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Sweet corn. Wonder if you have any farmers markets nearby, as I imagine Mrs Pants would have a blast there. Plus come home with fresh sweet corn.

Perhaps the pile of rock is a rock cairns used to mark trails for navigation and safety.

August 28, 2025

Continued cool in the mornings (about 50 degrees). I bought a 2 kilo bag of birdseed a couple weeks back - it was the smallest quantity I could find. Since I have the stuff - I put a dish of seed out on the deck. Walking to the coffee maker, I startled a chipmunk with it's cheeks LOADED to the absolute limit. It scurrred off to proverbially bury the treasure. Yeah - it's happening at many levels.

I had such a great time yesterday at the National Parc. It's hard for me to describe, but whenever I get to a place for the first time, I get excited. And when I know ahead of time that this place should be packed with my "jam", then my excitment ramps up exponentially. I almost get nervous as "first entry" draws near. Not nervous in a scared way, but rather, similarly to how I was as a kid at Christmas with that very special gift under the tree. My mom and dad were (and still are) such good parents. So attentive, sincerely involved, and engaged. Undoubtedly, they always knew what I wanted. And at Christmas, they took immense pride in giving it to me. My mother would require me to go through the "other presents" before allowing me to open that special last one. Her and dad would savor watching me wait in excitement for the "big one". And when it was finally time, in my memory, I wouldn't haphazardly tear into the paper like a rabid hyenna on a fresh kill. No, I'd open it slowly, carefully undoing the Scotch Tape and the ribbon. Take a few more seconds to make sure I don't break the contents. Seemingly every year, as the prize revealed itself, a feeling of indescribable joy would take over me like a wave. It was always the EXACT one I wanted. The one I'd fall to sleep dreaming about. In my memory, I'd glance at my dad and see the priceless pride in his face. I couldn't possibly understand it at the time, but later with my own children, I got it and I got it good. Men and fathers need to be validated this way - we need to visually see the satisfaction of our family from our toil. Our job is to provide, and when we do it well, this is our reward and our incentive to do it again.

Not surprisingly, I got that same tingly feeling at the National Parc entrance yesterday. I previously mentioned that before settling in for my hike, I just rode the motorcycle from one end of the parc to the other. Just putt putting along the parc road at 40 kph. Being able to do this on the motorcycle is quite rewarding. Like riding everywhere else, your senses are heightened. You smell the trees that grow here. You see the wildlife and the terrain. You feel the vibe of tranquility that every parc designer strives to achieve. It's mesmerizing, intoxicating, really. I so enjoyed that.

This morning, I decided that I gotta have more, so I packed the mountain bicycle in the back of my truck, and took off to the northern secteur of the parc, only about 15 minutes away. The secteurs of this parc are connected by an 15-ish KM bicycle trail. I park the truck and ride the general area of the northern secteur in route to the connector.



Again - it's Thursday and the kids are already back in school. Out here, it's just me and the critters.



I find the connector path and start riding. Out of fear of being cold, I left the truck with a long sleeve base layer, but 10 minutes into climbing and that's got to go. While stopped, I took this picture of the path - this is a good example of how the ride went. Nice gradual climbs. The gravel is crunching beneath my tires, but packed enough into the soil to inspire confidence in the traction.



I get to the edge of the southern secteur of the parc and someone put a picnic table on the shore of this pond.



It's like they were reading my mind.



The parc map is very well done, and my MTB app has all of the trails/roads on it. That made it easy for me to devise a simple route for the day. As it turns out, that didn't really matter much. Shoot - it's ALL good here.



The single track stuff is woven in and around all of the gravel paths. After lunch, with my legs nice and warm, I got a little frisky..



I picked 2 or 3 shorter MTB trails and found them to be very enjoyable and not too strenous for my fitness and skill level.



The temperature now is about 68 degrees and the air is dry and crisp. It's like riding in the most efficient, best smelling air conditioner possible.



There's a beaver dam in the distance. I didn't see any critters, the water is seemingly very low.



I kept thinking during the day how beautifully different this is going to look in just a few short weeks. It's gonna be fun immersing myself in the change.



This is the ruins from a "house" that belonged to one of the first european settlers in the region. The entire 2 room space can't be 500 sq feet - apparently, this housed a family of four!



What a beautiful parc, right in our backyard!



If a day here doesn't knock your stress level down at least 6 notches, then check your pulse - you might be dying.



I haven't found much falling water here, but I did stop at this running creek for a minute.



I tried about 200 meters of this single track, and threw a flag on the play. This one is above my pay grade.



I looped my way back to the connector path, and rode it to the northern secteur. I then routed myself through the campgrounds just to check it out, and found one small trail that runs along the lakeshore.



On a clear night, this would be a wonderful place to star gaze.



