Or less a time out and more time well spent?
Yeah, the latter! We went down to the Chaudière-Appalaches region, an area just to the south and east of Quebec City to camp at a quiet spot on the Etchemin River. The days were warm and dry but not hot, something of a relief after a particularly stormy and humid spell.
The Etchemin is not a mighty river but it is mighty cool, both to sit alongside and to dip a foot or two into the water. Not so deep in dryish high summer, and navigable by canoe if you don’t mind a bump or two. We chatted to a family of four who successfully paddled stretches of the Etchemin without drama, and that was with two youngsters under ten and a dog. It’s got us thinking about giving it a paddle another time…
We saw a couple head down to fish for an hour or two. I don’t know if they caught anything, but did they ever look happy just to be there! A sleepy river? No, not really, more of a tranquil space, one where plenty was happening.
I’m reading “A River Never Sleeps” by Roderick L. Haig-Brown, and thoroughly enjoying it. An account of his fishing life, I’ve only read the opening chapters so far, and what a dry wit he has. The section on mythic fish is tale telling at its best. I know almost nothing about fishing, having barely any experience, but Haig-Brown’s enthusiasm is catching. His descriptions of rivers he loved on Vancouver Island are wonderful. A new title to me, and highly recommended if it’s a new title to you!
Each day we’d sit by the bubbling and chuckling river, the water sparkling in the bright sun. So much to see! We observed several large eagles climbing in circles, higher and higher to reach a certain height, then swoop down in long and graceful glides. Small birds chattered in the bushes and trees lining the river, with some seeming keen to make a start on the ripening berries. It was a delight to watch a heron across from us, moving with that slow and steady wing beat, an almost lazy, effortless flight upriver and away.
The wider region is a patchwork of wooded hills and pockets of cleared farmland, with many, many small streams and rivers. There’s the bustle and busyness of productive agriculture, and in such pretty surroundings the pace seems bearable. It’s easy to romanticize farming life on gentle summer afternoons if you’re not the one on the tractor or in barns and sheds, tending to crops and livestock…
A visit to Frampton Brasse is never a waste of time, and we couldn’t miss the opportunity to try what is produced so locally! Blue skies, a light breeze, long views, excellent beer and a camping spot down by the river afterwards – nope, it’s not time out, and definitely time well spent! How you spend your days is how you live your life and all that. I think we’re beginning to figure out this retirement lark.
It was hard to drag ourselves away, but the approaching remnants of tropical storm Debby got us packing up and heading home before the worst of the deluge. The Etchemin will be running high as a result, and likely more navigable by canoe than ever? Hmm…
Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
What a beautiful location! Glad you found some time there & added Haig-Brown to your literary discoveries. H-B is one of the finest angling writers & lived not far from your former coastal haunts. Hopefully the remnants of Debby didn’t hurt your area too badly. The storm was devastating here. My place is okay but many local roads & homes were just washed out.
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Walt, it’s sad to hear that Debby caused so much damage. I hope the clear up is swift and your friends and neighbours recover soon.
Haig-Brown has been a wonderful discovery – there’s nothing quite like finding a “new-to-me” author, and H-B will be enjoyed as the days grow shorter the next few months!
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Looks so beautiful and tranquil. My kinda place for a camping trip with a sleepy river and those gorgeous views. I’m not much of a fisher person but the book you’re reading does sound interesting. Enjoy it all Adam, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend. Cheers. 🍻😊
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Thanks, Miriam! Yup, I don’t fish, but the quality of H-B’s writing could get me to be more involved. I think it is a lifetime passion for those that do fish. Walt’s blog at Rivertop Rambles is excellent for quality writing on matters natural in general and fishing in particular.
Yeah, like you’ve written about recently, there’s a lot to be said for time by the water and tranquil places.
I hope your week is off to a great start!
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It looks like it hasn’t taken you guys long to perfect camping season!! Wonderful to see how much you’re enjoying the freedom and new lifestyle in retirement. Another beautiful spot and how peaceful to spend your days by the river. Hope you have plenty of fall camping trips planned to enjoy the fall colors and that fabulous bottle of “night of autumn” beer! Hopefully you were watching Twisters instead of the Everton match!😎
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There was an Everton match? Must’ve missed it… (Thank God we’re away and off grid for the next game!) My two Everton supporting brothers are still oddly optimistic about the season!
Yup, that camping spot has to have been one of the best we’ve visited, so pretty. It’s turned distinctly cooler here as we’re about to set off once more, so I think we’ll call this the start of fall camping (particularly if that means we can open the autumnal beer!)
Twisters is on the list. Did watch The Union, thought it was good fun. Don’t know if post-apocalyptic is your thing, but Furiosa was well made, spectacular action scenes, and I think it might be the action comedy of the year for Chris Hemsworth’s performance alone. Bonkers!
Have a great week!
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My girlfriend and I have a camping trip set for the 2nd weekend in September and can’t wait to get out in nature and reset. This post has me daydreaming. Great read!
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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment – much appreciated!
Hope your trip in September is a good one, and yup, it’s great to get out and reset in nature!
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