Day 55: Saint-Jean-Port-Joli to Rivière-du-Loup

June 28, 2025

Day 55: Saint-Jean-Port-Joli to Rivière-du-Loup

Two nights ago after writing my blog post, I decided to meet JB at Quai Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, which is the dock in town.

When I arrived the sun had already set, but I was still able to take some photographs of the water, the mountains, and the crescent moon.

I met JB on the second floor of the pub that’s right by the dock. We chatted about life and personal finance. JB reminded much of myself because we are both anti-capitalists in our own ways. He thinks it’s hypocritical to invest in the stock market, but I told him that you can’t win the game if you don’t play. The goal of the game for me is freedom. It’s not having a lot of money. We live in a capitalistic world because money is being exchanged even for a glass of beer that JB was drinking. The goal is to have enough money to do what you want. I told JB about the FIRE movement and advised him to invest a portion of his income in an index fund every month. Also not to inflate his lifestyle when he earns more money.

It was after 11 PM when we left the pub. I was so tired by the time we came back to the campground that I fell asleep immediately.

I was the first one to wake up the next morning. I packed up my stuff and used the internet in the common room to send more Warmshowers requests.

After JB woke up and got ready, we cycled to Boulangerie Sibuet in town to get breakfast. I paid for both of our meals since JB had paid for the campsite.

The weather was very nice. Cool and sunny, just like the day before. We pedaled mainly on Route 132 again with some detours here and there. There were some hills, but I was able to ride up all of them without walking my bike once.

When we were near the town of Kamouraska there were a lot of farms. They extended to the base of the mountains all the way in the back. The scenery became expansive as we approached the town. It reminded me of the American West, but with greenery.

In Kamouraska, JB and I went to Poissonnerie Lauzier & Bistro de la mer, a fish market and restaurant that was recommended to me by Maude. I had a lobster roll with salad that was delicious.

After lunch, JB wanted to have another rest at Tête d'Allumette, a microbrewery that has a great view of the St. Lawrence River and the mountains.

There were so many people at Tête d'Allumette, an indication that it’s a popular spot. While JB drank his beer I relaxed a bit. Riding 60+ miles doesn’t seem hard when we make so many stops along the way.

We took one more break at a rest area before coming into Rivière-du-Loup. I bought some snacks at the Super C grocery store, then JB and I rode close to JB’s girlfriend’s place. We said our goodbyes at a street corner. It was very nice riding with JB and I enjoyed our conversations. We got along very well and I hope all the best in his future.

The weather forecast indicated rain that night and the next morning. I wanted to see if I can stay at the only hostel in town. As it turned out the hostel didn’t have any male dorm beds available. My last resort was a campground.

I had a cheeseburger and fries at Snack Bar D'Amours before arriving at Camping municipal de la Pointe. The camping cost was CA$35.02 for a tent, which is about $25.6 USD. A bit expensive for only one person.

While setting up my tent, I was getting chewed on by mosquitoes. To be honest, I dislike camping. After taking a shower I quickly went to my tent and slept. I had cycled 64.4 miles that day.

This morning, I was awoken by the light rain and the sound of the crows. I packed up everything and now I’m writing this blog post in the common room.

Today, I’ll ride to Trois-Pistoles, which is only about 30 miles or so. Finally, I’ll be staying with a Warmshowers host. I hope to do some laundry there as well since all my clothes are dirty. It’ll be nice to not have to camp again.