Vieux-Quebec!

Leaving Ottawa, we were headed to Quebec City, another short drive. In just under 4 hours we were checked into the KOA just outside of the city. KOA's are great, you always know what you are getting because they are all pretty much the same. The bikes were quickly unloaded and the kids and I were headed to the pool! When Keith joined us, he mentioned that he thought he recognized our neighbours who were camping next door to us. Sure enough it was a Royals Basketball family from Barrie who were on their way to PEI - such a small world!

The reason for stopping here was to show the kids Old Quebec City and the KOA provided a shuttle into the city. These are things you need to think about when you are in an RV - how are you going to get around once you reach your destination? Taking a 30ft RV around the cobblestone streets of an old town is not something even we are willing to do.

So early the next morning we were up ready to catch the bus into Old Quebec. It was about a 20 minute drive but our shuttle had a few (!) stops to make and 2 short hours later we were ready to explore the old city on the St Lawrence. Poor Keith, I knew he'd much rather be floating in his boat, but here he was surrounded by tourists in the blazing heat ready to sightsee. What a good man. Abby was demanding bagels and crepes but we held off and did a tour of the Citadelle before heading into the chaos. 310 stairs later and we were on top of the Plains of Abraham. My history knowledge was challenged to explain this to the kids, but I think they got the most important details. What my high school history brain didn't recall was that July 3rd is the Anniversary of the Founding of Quebec City.  Lucky us! Back from the Citadelle and after Abby's crepe, we happened upon a parade of sorts leading to City Hall. Keith could take comfort in knowing that he probably wasn't the sweatiest guy in the city. I'm not sure how these guys weren't fainting from the heat.

Happy Founding of Quebec City Day!

Aw!

After lots of souvenir stores, a few purchases, a nice lunch in a sidewalk cafe, some ice cream and lots of heat, we were glad that our shuttle gave us the option to leave at 3pm or 6pm - we opted for 3pm thinking at least we'd be home around dinnertime!! The traffic was nuts due to the holiday and all 4 of us fell asleep as the bus lurched and stopped over and over and over. Back at the KOA we did not take long getting to the pool and the kids enjoyed the jumping pillow and biking all over and exploring. At our campfire that night, Parker wowed us all with his marshmallow tossing (and catching with his mouth) as well as his life hack where he used an aluminum can to cook a wiener. Multi talented, this kid...I on the other hand enjoyed some Smashed Tea and Keith had his Bud Light Orange. Abby was just happy that we were all enjoying the evening together.

Not sure why Parker insists on acting like a Wanker in every pic!

One of my purchases of the day was our new friend, Bergy. Call it a weak moment and yes, I fell for the tourist trap which exists in nearly every store in Old Quebec, but this guy is just so darn cute. He is now a fixture on our dashboard and no matter how grumpy Keith and I get or how much the kids fight, little Bergy keeps on grooving with his cute little wiggle, reminding us that we love Canada and that's why we are here. Bergy won't give up.

Bobble Head Bergy

The next morning we were packing up and getting ready to hit the road again and I began to take notice of things you say in a campgrounds that are not your usual conversation starters. Take for instance, these mutterings that were said as the morning went on and we watched RV's, trailers and 5th wheels roll out of the KOA:
Me: That's a big rig!
Keith: This will be good to watch them back up
Me: Look at the size of the storage section!
Abby: There's so many Rentals! Rookies!
Keith: We could totally pull a car
Parker: There's another Maje, but she's a ginger
And my favourite...
Random stranger to Keith: Can I have a look at your rack? (bike rack) Apparently our bike rack is something to be admired.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but should we be worried that this is happening in La Belle Province?