This train is bound for Vaudreuil, this train. This ferry is bound for Oka, this ferry...

 The text for this fixture has been provided by Birdie Munger with photos from all three participants. - GT 

G.T. Bishop, Louis Rubenstein and Birdie Munger set out on a unique 2-train, 2-ferry fixture on Nov 5th. Drawn by the earlier daylight of standard time and a weather forecast with temperatures approaching 20C, G.T. planned a terrific lakeside and 3-island itinerary. 

We caught an early Exo train (train #1) to Vaudreuil just after 7am and cycled immediately for coffee ()

G.T. and Louis in Vaudreuil

It was chillier and more overcast than forecast but we easily rode to the Hudson/Oka ferry (ferry #1) on a quiet country road. Two ferries were in operation, the waters were calm and we motored quickly over to Oka. 

There was some discussion about the purpose of this well fortified residence on the approaches to Hudson. - GT

From there we picked up La Route Verte 1, aka the Sentier Oka 20, aka La Vagabonde, which is mostly a segregated multi-use path from Oka, through the national park, Pointe-Calumet, Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac to Deux-Montagnes and the REM station.

Louis disappeared for a moment behind the tree to admire the view. - GT

Deux-Montagnes REM station under construction.

We rode on local roads to the Grand-Moulin REM station. Earlier Birdie spotted a REM train in testing mode on the line. 

From there we rode over the Le Barrage du Grand Moulin to the western tip of Laval and then on quiet roads to ferry #2 - the cable ferry to Ile Bizard. 

Birdie has a quick release on his front wheel that was too quick to release while departing the ferry and required attention. - GT

We went off-road through Nature Park and then raced down Rue Cherrier in Ile Bizard and stopped for lunch at Boulangerie de l'Ile Bizard ...... a very good bakery with light lunch options. 

After lunch we braved the Jacques-Bizard bridge onto the Island of Montreal, busier roads in Roxboro-Pierrefonds, Kirkland and Beaconsfield and to the Beaconsfield Exo station ..... train #2 for our ride home. 

Along the way we met a nice man in Beaconsfield who explained the story behind the colourful houses on a fence along Elm Ave and the train tracks. We had time to make a detour and see the Last Post cemetery for vets in nearby Pointe-Claire and reflect on the Last Post history https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/those-who-served/last-post-fund/field-of-honour#

The 3 MBC members rode for close to 60 Km (on top of the 50 km Louis and Birdie had covered the day before). We didn't get the hot weather promised but it never rained and we were warm enough that extra clothes were peeled off. Camaraderie and conversations were great. And G.T. once again demonstrated his superior guiding skills. 

Birdie

Birdie and Louis departing at Montreal West station. - GT

Final comments go to Louis:

Fogedabouxit!  I was composing a a “how to” list for the AMTC that some how got erased.  

To sum up:  a very eventful and exploratorial journey that was made pleasanter by company & weather