A detour was in order for Saturday. The kids stayed home and Grant, Nadia and myself drove into the Laurentians to go see their Chalet, Nitakinagra. It was nicely nestled into the woods of Ste-Agathe-des-Monts along the lake where I’d seen several photos from their summers or from the stories my parents would tell me about their visits. It may have been more than knee deep in snow surrounding the chalet but the path was cleared to the door and it was so cozy. So cozy I could immediately picture myself sitting on the sofa in the living room with a roaring fireplace and a mug of mulled wine in one hand and a good book in the other. It felt loved and lived in, an investment of time and care. Even the kitchen begged to be used but it was a short afternoon for a visit and I’m so glad I was able to see it even if we didn’t have a chance to stay longer.
Upon hitting the road we drove into town so I could get a better sense for the village. I could see the cathedral on one side but we drove toward another lake and we saw stairs that looked like some sort of snow castle. We parked the car, walked across the street only to discover this was no snow castle but rather slides for crazy carpets! It looked so fun but none of us thought we’d be able to use it. Just as we were about to walk away we saw no less than 50 crazy carpets along the side of the rec centre and Grant was the first to jump at the chance. I was cold and somewhat worried I’d be wet the rest of the way home but Nadia kindly offered me her coat and away I went to enjoy the thrill of an experience we don’t get in Vancouver. I am SO glad I went! First an outdoor skating rink and now giant ice slides!
Finally we made our way to the parish cathedral, a stunning feat of stone that boasted of grandeur for such a small town. I loved it. I can’t help it, I love architecture and am always fascinated by cathedrals. You have to wonder if by the time I get home from France if it’ll be more, “old hat.” One day I’d like to see the interior but for now I ran in and out of the vehicle trying to forget that my toes were about ready to fall off!
Lastly a photo of Nicholas’ toys he’d lined up on the kitchen table.
I may not have been around for the carnaval but at least I got to experience a little piece of frozen Quebec!
