Park Bench Refuge

Before evening performances in Quebec, my mornings were reserved for exploring the city. I've a tendency to go overboard with activities and Mondays line-up was no exception. The local "Velo Magasin" was renting bikes for a mere $15 for a half day trips, so I threw myself into a 50 mile exploration and discovered places not found on travel itineries. The paved bike path carved its way around the mouth of the St.Lawrence River, across bridges and overpasses, alongside train routes and through fields. I wasn't alone for long on this lengthy journey. The people of this city are ridiculously in shape and to my surprise, avid cyclists. It took everything out of me to keep up with a 50 something year old female climb a San-Fran size incline. The return trip coasting back down allowed me to catch my breath. After 4 hours, I forfeited the bike and roughed it on foot. 2 museums awaited, first up Museum of Civilization followed by "fateful encounter"; the works of Claudel and Rodin at the National Museum of Beaux Arts. Later, 300 acres of Abraham Park had me hiking endless nature trails and fields of history. With my energy waning I collapsed on a park bench. A few hours later I awoke to crashing symbols and drum beats in the distance. I'll never make another park-bench joke again - mine refueled my soul to continue well after midnight.