July 2 - Au Revoir Quebec City; Hello Montreal!

We were sad to pack up and leave this morning.  Chateau Frontenac; we have thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality.  Jack and I had a moment as we drove away - the world is so big and there is so much to see - is it likely that we come back to Quebec City someday?  Is this Au Revoir or A Bientot?  Who knows?  Sigh.  Four days into my vacation and I'm already getting sentimental!

After recharging with another delicious, bespoke pour-over coffee and a few calorically dense breakfast pastries from Cantook, we headed off to Benjo - the FAO Schwartz of Quebec City.  The girls had been a little cranky up until that point (takes one to know one ...) but, miraculously, they turned into perfect angels when they smelled new toys for the taking.  They played and explored this grand and quirky toy store and everyone came away with a prize.  Success!

Taking a tip from Alison and Ian, we drove out to Montmorency Falls, a waterfall boasting heights topping Niagra.  It was certainly picturesque (see pictures) and, instead of the boring old Maid of the Mist, this place has a zipline that traverses the gorge.  What?!?  Jack was ready to go but couldn't get any takers.  The steady rain didn't help to make it any more enticing.  There was a playground so we took a quick spin through and checked that off the list for the day.  Next stop, poutine.

In preparation for this trip, Jack indulged in a fair amount of research on Poutine.  He found a kindred food nerd in the author of the Poutine Pundit blog.  Multi-factorial rating scales, scientific research,  history - this blog has it all.   Well, the highest rated poutinerie, according to The Pundit is called Chez Ashton and is a chain restaurant local to Quebec City.  This was our last chance to sample the poutine that earned a 90 out of 100 score.  It did not disappoint: substantial, crispy fries, squeaky curds (they only use curds made that same day) and salty, satisfying gravy.  Nothing fancy but a solid offering.  So far, our leader!

Our drive back to Montreal was uneventful.  It is a refreshing change to drive on a highway where people are aware of other drivers and use the left lane for passing only.  California drivers ... not so much.

We arrived at our condo with 3 hungry girls, 6 pieces of luggage and 12 bags of groceries so the evening was a bit of a scramble.  Ready for our first day in Montreal tomorrow.