I get to the ranger station and at the counter, I realized that I didn't have my wallet with me. I was embarrased, and asked the clerk if she could wait for me to take a quick run and get it. She obliged but then asked if I wanted to use Apple Play with my phone.

I always forget that part.



It ended up being right at 21 miles and over 3,000 feet of climb. Of course, I stopped a lot during the day, but still, my legs were feeling it.

I get back to the ABB, Tammy and I grabbed a beverage, and sat on the patio to enjoy the evening. We were entertained by this fella.



Silly woodpecker - there's food in the dish right there. But you better hurry before the chipmunk returns!!

Stay thirsty, my friends....

Maybe I missed it, but have you given us a cabin tour yet for the new abode?

bigjohnsd wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 9:42 am Maybe I missed it, but have you given us a cabin tour yet for the new abode?

Yeah, where's the bathroom?

Jk

Hppants wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 8:54 am August 28, 2025

Not nervous in a scared way, but rather, similarly to how I was as a kid at Christmas with that very special gift under the tree. My mom and dad were (and still are) such good parents. So attentive, sincerely involved, and engaged. Undoubtedly, they always knew what I wanted. And at Christmas, they took immense pride in giving it to me. My mother would require me to go through the "other presents" before allowing me to open that special last one. Her and dad would savor watching me wait in excitement for the "big one". And when it was finally time, in my memory, I wouldn't haphazardly tear into the paper like a rabid hyenna on a fresh kill. No, I'd open it slowly, carefully undoing the Scotch Tape and the ribbon. Take a few more seconds to make sure I don't break the contents. Seemingly every year, as the prize revealed itself, a feeling of indescribable joy would take over me like a wave. It was always the EXACT one I wanted. The one I'd fall to sleep dreaming about. In my memory, I'd glance at my dad and see the priceless pride in his face. I couldn't possibly understand it at the time, but later with my own children, I got it and I got it good. Men and fathers need to be validated this way - we need to visually see the satisfaction of our family from our toil. Our job is to provide, and when we do it well, this is our reward and our incentive to do it again.

The passion in this paragraph reminded me of the 1983 movie A Christmas Story where all Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Ralphie's request is rejected by his mother, who insist Ralphie will shoot his eye out.

I recently took down my bird feeder. It attracted squirrels, while cute and we did enjoy them, ended up being destructive rodents by munching on the garden drip lines. The feed and the feeder hit the trash can and the wife agreed with me, without question. Thankfully the squirrel can choose from 1199 other homes in the Eagle Ridge Development.

Great writing Joey!

fontanaman wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 10:34 am...
I recently took down my bird feeder. It attracted squirrels, while cute and we did enjoy them, ended up being destructive rodents by munching on the garden drip lines....

quick hijack...we have a squirrel proof bird feeder that actually works...after several that didn't.

Good stuff PPANTS!
Carry on!

gixxerjasen wrote: ↑Sat Aug 30, 2025 5:50 pm Sweet corn. Wonder if you have any farmers markets nearby, as I imagine Mrs Pants would have a blast there. Plus come home with fresh sweet corn.

There are, and we've stopped at a couple. The product is very good as expected. And yes - Mrs. Pants likes that.

bigjohnsd wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 9:42 am Maybe I missed it, but have you given us a cabin tour yet for the new abode?

This is the front of the place.



.We love the deck and spend a lot of time out there.



The living area is cozy and comfortable.



We've never had a basement before. I can see the utility in them.



No garage at this place, so I'm using my tailgating canopy for the stable.



Plenty of room and a good buy for the price (IMO).

wheatonFJR wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 10:00 am

bigjohnsd wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 9:42 am Maybe I missed it, but have you given us a cabin tour yet for the new abode?

Yeah, where's the bathroom?

Jk

And he still hasn't shown it.

August 29, 2025

Another cold front is moving through the area this morning. Now - get ready to be flat out mystified: I walked downstairs, put my hoodie on, and still couldn't cut the chill. So - I put the heaters on in the living area. Yeah - you read that right. August 29th and we are running house heaters. This places uses those electric wall mounted space heaters and I gotta say, they work. in 10 minutes, it was over and done and I cut them off.

The weather is supposed to run through the region this afternoon, so while Tammy and I hung out at the ABB in the morning, we checked on her "list". You may recall that for our summer adventures, one of the things Tammy does is write out a bucket list of things she wants to do. She doesn't really take it seriously, but I view it as a challenge, and something I can do to help her achieve her goals. This year, she made a list for the Quebec City part, and a seperate list for the Magog area (where we are now). One item got our attention: Visit the Abbaye de Saint Benoit du Lac. Honestly, I didn't know anything about it, but figured since the weather clipped my wings for the day, I might as well do something she wants - the proverbial Brownie Point lives on.

We leave about 1 pm and it's a pleasant 40 minute drive south to the place.



