On Friday morning before leaving the Wheelhouse in Burin, we did a short run around the Salt Pond, just to remind ourselves that we did still know how to run. Then we set off to explore the Burin Peninsula. It is very desolate, but quite beautiful. We visited small villages such as St. Lawrence, Lawn, Lamaline and Pt. May before arriving in Fortune. Shortly after leaving Burin it started to rain. And it rained the whole way to Fortune. The temperature was about 7C. It was foggy, and windy. I have to admit that this was some sort of a downer – and the atmosphere in the car was heavy. I could just see the thoughts flashing through Ray’s mind ….”and I am doing this because……?” Anyway, we made it to Fortune in time to have a snack before loading on the modern Atlantic Jet ( a double hull jet boat that holds about 162 people) …..in the rain! An hour and a half later, we landed at the small harbour in St. Pierre.
There were a number of runners on the boat, and arriving in St. Pierre was somewhat chaotic – however, we managed to pick up our various “tickets” for the ferries, and bus ride, etc. that we would need for the race and walked the short distance to the hotel ….. in the rain! We did some exploring of St. Pierre on foot, then had dinner in the Hotel Ile de France which was most enjoyable and back to the Hotel Robert for an early night. St. Pierre was charmingly French, and the houses were very colorful, but there was a somberness about it that maybe reflected the stagnant economy of the island but more probably the weather! There wasn’t a lot to see, and it was unfortunately quite cold, foggy, and wet. The next morning we were up and off to catch the 9:30 a.m. ferry to Miquelon – so walked back down to the harbour – I don’t think it was raining! The ride to Miquelon was about another hour and when we got to the harbour there, our contact picked us up with all our bags and we walked behind him to the communal quarters we had for sleeping in, did a quick change into running gear and set off in the yellow school bus for the start of the race. It was quite warm in Miquelon and we were lulled into a false sense of security that the weather might be quite warm. Well ….. we had about an hour and half before the race started and we froze….in our shorts! You can see the pictures, but there really was nothing at the start except two change tents, a couple of accordion players, and the 400 runners…and two porto-potties! Finally, thank goodness, the race started – a gun start – no chip timing! The race itself was fabulous, and I kept having to remind myself where I was. It started out on hard packed sand, changed to gravel, then to paved surface. The route wound along the shoreline and we passed beautiful beaches, and ocean on either side. At one point it was only about 200 metres wide. We didn't find it hilly, in some parts a little undulating, but others did seem to think the last 5 km were hilly. It was truly marvelous to be there and a truly magnificent setting. Once we started running, we warmed up. The sun came out and we ended up with quite a bad sunburn! The 25 km went very quickly, and I achieved my goal of enjoying every inch of the way and finishing strong. Unfortunately, Ray must have eaten something that didn’t agree with him and he suffered with stomach cramps and finally a mad dash into the bushes!! Oh, and I should mention that I was intereviewed by a French TV station ... in French!! So don't know if they aired it or "pressed delete" when they replayed it!!
After the race, we went back to our “digs”. This was a building that had just been built as a senior’s home, but they didn’t have enough money to operate it as such, so it was empty. Actually, we still can’t figure out the design. There were no bathrooms, except one where the security chap stayed, and nothing else in the place except these rooms, with mattresses on the floor. We shared with a very pleasant young Frenchman from Strasbourg who was working with the French government on secondment to St. Pierre. The room was huge, modern, fresh, bright, and very clean. Cedric, who was acting as the "security" person was fabulous - very gracious nad helpful. We organized our stuff, changed, and walked into town to the presentations which were supposed to start at 6 but didn’t start until 7. They were made in the town square – it was the coldest spot in town and felt like around 0C. It couldn’t have been far off!! The mayor presenteed every one of the finishers with a medal and a t-shirt - amazing, it made everyone feel great - and I have never seen that done at any other race, so its quite unique – Unfortunately as you can imagine it took over an hour. We were absolutely frozen. For me, however, the wait, and the coldness were very worthwhilebright - I won 2nd place for my age group, so had my moment of glory on the winner’s stand. See the grin in the pictures!! Ray had a very competitive group in his age group so didn’t make it to the podium, but none the less did very well given the circumstances of his race.
