Blue Sky, Sunshine and Bicycles

For the first four days on Iles de la Madeleine, we had a lot of dark and dreary weather. We made the best of it, but it was a challenge. It was a welcome sight when the 5th day broke to blue skies and sunshine. Even though the wind continued, the gulf waters turned from dark grey to bright blue, and the surf from angry to playful.

Along with the sunshine came a new opportunity, an opportunity to get our bicycles out. The winds were forecast to continue at 20 kph with gusts to 40. The 20 didn't sound too bad but it always seemed to be gusting. As a result, we selected a route that would see us tacking across the  winds as much as possible.

Our first destination was the Cap du Phare, or Cape Lighthouse. Wherever there's a lighthouse, the coastal scenery is spectacular, and Cap du Phare was no exception.

From there, we went on to Anse de l'Etang du Nord, or North Pond Cove, and there we found a quaint fishing harbour, and had a chance to help out on the wharf.

That left only the return trip, which Marlene swears was up hill and against the wind the entire way. But, you will remember, our route was selected to tack across the prevailing winds, and for the most part, the Island is pretty flat. In any case, we did make it back.

While relaxing back at camp and reflecting on our day, the highlights that came to mind were not the lighthouse or harbour, but instead blue sky, sunshine, and getting out on our bicycles.

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http://travellingwithsteveandmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/09/kudos-and-other-things-maritime.html