Wednesday 16th June 2010 - A Walking Day

The six of us set off to find and visit the Oratory on Mount Royal - that's where the name Montreal comes from - which we did. It is very modern and huge having been built by a very dedicated monk who raised the funds. It is a place of pilgrimage and boasts a large number of walking sticks and crutches apparently thrown away by pilgrims on reaching their goal and being cured. We came across several pilgrims as we walked around the various chapels.

After this we set off on a long hike to find the Chalet that overlooks Montreal City. Passing very expensive houses we wound our way to the park and up the hill to a convenient cafe for lunch. They seem to put cheese in every type of sandwich or roll, which is difficult for me. Onwards through the park passing very tame squirrels, Mounties on horseback, and modern sculptures, onward to the Chalet which has a commanding position overlooking the city.

From here we descended endless steps, meeting someone in training who was running up and down the lot repeatedly and was thus blowing a little. Then past McGill University and down to our friendly coffee bar. Back to the Hotel and a meal at the Pizza Hut. Yes, we certainly live the high life!