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Our second day in Montreal dawned cloudy and warmer than the previous day. The humidity was also on the rise. We took the Metro to the Parc Jean Drapeau ,on the Ile Ste Helene, in the middle of the St Lawrence River.
Sadly, the park was a little shabby around the edges, and had that amusement park in the off season feel about it. Empty, windswept and seen better days.
It does have a big 'Biodome' in it.
You can't miss it.
It is very big.
It was also very deserted this day, so we gave it a miss.
We saw two other things of interest on the island. At the ferry dock, there is a reasonable view of Montreal's modest skyline.But the day was grey, and the only thing which really stood out was a black dog and his master, dressed in grey, out for a walk. The dog patiently waited for his master to toss him a bright orange ball. Which he would then return to his master, and wait for the process to be repeated. When the man continued on his way, the dog picked up the ball, and followed along. Everything in the sequence was monochrome, except for this bright orange ball.
The other interesting thing we saw was a groundhog, running into the trees when we startled it, a very long way from Punxatawney, and a very long way from winter.
Sadly, the park was a little shabby around the edges, and had that amusement park in the off season feel about it. Empty, windswept and seen better days.
It does have a big 'Biodome' in it.
You can't miss it.
It is very big.
It was also very deserted this day, so we gave it a miss.
We saw two other things of interest on the island. At the ferry dock, there is a reasonable view of Montreal's modest skyline.But the day was grey, and the only thing which really stood out was a black dog and his master, dressed in grey, out for a walk. The dog patiently waited for his master to toss him a bright orange ball. Which he would then return to his master, and wait for the process to be repeated. When the man continued on his way, the dog picked up the ball, and followed along. Everything in the sequence was monochrome, except for this bright orange ball.
The other interesting thing we saw was a groundhog, running into the trees when we startled it, a very long way from Punxatawney, and a very long way from winter.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/7/8/16787882/1373426921.png)
So we hopped back on the Metro, and took it to Charlevoix, where we walked up to the Lachine Canal. This was once a vital transport link, allowing ships to avoid a series of rapids on the St Laurence River, passing through a series of locks.
Industry grew beside the canal, and the factories still stand, though most have been converted to apartments. Those that have not have falled to weeds and time.
Runners and cyclists now ply the trails by the canal, and pleasure craft are its main customers.
Minuk decided to sit and read her tablet whilst I strolled the short distance to the Saint-Gabriel lock and back. It was a pity the weather was so muggy and hot, because one can walk all the way into the old port along the canalside trail. It was only a couple of kilometres more, but not a task for today.
Industry grew beside the canal, and the factories still stand, though most have been converted to apartments. Those that have not have falled to weeds and time.
Runners and cyclists now ply the trails by the canal, and pleasure craft are its main customers.
Minuk decided to sit and read her tablet whilst I strolled the short distance to the Saint-Gabriel lock and back. It was a pity the weather was so muggy and hot, because one can walk all the way into the old port along the canalside trail. It was only a couple of kilometres more, but not a task for today.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/7/8/16787882/4008496.jpg)
We walked back to the metro, and connected with a bus up Rue Saint Laurent, also known as 'the Main'.
Our mission was to try another of Montreal's iconic meals - smoked meat. Ooq had told us that we absolutely must try it, and waxed quite enthusiastic. A little research indicated that 'Shwartz's (http://schwartzsdeli.com/), was the place to go, it being the epitome of the smoked meat on ryebread sandwich.
we did our but to add to the legend, waiting 15 minutes outside on the pavement whilst a space cleared for us. We ended up eating at the counter, which was fun. It is a lively, no nonsense eatery, noisy and busy. the meat is the thing, but sides of pickle, chips and coleslaw are on offer.
Our mission was to try another of Montreal's iconic meals - smoked meat. Ooq had told us that we absolutely must try it, and waxed quite enthusiastic. A little research indicated that 'Shwartz's (http://schwartzsdeli.com/), was the place to go, it being the epitome of the smoked meat on ryebread sandwich.
we did our but to add to the legend, waiting 15 minutes outside on the pavement whilst a space cleared for us. We ended up eating at the counter, which was fun. It is a lively, no nonsense eatery, noisy and busy. the meat is the thing, but sides of pickle, chips and coleslaw are on offer.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/7/8/16787882/1074890.jpg)
We chose the sandwich, chips and coleslaw. And guess what? We got a corned beef sandwich. Nice and tender to be sure, but something we have made a million times at home. Barely a hint of smoke, the meat is tasty, and a bit salty. The coleslaw and chips were good though.
On the plus side, the cost was moderate (just $20 for 2). We were not even charged the posted $1.50 extra to 'share' a meal.
We have offered to make corned beef for Ooq next time he and Dita visit. Dita is such a fine cook that she will no doubt be able to make it in future. No need to drive 60km for smoked meat any longer.
Afterwards we retired to our apartment for a rest, stopping by the IGA to purchase a very fine piece of marinated duck breast for dinner.I cooked the meat, and Minuk managed the vegetables. It was most satisfying, much better than the Vietmamese takeaway we'd bought last night.
On the plus side, the cost was moderate (just $20 for 2). We were not even charged the posted $1.50 extra to 'share' a meal.
We have offered to make corned beef for Ooq next time he and Dita visit. Dita is such a fine cook that she will no doubt be able to make it in future. No need to drive 60km for smoked meat any longer.
Afterwards we retired to our apartment for a rest, stopping by the IGA to purchase a very fine piece of marinated duck breast for dinner.I cooked the meat, and Minuk managed the vegetables. It was most satisfying, much better than the Vietmamese takeaway we'd bought last night.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/7/8/16787882/8844381.jpg)
Our host Guillaume had suggested a stroll to St Catherine street to check out the free shows at the Montreal Jazz Festival would not be a bad idea. It was just a 5 minute walk from our building's front door to the entrance. We'd already passed an Afro-Cuban percussion band set up in a car park. Our bags were check at the entrance (they are a little paranoid after the Boston Marathon bombings), and we were soon listening to gentle guitar, accompanied by piano as a cooling breeze blew.
Stages were set up along the length of St Catherine Street, but at the time we passed many were empty. The main stage however, was hooping to a big, brassy Latin Trumpet Band, who were pulling out all the stops. A vast crowd were enjoying the show - we were standing 100 metres from the stage.
Stages were set up along the length of St Catherine Street, but at the time we passed many were empty. The main stage however, was hooping to a big, brassy Latin Trumpet Band, who were pulling out all the stops. A vast crowd were enjoying the show - we were standing 100 metres from the stage.
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/7/8/16787882/1373508977.png)
A little of that though and we were all Jazzed out, so retraced our steps and toddled back to bed.
not before a little packing though.
not before a little packing though.