Dear Diary: June 4, 2003

… After seven tries, I fine-tuned my Gaspé itinerary. My habitual self, I was over-ambitious. The first drafts I was starting from Montreal, taking the ferry to Forestville before even starting the Gaspé tongue and going back through the Eastern Townships. Now I take the ferry to Quebec City and concentrate on Gaspé, documenting only 3 lakes and riding an average of 100k/day.

In each town I reserved a place to stay, in most cases B&Bs, hostels and some campsites. I feel more in control and less afraid. I even put up my tent to test it out. It was at the Sculpture Park in Lachine. I showed the downstairs neighbour the way there through St-Henri. Sara. It was dream to set up. Took me less than ten minutes. So many of the people I talked to on the phone were so friendly and sweet. I was completely disarmed by their kind, gravely voices.

Now the emphasis will be on training. Once I feel better, I will try to ride every day. From the sun exposure last weekend, when I did the Défi Métropolitain with Christian, I have developed a quadruple cold sore.