I apologize for the layout of this post. One of my goals on this trip is to learn how to use three pieces of software: MarsEdit for writing this blog, Photoshop Elements for editing photos and Photoshop Premiere for editing videos. While I greatly enjoy new challenges, the learning curve can be steep and I like to take things one bite at a time. I will get better! S

The heat wave continued with a high of 34C but it started to cool after supper. The forecast indicates it will start getting cooler and we will be experiencing single digit temperatures overnight by the time we get into Labrador.

highway 401 with little traffic in the direction of travel and a few vehicles in the oncoming lanes

We felt the traffic was much lighter than usual on the 401 and at the service centres and there was a surprising dearth of recreation vehicles. Perhaps people are more comfortable staying close to home for now. However, we did see a few out of province licence plates, including all of the western provinces and a couple of Nova Scotia plates. Massachusetts, Florida and Michigan we also represented. Surprisingly, despite paralleling the border with New York, we didn't spot any vehicles from that state.

Highway map of the Montreal area

Navigating past Montreal used to be a significant problem. There was always construction on A20 or A40 and one was never too sure whether the exit would be on the left or right side. The bridges and tunnels also presented their own challenges... Fortunately, A30 opened in 2008 providing a relatively easy path across the St. Lawrence River. We gladly dropped $3.60 for the priviledge of crossing it. I probably should have pushed the accelerator a little harder when we climbed the bridge as the trucks all flew past. I'll get the hang of the little diesel engine soon.

toll bridge with vehicles in several lanes

After driving over 500 km, we were both tired and called it a day in Drummondville at Camping des Voltigeurs, a SEPAQ campground with large trees and big sites. Drummondville is also home to Girardin Blue Bird where many school buses are assembled. As we passed their depot, we couldn’t help but wonder how many children would travel to school on those vehicles.

drivers hands on the steering as the vehicle passes a parking lot full of school buses

We ended our day with a delicious Montreal style pizza.

cheesy pizza inside a pizza box