It would be easy to stay longer in this great city if we could. Especially until the weather changed back to cooler temperatures. Instead, we cleaned up, finished packing our now clean clothes and left the apartment for the train station. The subway station was right around the corner and it wasn't crowded early on a Sunday. We checked and stored our bags and headed back out once we figured out how to leave a portion of the underground city.
We opted to head back towards McGill University and Mount Royal beyond. We stopped for breakfast first rather than pack some food for later. It was a bit of a steep climb in places but there is a gradual path for much of the final ascent. There were many others out for strolls, jogs, bike rides ,picnics and more. Laurie had some aches but was game to climb to the top so we opted for a strolling pace. We learned that a large public effort has been needed over the years to protect this amazing resource and it was obvious how well appreciated it is now. We saw a few signs of wear but overall people were respectful to the park grounds and trails. We learned more about the history and natural history of Mount Royal at the restored Smith house on the way up. Laurie's aches stayed all the way but she didn't let it stop her and we weren't in any hurry. Most people stopped at the views near the chalet but we continued on to one of the three tops and enjoyed a mostly quiet time there. A group of geeky fellows came by walking their remote controlled vehicles which was slightly annoying but mostly funny and they did get some exercise.
We took the same path back down and had fun reflecting on our stay here as well as going back much farther into the past for some milestones in our 35 pus years together. We had quite a few to consider even if we broke it down by decades. This was in part to help Laurie get ready for the Environmentalist of the year award ceremony waiting when we get back.
It was another windy warm day and we opted to stay out and enjoy it rather than go somewhere to eat or explore more of the underground areas of the city. Back at the station we picked up our stored overnight bags and hung out in the lounge area set aside for those with sleeper or business tickets . We relaxed and looked forward to our next stop in Halifax after an overnight train ride coming up. We had dinner waiting on the train after dropping off our bags in the sleeper. The boarding process was very easy and the meal that followed was great. We met some very nice and interesting folks at our table and nearby.
We went back to the observation car while our beds were made up and talked with a very nice couple from Winnipeg who shared lots of information and travel stories. We had a good laugh as we sat in the last car on the train while it did a routine backup over the St. Lawrence River after picking up passengers. They use spotters and a rear light that wasn't working leading to many jokes about how this would work out. It did and we were off towards New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Laurie opted for the top bunk and did very well up there. The beds were narrower and a bit lower but comfortable. The train rocked a bit more but we were tired and slept well as the distance rolled by.
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