Four times lucky

 A. T. Lane, Alice Hawkins and Frankie Nelson embarked at Vendome on to the Vaudreuil EXO train on a definitely not foreboding October 13th and joined G. T. Bishop who had boarded at Lucien L'alliers. Once again, bikes and trains were the subjects of the conversation particularly the 'wonderful' service provided by Via Rail on all fronts including the serving of refreshments to their Business class passengers.

The members arrived at Vaudreuil where Alice Hawkins decided to acquire one of the infinite OPUS zone cards only to find out from A. T. that she was still one card too short!

After the requisite group photo, the members headed towards the Hudson/Oka ferry but were stopped quickly by G. T. who required a coffee boost and swing.

Carrying on to the ferry dock, the members passed another group of travelling members taking a refreshment break before continuing their journey southwards.

The ferry was making its way across the river so there was time to try out their fancy new facilities.

The view from the ferry approaching Oka never gets old. A number of cyclists were waiting to take the return journey on this fine October day while the members went up the dock to the local watering hole.

Continuing on to the Vagabonde bike path, the members enjoyed the balmy weather and changing seasons though it was agreed that the Fall Colours have not been so spectacular this year.

Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac also appears to be in competition with Terrebonne for the best Holloween decorations. Frankie was intrepid enough to shake the Reaper's hand!

Arriving at Deux Montagnes and the 'soon to be completed' REM station, the members considered whether they could alter their route and make the EXO train at Rosemere but decided to carry on into Laval.

It turned out that Deux-Montagnes is also competing with Terrebonne for the best Halloween decorations of the season.

The members, unafraid, turned their backs on the skeletons and continued on into Laval that seemed to be waiting to decorate. However, the members were surprised to come across a flock of wild turkeys in someone's front yard!

The members continued along the south shore of Laval and then onto the island of Montreal crossing the 117 bridge. At the intersection of O'Brien and Gouin, G. T. parted ways as A. T., Alice and Frankie made their way south to parts unknown.

G. T. continued east along Gouin and picked up the St Denis REV towards home encountering some nice bicycle infrastructure along the way.

No mishaps on this Friday the 13th except a missed EXO train for the return but it just extended a pleasant Autumn ride.

Total distance for the day just over 65K.

G. T. Bishop

Lessons learned:

1) Not all Opus cards are created equal; that is, ABC does not get you AB!

2) The Oka definition of vegetables is the same as Austrian; that is, potatoes.

3) Get off the Vaudreuil train on the east platform as the train blocks the road as it leaves the station just to come back again a few minutes later.