An amazing start to the day with a breakfast banquet fit for a king. The table was loaded with all sorts of food, and we'll start with an apology as the only way to do justice to this is via a list (we thought it would have been rather embarrassing to take photos of the spread with the other guests at the table)
We started with super fresh mixed fruit juice; then
Individual raspberry and hazelnut crumble;
Blueberry muffins;
Slices of Beef, ham, ham and pork pate with onion and allspice in a breadcrumb coating;
Quail eggs (gosh they're small and salty);
Cheesy breadsticks with paprika;
Fresh fruit - pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, melon, grapes;
Cheese;
Pork pate;
Grapefruit cheesecake ( amazing!!)
Then, Carole (our host), brought out the cooked part ......
Bagel topped with leeks, onions, cheese, herbs - absolutely delicious - this part of the menu was prepared especially for me because Carole knew I was a vegetarian.
This was all accompanied by bread/toast with a choice of apple jelly or blueberry and Jack Daniels jam! And as much coffee as we wanted (we've given up on the tea which comes in all varieties except tea flavour - and the water is never hot enough to make a tidy cuppa). That much coffee kept us buzzing all day. Not only that but Carole gave us a doggie bag of some of the remaining food to eat eat while we were out.
We justified the one and a quarter hours spent at breakfast by walking 3.5km along the St Lawrence Seaway shoreline to the Ferry across to old Quebec City. There's a paved cycle and pedestrian path, and you hardly notice that your going downhill all the way, until your coming back that is.
You can just about see the steady incline
Just after getting off the ferry in Quebec City there is a mural on the wall in the Champlain District - a really pretty old area with lots of upmarket shops (for tourists) just like the whole of Quebec City is. Saw some gorgeous boots but weather too hot for wearing them and luggage too full, but at least this meant we saved some money.
Next stop was the funicular railway to Dufferin Terrace, which runs in front of the Chateau Frontenac, a very imposing building, now a hotel. Quebec is a very hilly city.
Next challenge was the 355 steps up to the Citadel - good job we'd had such a substantial breakfast, it gave us plenty of energy for the climb.
After reaching the Plains of Abraham at the top, we set about walking 4.5km around the walls of the old city -
once again we were greeted on our arrival, this time by a cannon salute and a Scottish marching band
(they had the wrong country but never mind, although there were some Celtic folk singers as well).
There were canons everywhere, and Eric took the opportunity to 'plank' on one.
Eric also photo bombed our picture of the fountain in front of the Parliament building.
Back to Dufferin Terrace for some street entertainment
and a picnic from our goodie bag and then on to the maple syrup museum (free tasting). Walking back through the historic quarters of the City Eric made friends with Guillaume Couillard (1612-1663).
Down a very very steep hill to the marina for views of the Tall Ships from around the world that are here for a festival.
We saw the cutest dog on the return ferry -
Walking back along the shoreline to our B&B we saw a number of Osprey hunting over the St Lawrence and some as yet unknown ducks. We had to stop to take some photos of course (and to get our breath back on the gradual climb)
The hunting Osprey
Undecided duck