La Belle Province

We arrived into Laval to the news that my husband's parents were not well. So - plans had to change some. Instead of staying at the Holiday Inn Express downtown we would stay at the Econo Lodge just blocks away from my mother and father in laws so the hubby could take them to the doctor. I would head on to Quebec City by myself. ( The shortest day of riding so far: 250 KM)

Consequently I have no pictures of Montreal or Laval - yet, but on my return trip I have a full day and a half and have some museums on my agenda along with two and possibly three dealerships - Dar from the Chrome Divas is plannig on being my tour guide!

I have to say that Choice Hotels has been excellent to stay with - even this Econo lodge where I had no reservation - it is an older motel but extremely well maintained and the stafe was very rider friendly - asking if we wanted to park the bikes up front where they could watch or out side of our room. I have however gotten spoiled with the breakfasts offered by the Comfort Inns - eggs, waffles, and a variety of pastries, cereals and beverages. The Econo Lodge was simply fruit, cereal, bagels or toast and beverages. Still - it is great to be able to start every morning off with breakfast without having to gear up until really ready to hit the highway.

The staff of the Laval Econo Lodge were wonderful and I appreciated their treatment and consideration.

Econo Lodge Laval
1981 Boulevard Cure Labelle,
Laval, QC, CA, H7T 1L4
Phone: (450) 681-6411

If you decide to stay there when you are in the region tell them
Renee "Belt Drive Betty" Charbonneau sent you and I am sure you will get great treatment!

Staying there to be close to mom and dad meant cancelling with the Pacrim Hospitality Holiday Inn Express and when I phoned and told them what was going on - they were just wonderful.
I am very much looking forward to my stay in September.

I got up and headed out on Tuesday morning August 24th for Quebec City - alone. My husband drove his parents car with his dad as his "back seat" driver to escort me on to the 640 to ensure i got out of the Montreal area safely.

As I rode in perfect weather with the sun shining I said many prayers - for my mother and father in law, my husband and of course my brother's family - they were burying him today.
I thank the good lord for the gift of wind therapy - it is the BEST therapy I know for a bruised and battered soul.

Way through Quebec City

I bumper to bumper traffic - due largely to construction - I made my way through Quebec City on a quest to meet up with my 2nd cousin Delores Plourde-Duong and her husband Minh whom I have not seen since I was 21. After making a couple of wrong turns I ended up in OLD Quebec City on my motorcycle - and that was NOT fun. Old Quebec City is gorgeous though with all of the out door cafes, tons of tourists and 3-1 grade inclines. Makes me wonder how they built the beautiful buildings there that they did. (350 KM travelled this day)

Even from a street light while on your motorcycle - the buildings in Quebec City evoke nostalgia...

The Street

The Scientology Church

But - get up close and personal...and they give you goose bumps - they are hauntingly gorgeous and almost speak to you of the tragedy, horrors and love they have witnessed throughout the years.

 One of the many colorful and intriguing streets of Old Quebec - meticulously restored and retro fitted for use as coffee and souvenir shops, government buildings etc..

The Chateau Frontenac - it is still guarded by the cannons today as it was when it was first built

The De Champlain Statue

Yes - Old Quebec is gorgeous with the Horse & Buggy rides you can take and the smells of fresh baking, the sounds of music, people talking and laughing - it is delightful and charming!

After I got done being lost, I headed for Beau - Port and supper with Minh & Delores seen below in their back yard.

After a delicious meal and great catch up conversation Minh guided me to my hotel  the Quality Inn & Suites.

Wow - I did not expect the suite I got. Huge bedroom with a king sized bed, TV and French doors, a bathroom you could through a party in and a great living/dining room.

Quality Suites Quebec
1600 rue Bouvier
Quebec QC G2K 1N8
(418) 622-4244

If you decide to give them a try - tell them that Belt Drive Betty sent you and use your BDB Club card!

A couple of really friendly gals at the front desk - language is NO barrier here!

The dining/living room

Very accessible electrical outlets, nice big closet with sturdy wood hangers...

Super comfortable Bed

The Paring Area

The view from the bedroom - the bed was super comfortable - the right blend of soft and firm for my poor back!

Parking was good too and had I gotten there a wee bit earlier I could have parked right out side the bedroom window.

I headed out bright and early on Wednesday morning - destination Campbellton NB...

Till next time - please ride safe!

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