be able to show people this phenomenal musician. It was really something to see. Usually he has background music on, but when it stops and he continues to play you really get an appreciation for his art.
Having seen a large part of the Old City we headed out of the walls to look at Parliament. We did not go in for a tour, or read the information boards as they were all in French, but we did manage to take a few photos. The light was not great for the photos of our cameras, but the light is always right for the photos of our minds. It was great to see again.
The day was running to a close and we had to pick up the car. We took the bus to the Car Doctor and got Jerusalem. I am glad that we fixed enough to get us back on the road, but it was sad to see the list of items that had been diagnosed that were “refused by the customer.” We are still rolling, and that is what counts, but if I get a chance I need a brake overhaul... I just need to keep remembering that when I return Jerusalem and I will be parting ways and that the Jeepoloskophy is waiting for me there.
Having worn out our feet, and having retrieved the car, we returned to the hotel to microwave some bacon and some hamburgers to have the suppers that were meant for the campfires we never had. Side note there... the weather has been beautiful in Quebec City. Why is it that when we are not camping the weather is great, but when we are camping the weather is sucky?
Who is John Galt?
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