Jun 7 - Wakefield, QC
Jen had some office work to do this morning so I took the opportunity to take the van to Mr. Lube for an oil & lube.
When I returned a couple of hours later, it was definitely coffee time.
Early afternoon, after a bit of research on the web, we headed north into the rolling Gatineau hills to the little town of Wakefield.
The main reason for visiting was this structure.
The Wakefield covered bridge was built in 1915 at the entrance of the village and was one of the first bridges to link the two shores of the Gatineau River. Sadly, the bridge was completely destroyed by fire in 1984. The population of the village decided to collect money to rebuild the bridge. Ten years later, in 1998, the new Gendron covered bridge was inaugurated. The new bridge can only be used by pedestrians, but it kept a few original pieces, among which are the pillars that support it. (http://wakefieldquebec.ca/eng/attractions)
We walked across the bridge and noticed the rapids downstream.
Back in Alfie, we headed into Wakefield across the highway bridge. On the way in, I noticed this handcar and just had to have a go. Darn, it's locked. Oh well.
We drove through town then turned around and drove back through so we could find a place to have our picnic lunch. What a pretty little place.
Isn't this such a pretty main street. Can you imagine the tourist train rolling by? It really is a shame that it no longer runs from Hull to Wakefield along these tracks.
We found a great spot right beside the Wakefield Market,
where the tourist train used to stop and where the steam engine was turned around.
As the sun disappeared behind the threatening clouds, we walked back to Alfie. A few minutes later the rain started. We waited for a while then the rain stopped. We walked over to the market and bought some groceries. On the trip back to the van, it was raining again. We decided to head back to the campground and call it a day. A nice day too it was!
Looks like we might just have to visit Wakefield again and try one of the restaurants.
