Re: Autumn 2013 | Page 70

Back to the wide open spaces and up into the mountains. Mont Tremblant is simply nuts. The setting is beautiful and every sort of mad entertainment seems to be catered for. There are different types of cable car all over the resort – one going up the mountain to the summit, one going up to the ‘skyline luge’ which is a cross between go-carts and tobogganing and one that is there for no reason other than it goes over the rooftops of the resort and saves a short walk. Sarah, Jonathan and Dan loved the Luge and were happy to use the chairlift to get to the start. There are more than 100 free music concerts over the summer and there is also family entertainment in the main square each evening. There are loads of bars and restaurants and we really enjoyed the couple of days here. “ The main cable car station offers ‘panoramic gondolas’ with ‘spectacular views’ on the way to the summit. Everyone else wanted to go and the 22nd was Dan’s birthday so, not wanting to be a party pooper, I went into Gondola mode. This involves sitting as far from the door as possible, holding a rail or the seat with each sweaty palm, breathing 68 “ The main cable car station offers ‘panoramic gondolas’ with ‘spectacular views’ on the way to the summit. deeply, closing my eyes and listening to ‘There There’ by Radiohead really loud on my iPod. Everyone else thinks it’s hilarious but I am terrified of the damn things. Sarah has just reminded me that I went into Radiohead mode before we got on the gondola and when I handed over the tickets I thought I said ‘five please’ quite quietly but apparently I shouted ‘FIVE PLEASE’ at the top of my voice, and then later on did a similar thing on the way up at a rare moment when my eyes were open and made everyone else jump out of their skins. Anyway, needless to say, there were no problems getting to the top and the views were fantastic and the air was really fresh. Quebec We allowed ourselves three nights in Quebec as we wanted to make the most of this City and it didn’t disappoint. It had an authentic French feel. We stayed at the Chateau Frontenac – checking in at the same time as Van Morrison with one slight difference, he had ‘his people’ to check him in… This is a huge hotel that dominates the skyline and we loved it. The hotel has a Canine Ambassador, a huge friendly dog called Santol, to create a friendlier atmosphere in the large reception area. On our first day we headed down to the lower city which is picturesque and colourful. It was my birthday while we were in Quebec and we took a cruise on the St Lawrence River which was a great break and opportunity to see Quebec from the water. Aquarium du Quebec was a must see