This smells like the end….

The return trip is really underway. I've been on the road for 8 days already. My departure seems like yesterday! This morning, while I was checking my tire pressure, I saw a woman coming towards me and talking to me. So I turned off the engine since I had my head next to the exhaust to check the rear pressure. And the woman asked me, "Are you the one who went to Radisson alone?" I told her yes, Radisson and Chisasibi. She then said, "We crossed paths in Chibougamau. I recognized your equipment. You told me you were going up to Radisson! Do you always travel alone?" I told her yes, and that last year I did the Labrador, all for MS. She told me, "That's good, it's a great cause. I'm on my third cancer! So I'm enjoying every moment." Illness turns people's lives upside down regardless of their desires, passions, and aspirations... But all these people roll up their sleeves and don't feel sorry for themselves, they work with what they have and make the best of it. That is the definition of strength. My wife never ceases to amaze me. I am proud of her.

Following this impromptu visit, I went to lunch at "l'Oeufrier" which is attached to the hotel where I spent the night. Well, I invite you to go read their menu. It's the first time I've laughed while reading a menu!!!!! Once I've stocked up on protein, I set off to reach Lac-des-Écorces. It's not very difficult, just take the 117 south and... stay on it! It's a very, very busy road with people, the vast majority, who think that the 90 sign is a decoration and that the double yellow lines are ribbons that accompany the decorations. It drives haphazardly and they don't hesitate to squeeze their motorcycles into the shoulder because another car is coming the other way and they're overtaking on a double lane at the end of a hill... yes, yes, it's from experience and not just once! To the point where I stopped several times in truck parking lots to let this crazy bunch pass. On top of that, this road is in poor condition and is being repaired. In short, it's a lot of fun! It's a shame, because it's a beautiful place bordered by lakes. A road that could be very pleasant. This explains why I only have a few photos for you this evening and few comments to make.

I finally arrived at the Lac-des-Écorces motel after only a few kilometers of rain. So I consider my attempt at rain management (using the MétéoMédia cloud forecasts and radar images) a success!

Mon arrêt pour la nuit

Tomorrow, the last day of the trip, is going to be a bit unusual. I'm going to see a friend (my old manager from when I worked at RadioShack! Yep, that wasn't yesterday!) since I'm passing by his house and he's been wanting me to come see his cottage (now his main house) for all this time! So I'm finally going to go there and spend as much time as necessary or desired. This means that there's a chance that my route for tomorrow won't really be respected! After all, I'm the one who draws it up and organizes it, so I might as well allow myself some detours!

Thank you everyone