Our Lady of the Cape Shrine, Football and Exploring

I've been feeling rough all day. My stomach wasn't good this morning and my head's not been good this afternoon. As I had the room to myself I stayed in bed later than usual. I had some breakfast even though I didn't really fancy it then had a Skype conversation with Mum and Dad. It was very good to catch up with them.

I had a short lie down and then rented a bike as planned from the hostel. I rode east across the Saint Maurice River riding mostly on cycle paths and reached Our Lady of the Cape Shrine. The site is enormous and an amazing place to visit. I went inside the Basilica and then spent a lot of time walking around. It really is hard to describe just how much there is there with The Old Shrine and various monuments to see in the grounds.

From there I cycled back into a head wind down onto the small islands which lie in the middle of the Saint Maurice River. I rode down the Ile Saint-Christophe and onto the Ile Saint-Quentin. The former island features a golf course whilst the latter has some nice looking beaches. I couldn't ride much of the latter island as there was a charge to enter the park and I wanted to get back towards the hostel, not stop for very long. It would be a great place to spend a hot summer's day. I rode along the riverside and around the city centre then to the hostel.

I lay down and tried to find a stream for the Arsenal League Cup game. It was tough to get and when I did find it the stream kept buffering so I was only able to watch short parts of the game without interruption. The result, 2-1 to Southampton was about as bad as the quality of the stream I was watching.

I went out on the bike again and headed west this time and all the way over to Parc Laviolette where I had a great view of the Laviolette Bridge. The late afternoon/early evening sun was quite bright and it was possibly the nicest part of the day. I rode back following the Saint Lawrence River although because of all the industry on the river couldn't actually ride alongside it.

I cooked and ate at the hostel although still didn't feel much like food. After I'd eaten I went to check out the illumination of La Flambeau. I'd read online that the fountain lit up and wanted to see it for myself. It was neat with lots of colour and the water dancing at different heights. 

It was really quiet earlier with barely any guests checked in for the night now it's out of season but I did see a few more arriving late this evening. However I've still got the room to myself so will take advantage and get to bed very soon and hope that the rest helps me to feel better.

The Basilica, Our Lady of the Cape Shrine

Rosary Bridge, Our Lady of the Cape Shrine

Laviolette Bridge