Bit off more than I could chew again by under-estimating the amount of time to leap from Forillon to La Mauricie Park. However, I only had to drive fifteen minutes in the dark this time -- but the park was closed, like before, so I got to sleep for free again. The trip along the St Lawrence river was interesting, especially the wind turbines, sharp turns and colourful scenery.

I arose early and registered for a campsite then hiked about 15km, mostly on the Mekinac trail; my body is almost back to par but steep downhills are still hard on my back (steep uphills are okay; they just consume lots of energy) . The view from atop the ridges was definitely worth the hike -- I sat for half an hour serenely looking down over Lac Rosoy as the wind created small waves and birds floated beneath me. The La Mauricie park was created to preserve and rebuild a Laurentian wilderness area; this park, and many of the other ones I have recently visited, would be more enjoyable with a canoe or kayak.

All high altitudes were "socked in" one morning so I did the easy trails at the other end of the park. It was still worth the hike and I cooked lunch in a parking lot - soup and cheese filled bagels. Starting to assemble my lessons learned -- the van has some advantages, but some improvements are still needed. I suspect this chapter of non-maritime locations will finish my eastern sojourn.

Had a really leisurely drive to Algonquin Park - probably my most favourite place in Canada (although this is my first time utilizing one of their numerous campgrounds; previously, I always used wilderness campsites) . From Three Rivers, I bypassed Montreal by going to St Eustache and stayed on the north shore until I crossed into Ontario at the Portage du Fort - Chenaux bridge. The Ottawa valley is beautiful this time of year (or anytime really) from a colour perspective and I even got to participate in one of the frequent storms that roar down this valley. From a fall leaves perspective, the Madawaska valley has been the prettiest of anywhere on this trip.

While watching the stars in Algonquin, I realized that I have never camped at the Bruce Peninsula National Park... Since now seemed like a good time, I arose early and made another leap arriving at the park by 13:00 (stopped for provisions). Did some hiking on both days and also went to the Fathom Five National Marine park. The boat trip was interesting but the water level was too low to let us out at Flowerpot Island -- anyway, I stuck my foot into the water to at least feel that I visited this park (kayak or scuba anyone?).

I guess I returned just in time for turkey dinner and will likely head south for some warmth before flying to Korea for Christmas ... Stay tuned for more travels with TomB...

Tidbits:
- I have greater respect for Quebec Hydro after seeing three sets of wind farms, each with forty+ turbines. The Desarius (spelling?) turbine, shaped like a giant egg-beater, is awesome. Aside: I didn't like the way the Quebec north was raped when constructing dams thirty years ago.
- The Gaspe peninsula, especially the parts east of Mont-Joli and Campbellton need to be conquered by bike -- this leaves room for another trip, I guess.
- Viewing a zillion stars when camping is worth the price of admission.
- The ruffed grouse seem to know its not hunting season yet -- or perhaps they are as stupid as the Yukon chickens (ptarmigan) from last summer. On the other hand, the foxes I have seen here are much more wary.
- The park is still working at undoing the damage caused by logging forty years ago; they are still slowly eradicating the non-native white spruce that were planted in rows.
- Red Pine Camp on Golden Lake is still there and still looks inviting -- this point is for my kids who hopefully remember the place. Aaron, still have your share?
- After sweating to death the past two nights in my down mummy bag, I have unpacked my light sleeping bag until the cold returns.
- Quebec and New Brunswick have lousy internet access at their libraries (which are also sparse). Newfoundland had the most libraries (per capita) and were all equipped with WIFI.

Lessons Learned:
1. To really see Canada, a canoe or kayak is mandatory.
2. It is better to see a lot of a small bit of the country than small bits of a large geographical area. At least one month is required to really experience a large area -- I did Newfoundland (but could even have used more time with a kayak at Terra Nova and Fogo) and Grand Manan properly but rushed most of the other areas (mainly because of the weather - lame excuse).
3. A small quiet generator (Honda 350? - now MD) is needed to recharge my auxilary battery due to the exhorbitant time I spend on my PC; currently I have to run the van to do web stuff and sometimes for nightly updates.
4. At least three days are needed in a location to make pitching a tent worthwhile (I also prefer sleeping in a tent). One night stands are ideal in the van but the cot is a single :).
5. Lots of hiking does not supplant the need for my daily back exercises.