Here comes the Sun!

What a change in weather! As we drove east from Matane, the fog burned off and the skies cleared. The drive to Ste-Anne-des-Monts was only 50 miles or so, but we found a delightful change. Settled in a campground, we took the dogs for a ride into the local mountains to try to find a nice stream for them to romp in. Away from the coast the temperature continued to climb until we were smiling in the low 80s. Unfortunately, when we found the stream there were signs posted "no dogs allowed". So it was back to the campground and the dogs had a dip in the ocean followed by a bath.

There is a small silver fish called the capelin that reproduces at the edge of the water. They are about 6 inches long and occur in great numbers. After they spawn, they die and the waterline is littered with the dead fish. Who would have thought that they would be a tasty treat for a Labrador Retriever? Coco and Jodie sprinted for the water in a mad rush, got wet, and started on the fish before I could get them away. Oh boy, wet dog with fish breath, what more could we want?

Yesterday Helen and I had a banner day, first visiting a windmill farm where 134 Danish wind generators produce 400 megawatts of electricity. We also saw the worlds tallest vertical axis wind mill, a research unit that has not operated in years. I was astounded to see the same instruments that are found on the massive breakers at the nuclear plant inCrystal River. Next it was off to Explor-a-mer, a small aquarium that centered around the bottom life of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Lots of ucky sea cucumbers and like animals, but also a lot of delicious looking lobsters.

Yesterday was the start of the annual Quebec Festival and I think we should have gone. Although we're some distance from the party, it was very loud with the constant drumbeat as from the natives of the jungle. I told Helen not to worry, the Quebecois don't eat the Anglos until the drums stop. The music and noise was going to well after midnight!

On the plus side, we find the folks here much friendlier than the Quebecois further west. If I understand correctly, it will get even better as we head around the peninsula where English actually becomes dominant. Voila.......oops........ I mean whoopie!