North Ottawa River Valley Tour—Mike Bernier and Terry Dumouchel and Barry and Karen Rowsome—July 27, 2024

Twenty-two Miatas and 40 souls meet at the Loblaws in Bells Corners. This was a difficult trek for some as they had to navigate around the Hwy 417 being closed between Metcalfe and Carling. Nevertheless, all made it on time. After all the formalities and chit chat both groups left on time meandering our way to our Bio-Break at the MacEwen Gas Station in Arnprior. We travelled past such places as Kinburn, Galetta, Loggers Way, and Stonecreast Rd. From our Bio-Break we were getting closer to the Ottawa River on our right, we topped out at Storyland Rd and then starting dropping down on our way over the Chenaux Dam to Portage-du-Fort Quebec. From here we zoomed our way over some Quebec country roads going through Bristol and Norway Bay, cottage country, to eventually make it to our lunch stop at Gavans Hotel in Quyon. We all enjoyed the limited fare, but the hit was the Shamrock Smash Burger. The staff were great even thou there were a few hiccups. From here we hopped on Hwy 148 to Mountain Road where we skirted the Gatineau hills. On our last leg we went down Wellington, Rideau, Montreal Rd, Vanier Parkway, and to our facilities for next year’s C2M2 – 2025. We got a lot of stares and waves from the people. I would like to say a big thank you to Barry & Karen Rowsome, Ron Buck, Cindy & Steve McConnell, and Pamela Jones & Martin Labelle in helping to make this tour a great success.

Mike Bernier