2023 NYC to Maine to Quebec and back by Amtrak

 As I write this we are 'hunkered down' at Ted and Barbara's house waiting for hurricane Lee to pass. It has been downgraded to a tropical storm and will miss Maine to the East but predicted to still deliver lots of wind. But most of the state is shutdown so today is a rest day before we board our train tomorrow for the 4-day trip back to Oregon.  We drove back from Quebec city on the 14th, a 5 hour drive. The next day we went to the Topsham framers' market which was a very pleasant surprise for us because the market was almost ALL farmers! Our 'Farmers Markets' back in Gresham are almost all crafts and crud and very little actual produce. Then we went to Reid Park on an ocean inlet to check out the storm waves. We were not disappointed.  Here are some pics. View from our table at a river side lunch spot on way back from Quebec The Topsham Farmer's Market Barb and Ted house Barbara at Reid State Park Lunch stop on way back from park. You can see that all the

We have spent yesterday and today touring around Quebec. The weather has turned rainy, but we persevered and saw the sights! We also spent much time scoping out fine dining and have been so successful I am envisioning my need for a great cleansing once back home. Here are some pics. Street outside our downtown condo The Brasserie Les Mordus - one of our successful restaurants finds suggested by a friend who frequents the area. A park The grand Chateau de Frontenac hotel. On the Hop-on-Hop-Off bus Many streets have these bridges / gates In the Musee de la Civilisation King Louie XIV square Giant cruise ship in town seen through the builds of the square

 Today we left Riviere-du-Loup and followed the St. Lawrence River to Quebec. A just under three-hour ride. We stopped at a small town along the river for lunch and then went on through Quebec, over the river to the other side, and back down the river to the cathedral Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. As Google maps calls it, "A good Place for a Pilgrimage!" It is one impressive cathedral to rival just about any in Europe, except this one was built in the 20th century. From there we went back to downtown Quebec and checked into our Airbnb condo. It is a very nice and modern building and definitely built just for Airbnb owners. Everyone we meet here is on a trip and using Airbnb. But it is right downtown near shopping and restaurants, and has a great roof top pool and lounge area.  This evening we went walk about and once we started getting tired and hungry found this funky little bistro tucked away on a back street. The ambiance was great, the folks friendly, and the food delicious. To

Today was a travel day on the Trans-Canada highway up to the Saint Lawrence River and the town of Riviere-du-Loup. We checked into a great hotel with room balconies that look over the river. So not much else to say about today, and tomorrow we travel the short distance into Quebec. Here are some pics. View from our balcony Relaxing down on the deck Sunset on the river

Today we stayed around town and saw the sights. The hotel we are in is a grand old mansion with creaky wood staircases, lots of art, and a 5 star restaurant! After eating some "Top Chef" worthy meals here we do not know how Quebec is going to compete. But we will compare and contrast once we get there in a few days. The weather has been perfect in the low 80s with a breeze. We toured the botanical gardens which was much fun. Not only plants but also a small zoo with goats and lamas and rabbits. After that we went to "Minister's Island" where we toured the 'summer home' of Sr. William Van Horne who was a turn of the century railroad tycoon. The house was fun to explore but just getting here is an experience, because the only way to get here is by car during low tide when the land bridge is exposed. So, you need to plan your trip according to the tide tables and keep an eye on the time. Tomorrow we are off to Riviere-du-Loup, the halfway point between St A