56℉ at 4:00 am and a high of 74
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Fred told us about a great Zoo near Saint Feliciene, this was our destination today, but first we stopped at a boulangerie, La Maison Gourmande, to buy some bread. Of course we then bought some bruschetta and muffins. Then off to the zoo. I cannot capture the beauty of the miles and miles of farmland we see when driving. Fields of wheat, oats, barley, potatoes in full bloom, blueberries and canola go on forever. They are perfect fields, uninterrupted by rocks or dips. All are ready for harvest now. Stopping by a wheat field to take some pictures, I knew I was pushing my luck with Martha. We had passed an incredibly beautiful farm several times, and this time she suggested we stop and get some pictures. The barns and the buildings are so pretty and well-kept, I can only imagine the expense. Their fields stretch to the horizon, and a beautiful river wanders along it’s border. There are so many blueberry fields, it seems they could supply the world. The colors of the crops are wonderful when the sun hits them just right rival trees in the fall. Many of the fields have perfect lines of trees, perhaps serving as wind breaks.
The zoo is a great one, built in a beautiful setting along a river and countryside. Walkways lead you around viewing areas, telling you about the animals, the trees and plants. Then you can board a little train on wheels that takes you around the grounds. There are too many deer, but we also saw virtually everything that lives in Canada – Elk, Moose, black bears, Musk Ox, buffalo, geese and ducks. You would drive right through buildings representing they way frontier life was, and drive by farmer and trapper’s cabins. There is an indian settlement and a fort. It gives you a good feel for how it was in those days.
Not far from the zoo is a fromegerie, Chez Perron,, one of the last family-owned fromageries in Quebec. The girl in the shop spoke some English, but translations were difficult. We ended up buying three cheeses which turned out to be excellent. Once there were about 2,000 family fromageries in Quebec, but commercial operations have closed most of them.
Love the animal shots! Off to see Mary and Ben!
Give them my best Jane Ashley. Looks like you had a great trip!
Greg and Martha,
Great photos! I feel like we are there. You can almost feel the morning mist and taste the blue berry pie. Love the street golf! We are really enjoying the emailed blog post. It is a nice respite during work. Enjoy your trip! Looking forward to your next post.
Dan
Thanks for the comment Dan! Yea, street golf here is a happening! There was another little par three at a campground that would also have been fun. Of course there are regular golf courses all over. I know your family likes to ski. We have seen so many ski areas everywhere we have been. The places they cross-country ski are a wonder to me. Have a great weekend Dan!