St. Jerome to Trois Rivieres

This morning was all about Olin.  Pool time for an hour, followed by a ride on the Petit Train du Nord  which is the old train track system running from St. Jerome to Mont Laurier.  We biked this with our Binghamton, New. York friends a few years ago and I wanted Marlie and Olin to see a little of it.  Lots of people out enjoying themselves.  The path is paved so was easy riding.  Olin, of course, took the side path over bumps and rocks!  Meanwhile, Tom stocked up our power bars at Costco and did a little SAQ shopping, as he is our sommelier in residence.  We finally hit the road, traveling through beautiful countryside.  Lots of sod farms and cows in this valley of the Lauentians. Passed a few fromageries but did not stop.  We needed to catch up with the boys, plus Olin had had a busy morning and had fallen asleep. We finally caught up with the riders at a caisse croute (hot dog stand), but the boys were saved by the fact that they had ordered me a steamed hot dog and also because there was a picnic table there in the shade.  We had fed Olin lunch earlier so it was OK for him to wake up from his nap and go straight for the two-toned soft ice cream!  Marlie rode with the cyclists in the afternoon.  It was fun for us to drive the slow road which follows the mighty St. Lawrence all the way.  Motel in Trois Rivieres was a little downscale but good for our purposes.  We walked to the downtown where it was festival time so the Main Street was blocked off.  We were lucky to find a table for six at an outdoor cafe, and had a delicious meal.  A great evening.  Nice to see the joie de vivre!