This is a benedictine monestery that offers tours to give the visitor a sense of what Monk life is all about. Tammy is a devout Catholic. I am not, but I'm certainly not opposed to learning.

First impressions: these people have good taste in tile work.





The tour was in English and our guide did a good job of describing the history of the place, the tenants of Monk life, and the operations within the campus. For money, these people have an orchard of about 3,000 apple and pear trees, as well as a fromergerie that apparently produces award winning cheeses.



We were not allowd to speak with the Monks, nor photograph them. The tour guide showed us a video that was really good. Some common thoughtful questions were asked to a group of monks in interview format, and they gave answers. They do live basically in silence, but can and do talk when the need calls for it.

The other part of the tour that impressed me was the archetectural discussion about the building of the campus. They are particularly fond of using natural light as a decorative feature.



The chapel is quite conservative, compared to other churches we've seen in Quebec. The others seem to mimic the more elaborate gothic designs found in Europe. Not so here.



We bought a selection of their cheeses to try.



They are VERY good.



Tammy was very appreciative of me taking her today. She dislikes driving anywhere, but particularly loathes back country curvy roads in an unfamiliar place on a rainy day. Had I not pushed, she would not have gone. Truly, while I did learn some things and actuall enjoyed the visit, this ain't my thing. But even after nearly 40 years, I still find great pleasure in making my wife happy.

It was a great day, all around.

Stay thirsty, my friends....

Beautiful... and good on ya Joey!

Great stuff. You need to try out the SUP's before it gets too cold.

gixxerjasen wrote: ↑Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:34 pm Great stuff. You need to try out the SUP's before it gets too cold.

I'm not motivated to try, honestly. The lake water is COLD now. I'm plenty clumsy enough to have an unscheduled swim.

I dunno - we'll see.

August 31, 2025.

It's Sunday - church day for Tammy. She had so much fun the other day at the monestery, I suggested that we make the drive and go to services there. Her face lit up happily at the idea, so we got going fairly early and made the 40 minute drive in plenty of time.



Tammy went inside, but with 30-40 minutes to spare, I got my spirituality started another way.



It's apple picking season here, and the monestery's orchard is open for business.



Only 3 varieties were ready for picking. I sampled all 3 and decided on the Sunrise variety.



The trees are LOADED with fruit.





Might as well have a snack. They are crisp and flavorful. Not very sweet, but not tart. Fruitful, I'd say.



I paid for my dozen apples and dropped them off in the truck. OK - time to go meet Tammy.



The pipe organists played a few songs before mass and he was crushing it, man. This organ has over 2,200 pipes.



The service was very traditional. The monks chanted the entire service in their Gregorian style. I didn't understand them, but I have to say - their singing relaxed me. Different.

Tammy loved it.



With cleansed souls, I drove us to Knowlton for lunch.



This is a cute little town I found on the FJR earlier this week. I saw this cafe/pub and thought it would be a nice place for lunch. I was right. This is a smoked meat sandwich (beef). I can definintely taste the smoke, but commonly in Quebec, it is very mild. Much milder than what we like in the south.



While waiting for our table, Tammy started talking to a couple of locals. The subject of books and authors apparently came up. They told Tammy that an author who writes "Who Done it" books lives in Knowlton. Tammy LOVES a good book, and a murder mystery is right up her alley (she loves spooky stuff). The locals told her to go to the bookstore in town and check out her books.

So after lunch, we walked up the street to the bookstore.



And what do you know? The author happened to be in the bookstore! Tammy recognized her from an AI search and they talked a minute. She signed Tammy's book. She couldn't wait to come outside and tell me the exciting news.



While waiting outside, I was plotting my next move.



Another thing I learned earlier in the week was that this region of Quebec is wine country! Might as well hit a few wineries and taste the grape!





The fruit is set on the vines - I'm not sure when they harvest it, but I venture it will be soon.







The wine here is fruitful, but dry. It's usually aged in an uncharred oak barrell for 12 - 24 months.



All told, we went to 3 wineries. All served the same style of wine (dry varieties). Tammy and I prefer sweet wine, but who could argue with this?



It's 70 degrees with a light breeze. I'm sitting in the sun drinking wine with my wife, and not a single care what so ever.



We're not the only ones enjoying this.



As far as ambiance is concerned, we liked the 3rd winery the best. Here, we tried a flight of apple ciders.



I'm more of a beer snob, but there's something to this.



We got back to the ABB around 6 pm. I fixed myself an omelet for dinner and watched a few re-run Moto America races on Youtube. I can't watch American Football here. Small price to pay - I'll worry about football when I get home.

Stay thirsty, my friends....

Hppants wrote: ↑Tue Sep 02, 2025 8:54 am

gixxerjasen wrote: ↑Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:34 pm Great stuff. You need to try out the SUP's before it gets too cold.

I'm not motivated to try, honestly. The lake water is COLD now. I'm plenty clumsy enough to have an unscheduled swim.

