I had such a fun and lazy day today….ok, not totally lazy because I still cycled 93 km, but hardly any hills, and the headwind wasn’t too bad, and I got to sleep in this morning!!!! All combined made it a great day.
First of all, I’m out of the isolated section of Ontario, and I’m going into a much more populated area. So from now on my distances that I’m cycling won’t be dictated as much by where the towns are located. Plus I might be able to buy a juice or something part way through the day!!!!
This morning the plan was to make it to the bike shop when they opened, to have some minor work done on the bike, new chain etc. I picked the campground last night as it’s only 5 km away from the bike shop, which is out of town, but a popular and highly recommended place.
I arrived at 0950, and met some of the workers outside, we chatted a bit, then they helped me get my bike up the 6 stairs to the work area….ramp was in the back…but hey, I wanted a bit more exercise 😀
They took it right in, and while I was waiting, Mike rolled in, we met at the Tims in Wawa a few days ago. He also needed work done on his bike. Then Patrick and Jarka arrived, I spent a few nights with them. It felt like a family reunion. Hugs all around, and catching each other up on the past few days.
Once my bike was ready, I headed off….the hope was Thessalon, but 88km with a 1230 start…. I wasn’t sure, but there were other campsite along the way. I stopped at the loonie to take a photo, and met Ryan there, he’s cycling east to west. After chatting and gathering info on the road conditions etc, Lucas showed up. I first met him in Creston, then saw him again at the hostel in Thunder Bay. We got caught up on the past week before heading off.
I didn’t have too many views today, and the roads were quite busy with narrow or nonexistent shoulders, so I was paying attention to my mirror constantly. I stopped for lunch/dinner in Bruce Mines, and decided to continue to Thessalon. I was not prepared for what I saw when I arrived at the campground. Even though the campground is called Lakeview I was not prepared for the view. All I saw today was pavement and trees, and small slivers of water through the trees, until I crested the hill about 50 meters from the campground….and this fantastic view comes into sight. Calm water that’s like glass, sandy beach, wide open space, some trees on the side. Just spectacular!!!!
Not sure about tomorrow. I’ve been lucky that I’ve missed the heat wave, but I have had rain. Forecast is for some significant rain over the next several days, with daytime highs of 18C. At least I can dress for the cooler weather…..even though I don’t really have rain gear! The clothes I wear dry out quickly. I’m just headed into a very touristy area…..expensive!!! One day at a time. Hopefully I can continue to camp.
3 comments:
Sounds like quite the campsite today Lucille. The friendship you have formed 'over the miles' with Patrick, Jarka and Mike is one you will have forever! Hoping you stay dry and warm over the next few days.
Wonderful write up Lucille. Was a fun giggle to watch as you took in the big Loon and Ted played with the Ai and made pics. Really giggled when he sent me an Ai rendering of me there with the Loon too. Tooo funny. Looked like you made really good time and nice to hear of all the camaraderie along the way with the fellow road warriors.
You are making remarkable progress. You could be in Ottawa for Canada Day. That could be an amazing day for you. Keep peddling. We’re all very proud of you.
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