Today was our second day in Quebec. After breakfast we walked over to where Alysson and all the other skiers were going round and round the course. It is .8 km long so can get tedious after awhile Alysson said. She lasted for 1 hr and 15 minutes. It's quite technical so will be interesting tomorrow when the team races occur. It's about -5 today so the snow on the course was in good shape. It is right in front of the parliament buildings and looks funny to see the snow surrounded by green grass.

We left her to ski and did some more exploring. We were still inside the old city walls but the types of stores had changed in this area -- more variety and of the type the locals would shop in. So many more people around. Yesterday was definitely a tourist area with specialty and boutique stores -- and few people shopping. We found a delightful place for lunch -- had white beet/mushroom soup which was fastastic. The sourdough bread was also excellent. This was followed by a spinach salad then dessert of a maple sugar pie (different from yesterday's) and a latte. All of this was for $20 plus tax and tip. We were so full that I didn't want supper but felt we should eat. So we split a gnocchi dish. No dessert except for an apple which we bought yesterday at the market.

We noticed today that they put up tall narrow yellow poles all over the place. There were little holes in the pavement/sidewalks for them. Alysson solved the mystery. It was to keep the snow clearing machines away from the edges of pavement, monuments, etc. Saves them from getting bashed up.

It was too cold today for standing around so tomorrow we are wearing our boots, ski overpants, extra on top, etc. We have found a good viewing spot so need to get there early in case other people have figured that out too. The race starts at noon.

Sunny skies today with little wind.