Ottawa to St. Jerome

We left Ottawa at 7:15 with good weather but a bit cool and the wind behind us.  Gordon got us through the streets to the bike trail system.  The trails are really great with nice views of the Ottawa river.  Very pretty.  We were trying to meet up with Steve and Margie Lee but unfortunately we were on the lower trail and they were on the upper.  We did talk to them by phone however.  It was so nice of them to make the effort.  As we crossed the Rockwood Parkway road I hit a bump and my zipper was open on my bike pouch such that an energy bar a hex set, tire wrenches and a CO2 cylinder hit the road.  Traffic was fast approaching so I could not retrieve them but had the pleasure of watching then be run over several times.  Surprisingly they were not damaged so after a little swearing and laughing off we went again.  The trails lasted for about 25 KM.  Really great. We then popped out on Montreal Rd and passed Rockland etc.  We took a ferry over to the Quebec side and we truly were now in Quebec until New Brunswick.  The Quebec side is really pretty and the homes have a distinct Quebec difference.  John and Gail and Autumn joined us for lunch.  Lunch was great but it was a bit cool with rain a possibility.  We were strong and pushed on to St. Jerome.  We stayed at a Super 8 with a pool and when we arrived Olin was in the pool with a new found friend.  And then Marlie and Tom, our tour sommelier, showed up.  So nice to see them again.  We had a terrific dinner at a place recommended by Kathy.  Food and service was great but it was a little dark.  Kathy joined us and it was nice to get caught up.  Kathy last saw Gordon some 43 years ago.