This adventure over rough seas has reminded me of the difficulties that sailors from all sailing cultures have faced in the past.
We traveled in great comfort and were never wanting. Not so, the Vikings.
A ship, no matter how large, is a small thing when it is out at sea.
The sea has the power to do what ever it wants and we can do nothing to stop it.
Sailors by necessity are brave and fearless men. I take my hat off to them. Perhaps the Vikings were some of the toughest. Yes, they might have been brutal, but it is a brutal world.
Modern sailors are away from their families for long periods of time and suffer from loneliness and depravation of many types, as do their families, as well.
Think of the Vikings, setting out into a world full of danger and unknowns. Having to leave home to make a life for themselves in inhospitable lands and many times without the comfort of a woman until one could be kidnapped from Ireland or Scotland after an uncomfortable passage and under perilous conditions.
The fact that they prospered and became rulers of their own lands proves that they were made of stern stuff.
I would like to thank everyone again who made this journey possible and I urge you to come to these great places to see what they have in store.
Quebec City – Sept. 25
We came up this way a couple of years ago on a cruise up the St. Lawrence Seaway.
On that trip, we walked the city extensively and spent a few days there. We decided to take a tour out into the countryside this time.
My wife, as always is in charge of packing while I lie here and goof off.
Our first stop was a Maple Syrup stop where a family has been making syrup for generations. It is an interesting thing to see and worth a visit. I won’t bore you with all of the details but if you haven’t seen this done, do go and visit a place like this and have some fun and learn something.
Our next stop was the Cathedral of St. Anne. It is a beautiful building made of white granite.
it has two tall spires and beautiful copper doors depicting many interesting things on them. Im not sure of the technique used to engrave them but it was a big job and well done.
We toured the inside and saw the artistic skills used to paint and apply the ceramic tile.
Sadly the churches are not often used these days. Perhaps that explains the way some people behave these days. The younger people are no longer interested in religious practices.
We then went out to the Canyon Sainte Anne. It was a short drive along the river to the canyon.
The fall colors are arriving here now.
The walk to the falls was down hill for some distance with several stops along the way. Interestingly, it was all up hill on the way back.
The views were of the woods and the massive boulders were excellent here. We walked across a suspension bridge on this trip. The entire trip is forty minutes and you should be in great shape to try it.
We could have done it but we didn’t want to run the chance that we would be late and have the others waiting for us.
When you are on a tour, please remember that others are along with you and don’t make them late because you are taking too much time to look at the wonders around you.
Use the skills that your mother hopefully taught you and be thoughtful of the other travelers in your group.
It isn’t just about you. It’s our vacation too.
