Warwich to Bromptonville: A long and different /interesting day

August 7, 2010

The day began with a delicious breakfast. Jacques was up early cutting up the fruit for our salad and had been called away to tend to a sick cow. He appeared later in his blue overalls.

The restored Warwick train station offered tourist info and exhibits of Warwick`s history. Victor Chabot, a young man working there for the summer, gave us an enthusiastic tour and proudly shared his knowledge. His grandfather had written a book about the history of the region.

We`re beginning to understand the menus better. The specials that are listed sound too good to be true...usually 3 courses and beverage for less than the price of one entree. In Danville, we were escaping the rain and dashed into a Pizza Plus cafe - for $6.99 we got homemade soup, rolls, pizza and fries, pie and coffee. It`s good that we are working hard on the bike, as we can consume many calories!

The trail in this area is not as good (La Cantonniére). The weather has gotten cooler and rain is a threat. It would be useful if the Route Verte guide would help cyclists by noting that after Richmond, the trail becomes more like mountain biking. It is certainly ridable by a loaded bike, but the signage is not good and you wonder if you are lost. There are many steep sections and there is no accomodation until Bromptonville or Sherbrooke. This is a long distance in which to be stranded. We tried to find camping but there is no where to stay. We pushed on and on the advice of locals, we left the trail as they advised that it continued to be very hilly and difficult. We took the river road on the south side which led us to Bromptonville. There is only one place to stay there - Econo Nuit - and it is by the highway. Poor value and little worked in the room. We were grateful to see the neon sign as by this point we were riding in the dark.

Jacques the owner of the B&B does the beautiful stain glass himself

Jacques, just back from working with pregnant cows at a local farm

Victor gave Mary Ellen an excellent tour of the exhibition at the Warwick train station

The trail was long and the rain was threatening

Mary Ellen falls asleep while looking at the maps

We had many clothing changes throughout the day

Today's ride: 75 km (47 miles)
Total: 870 km (540 miles)

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