Day 35 – Kitchener

Day 35 – Kitchener, Ontario (Friday, June 5, 2015)

I set off today with Kitchener in my sights. The winds started West by South West which slowed me a bit but changed direction throughout the day to a welcoming strong North West breeze.

Old mansion with Ralph standing outside.

Although Owen Sound is one of my favour Ontario towns I decided to bypassed it to save time and avoid the climb up the escarpment. The route took me past a gem of an old mansion located at 102640 Grey County Road #18 where I stopped to explore. The gardens and buildings were fairly well maintained and very impressive. I did not stay long enough to get the history and intend to go back when I have more time.

I think I had lunch in Durham but it was pretty much a blur.

It started to rain heavily just North of Mount Forest and I had to turn my lights on for safety reasons. The rain was a cool break from the rather warm humid day.

With the breeze, and the anticipation of home the ride was one of the most pleasant.

I arrived at home in Kitchener a little after 5pm. While I was gone Elise, Ann and Michelle had been busy preparing the gardens and perfecting the house. I appreciation them more after being away.

Day 34 – Wiarton

Day 34 – Wiarton, Ontario (Thursday, June 4, 2015)

I started out from Little Current at 6:19am to be sure that I could get through Manitoulin Island and made the ferry at 11:10am from South Baymouth.

I had a beautiful ride. Perhaps the best ride of the whole trip. Manitouline is quite flat. I had always thought it was subpar when compared the outcrops of the Canadian Shield. But the ride was serene and I thought everything looked just about perfect.

When I arrived at South Baymouth I had time for a serious, French toast breakfast at about 9:50am.

I had a bit of lunch on the ferry – fresh fruit and a muffin and I had supper at Irish Pub in Wiarton – yet another local recommendation.

I stayed at the Waterview Inn in Wiarton which was recommended by the proprietor at Irish Pub. I was unhappy with room #11 which smelled like a rodent. To be fair the owners had done quite a bit of work upgrading the Inn. It was likely an unfortunate issue that would be quickly rectified.

IMG_20150604_071001 — View of the North Shore of Lake Huron from a Jesuit Historical Site on Manitoulin Island

IMG_20150604_103643 — The Ferry arriving at South Baymouth.

Day 33 – Little Current

Day 33 – Little Current, Ontario (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)

IMG_20150603_163352 — Old lift bridge linking Manitoulin Island with the main land at Little Current.

I had breakfast along the way, had a late lunch in Espanola, and settled at Anchor Inn in Little current. Anchor Inn was recommended as the best restaurant in Little Current by a girl at the ice cream place at the north end of the town.

IMG_20150603_184918 — Boat at the dock at Little Current.

Anchor Inn had pretty good food and was well maintained by I did not have a good sleep because of soft sound of running water that even my ear plugs couldn’t stop.

Little Current was much nicer than I had remembered it from previous visits. The town and the marina were all well maintained making it a good place for visitors.

Day 32 – Blind River

Day 32 – Blind River, Ontario (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)

Had lunch in Thessolan at Subway.

Good ride. Relatively good wind.

I wanted to stay at a place called McIvers but I didn’t have it plugged in correctly in my GPS. I ignored my rule about asking people when I entered the town and ending up driving right through. I ended up staying at another place that did the job but I was disappointed.

Itching to get home. Little time to write.

View of Lake Huron from a restaurant near Thessalon.

IMG_20150602_120325 — Someone with a love for bicycles.

IMG_20150602_122334 — Lake Huron looking south.

Day 31 – Sault Ste Marie

Day 31 – Sault Ste Marie, Ontario (Monday, June 1, 2015)

Felt good in the morning. Made good pace in spite of the ~10 mile/hour head wind.

Stopped a nice restaurant just east of McMillan for breakfast. Chatted with a guy named Brad from McMillan on his bicycle who had ridden to get some pastry.

Had a conversation with another couple who had connections in Ontario and visit Stratford regularly. I recommended Niagra on the Lake as an alternative.

I had lunch in Newberry only 6 miles after the restaurant I had breakfast at. Apparently that was the last significant stop before Sault Ste Marie (40 more miles) so I had to take advantage of it.

I reached Interstate 75 about 5:30pm and headed North. Late but ok given the late start and doddling. I stopped at a road side rest area for my usual water and stuff. As I was leaving I was greeted by a state trooper then he told me I was reported by someone. I couldn’t ride on the interstate. So I was escorted 2 1/2 miles to the exit. I would have liked to point out that the cities are much more dangerous than the interstate but no one would have listened.

I managed to cross over the bridge into Sault Ste Marie, Ontario without mishap and am now staying in yet another hotel for the night. It was too late to look for camping spots so close the city.

I was happy to be in Ontario.