Rimouski - Slate, Steps, and Sunset

Today we traveled further – on our way to Prince Edward Island. Our next stop is Rimouski. To me, it sounds somewhat Russian, but I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with that.

The drive today was pleasant – a relaxed highway, no traffic. On our left, the Saint Lawrence River accompanied us almost continuously. Unfortunately, the scenery wasn't quite as spectacular as yesterday on the other side of the river – but still beautiful.

Shortly before our destination, I saw a sign for Parc national du Bic – I had read about it, so I really wanted to make a brief stop. At the entrance was a small ranger station where you pay admission. We arrived at a parking lot that belonged to the Ha! Ha! Bay. Unfortunately, it was low tide, so the beauty of the bay could only be guessed – but still, the place had something special about it.

The sand was dark gray, almost black, and slate stones were scattered everywhere – I had never seen anything like it. Large slate rocks framed the bay, and the ground was covered with small, flat slabs. Scattered among them was bright driftwood across the beach – a beautiful contrast to the dark sand and slate.

Mika was excited – the stone was light, could be peeled off in layers, and felt somehow “unfinished.” Many had obviously enjoyed it: Small towers were built everywhere, drawings were carved into the stone – someone even crafted a little axe from slate pieces.

We continued walking through the park and came to another bay, which surely looks like a small fjord at high tide. But now everything was mudflat – so we walked right through between puddles and sludge, and by the end, we were quite dirty. Then we continued on to Rimouski.

The town itself is very maritime – with a lovely harbor, many seagulls screeching above us, and a historic lighthouse right by the water. We wanted to climb it together – but I had to give up after a third of the tight steps. These steep spiral stairs and the height are just not my thing. I thought I had overcome my acrophobia….So Mika continued alone – and got a little private tour in English at the top. I waited below and enjoyed the view from the bottom up.

To conclude, we went out for a bite to eat. Mika had wished for burgers – and we found a nice little restaurant. We sat outside, the sun slowly setting, the light was just beautiful – and all around us, everyone was speaking French. Still in the province of Quebec, with the inscription “je me souviens” on every license plate. It is the official motto of the province of Quebec. Literally, it means: I remember. But in Quebec, it means more than just that. It signifies:

I remember our history. I do not forget where I come from. I carry our language, culture, and heritage forward. I know who I am – and I stay true to myself.

Somehow, I find that beautiful. ☺️

Today was…

– A sign with the name Baie des Ha! Ha! (yes, really).

– Black slate, turned into small artworks by foreign hands.

– Beautiful bays without water

– A lovely lighthouse and my no to the spiral staircase – and Mika’s yes.

– Seagulls over Rimouski, loud and everywhere.

– A fulfilled burger wish with super nice service.

– Sunset. French around me. Us right in the middle.

Insight of the day:

Sometimes