I dunno - we'll see.

Probably several unscheduled swims.

I gotta admit, I'm disappointed. I wanted to see you figure it out and Tammy get a photo of you doing "The Joey" on the SUP.

Looks like a great day for Tammy. Only thing I see missing there was the finale of a 30 character ice cream.

September 1, 2025

Today is the first of September. If I was home, today would be such a depressing day. It happens every year about right now at home. You look at the weather, and study the 15 day forecast. Out in the distance next week, you see overnight low temperatures in the mid-sixties, and highs with a number that starts with an 8. A feeling of mild euphoria comes to you and for a second, you actually think that the "end" is within sight. You've suffered immeasurably through this miserable sauna for 3 months now. The only way those temperatures could be coming is on the heels of some north wind. That's what really puts a giddy up in your hitch. That north wind means lowered humidity. That's what you've been craving.

But then.... reality comes back to you. First, you realize that the weather people are just messing with you. They find some computer model that somehow projects a little puff of north wind, and in the interest of selling commercials, they throw it out there at day 10 or 12. And of course, around day 8 or 9, you realize that it ain't gonna happen, and in reality, you've still got another 5-6 weeks of this bullshit to go. The north wind will get here, but not until mid October.

Be that as it may - this is not my problem. Today, I'm still in southern Quebec, and the forecast could not be better. Sunshine and a high of about 72 degrees. Therefore today, I will ride. And the weapon of choice is the Bush Pig.

I plotted a route using a few sources of information, gassed up the bike just outside of the neighborhood, and started heading south.

I love these old weathered barns.



The gravel and dirt here is easy and pretty fast - mostly groomed hard pack. It is very scenic, though.





Today is Labor Day - same day is celebrated in Canada as the US. But out here, I'm by myself.



The predominent rock here is limestone, but there is some granite here and there.



My route is good. I had to run about 20 KM of paved roads to get to the dirt, but then it was ALL dirt runing in and around all of the beautiful lakes in the region.



It's a beautiful day.





In the upper elevations, I am seeing a few trees that are starting to turn. Last year in New Hampshire, Tammy and I really enjoyed watching the forest change a little every day and I'm looking very forward to experiencing that again.



Part of my route today is a section of the Trans Quebec Trail (TQT) that runs closest to me. The roads for that were good and scenic.



The serenity of this can't be overstated. It's very peaceful - the air is clean and fresh.



My lunch selection was not anything special. But the ambiance more than made up for it.



I was concerned that at our second ABB location, I'd have trouble finding gravel and dirt to ride. Those concerns are now officially unfounded.





Slight detour off the route. I mean - who wouldn't ride Stagecoach Road?



Truthfully, I detoured slightly off the route often. I'd see something interesting, and my curiosity would not relent. I found a few of these unmaintained public roads that were a bit more challenging, and very nice.



I'm having a really good time.



I pull into the quaint little town of Sutton and I get that tingle we've all known to love and expect.



A. Double Chockolate
B. Double Strawberry Sorbet
C. Both

Uh.... duh!



I get out of town back on my route, and the show picks up right where it left off. The land here is beautiful.





Now back on the TQT still heading a bit west, I chose this road because it was RIGHT on the Canada/US border and I just wanted to check it out. According to my GPS, about 100 meters to the right of this road is the border. There is no physical barrier preventing anyone from going anywhere.

With the Green Mountains of Vermont in the background. I'll take the FJR one day and explore those.



But not today.



No, today I'm cleansing myself in the dirt.



Reluctantly, it's now about 4 pm and time to turn north and head back. Still in uncharted water, I'm hopeful for more desolate roads and happily, my hopes are realized



Out here, it just keeps going. For the past 100 KM, I doubt I've seen more than 5 KM of pavement.





How good is my life? No seriously - who lives like this? When you get down to it, I'm a simple man. I try fairly hard not to burden myself with the bullshit in the world. That is their problem.



I stopped to put my jacket liner back in as its starting to cool down. And what do I see but this family poking around looking for gizzard folly.



I watched them peck here and there for a couple minutes, thankful to be alive and to live.

From there it was a quick 20 km back to the ABB. The track says it was right at 225 km for the day, and I'd venture that 75% of that was on unpaved roads - just like I want it.

I feel sorry for my family and friends suffering back home in the sauna. Be that as it may, I won't waste the beautiful weather here.

Stay thirsty, my friends....

This is awesome Joey. Great photos. There are several that are calendar candidates for the Pro Cycle Calendar Contest. Sigh.....

Joey, that terrain and landscape look beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Hppants wrote: ↑Wed Sep 03, 2025 6:57 pm I pull into the quaint little town of Sutton and I get that tingle we've all known to love and expect.

Is such old hat nowadays one doesn't even notice the electric Ford Mach-E. In the quaint little town.