After this excitement, we walked quickly back to our digs to drop off the stuff, then over to the marquis for the “mechouie” or party. It was held in a big tent; they said that there were about 1000 people. There were 4 bands with one of them being from France. Apparently the race is sponsored by the French government! We had a delicious meal of lamb, baked potatoes, rice, and a vegetable dish/gravy, and of course a bottle of French wine. Delicious! Ray and I didn’t stay too late and I think we got back to our room about 11:00 p.m. The music, which we could hear quiet plainly when in bed, was fabulous and went on to about 4 a.m. in the morning! There were quite a few sore heads the next day!!! The local people also buy tickets for the Mechouie and as this is one of the 2 big celebrations on the island, everyone enjoys the party!
We didn’t sleep too well that night, and were up about 7:0 a.m. the next morning to catch the ferry at 9:00 a.m. back to Fortune. It was quite warm, and the sea was so calm it looked like we were sailing in glass.
So, all in all it was a terrific experience. One I would repeat, but I am not sure about Ray. It was an incredible amount of work getting there. However, I think we would do many things differently next time which would make it easier. Just knowing what the routine was would have helped big time. And, doing all the things I had planned before we left Toronto regarding what to wear instead of being lulled into thinking it was going to be warm would have made it much more comfortable.
Miquelon is a beautiful island- the stark beauty of desolate rolling land and ocean – no wild horses, no seals (that I saw!). The town itself was colourful and I think there are about 700 inhabitants.
Not much economy with the fishing restrictions – not too much to do either on St. Pierre or Miquelon except "chill" and enjoy the French atmosphere and the beautiful scenery.
After the race, we went back to our “digs”. This was a building that had just been built as a senior’s home, but they didn’t have enough money to operate it as such, so it was empty. Actually, we still can’t figure out the design. There were no bathrooms, except one where the security chap stayed, and nothing else in the place except these rooms, with mattresses on the floor. We shared with a very pleasant young Frenchman from Strasbourg who was working with the French government on secondment to St. Pierre. The room was huge, modern, fresh, bright, and very clean. Cedric, who was acting as the "security" person was fabulous - very gracious nad helpful. We organized our stuff, changed, and walked into town to the presentations which were supposed to start at 6 but didn’t start until 7. They were made in the town square – it was the coldest spot in town and felt like around 0C. It couldn’t have been far off!! The mayor presenteed every one of the finishers with a medal and a t-shirt - amazing, it made everyone feel great - and I have never seen that done at any other race, so its quite unique – Unfortunately as you can imagine it took over an hour. We were absolutely frozen. For me, however, the wait, and the coldness were very worthwhilebright - I won 2nd place for my age group, so had my moment of glory on the winner’s stand. See the grin in the pictures!! Ray had a very competitive group in his age group so didn’t make it to the podium, but none the less did very well given the circumstances of his race.
After this excitement, we walked quickly back to our digs to drop off the stuff, then over to the marquis for the “mechouie” or party. It was held in a big tent; they said that there were about 1000 people. There were 4 bands with one of them being from France. Apparently the race is sponsored by the French government! We had a delicious meal of lamb, baked potatoes, rice, and a vegetable dish/gravy, and of course a bottle of French wine. Delicious! Ray and I didn’t stay too late and I think we got back to our room about 11:00 p.m. The music, which we could hear quiet plainly when in bed, was fabulous and went on to about 4 a.m. in the morning! There were quite a few sore heads the next day!!! The local people also buy tickets for the Mechouie and as this is one of the 2 big celebrations on the island, everyone enjoys the party!
We didn’t sleep too well that night, and were up about 7:0 a.m. the next morning to catch the ferry at 9:00 a.m. back to Fortune. It was quite warm, and the sea was so calm it looked like we were sailing in glass.
So, all in all it was a terrific experience. One I would repeat, but I am not sure about Ray. It was an incredible amount of work getting there. However, I think we would do many things differently next time which would make it easier. Just knowing what the routine was would have helped big time. And, doing all the things I had planned before we left Toronto regarding what to wear instead of being lulled into thinking it was going to be warm would have made it much more comfortable.
Miquelon is a beautiful island- the stark beauty of desolate rolling land and ocean – no wild horses, no seals (that I saw!). The town itself was colourful and I think there are about 700 inhabitants.
Not much economy with the fishing restrictions – not too much to do either on St. Pierre or Miquelon except "chill" and enjoy the French atmosphere and the beautiful scenery.
It was fun to go for the race - gave the visit a purpose - and what better way to see an island than running across it. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
2 comments:
"who would want to go there?"
About 10 000 people every year. Not everyone is as jaded as you.
:-(
I am sorry that "Miquelon" thinks I am jaded. I was not. I loved the island and loved the experience. I stated that in the post. However, I have removed the comment that was made by someone else NOT ME, as that is what seems to be confusing you. Hope this helps!
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