Ride details pending
I got up around 6am and as quietly as possible packed up my things but I couldn’t find my Ironman Switzerland hat. Of well, this will make a good parting gift for Craig. I couldn’t resist one more photo of the lake though!
It was warm already even this time in the morning but this was to be expected so I just got on with it. I rode about 20 kilometers into Kenora. On the approach to this gem of a town you cross a bridge or two that appeared to be part of an island. In town the highway cuts through the middle but I decided to ride along the waterfront which is spectacular. It is like Gibson’s BC except not on the ocean.
I stopped in for breakfast and chatted with a nice couple who were visiting from Winnipeg. The husband had done a few big rides including Winnipeg to Vancouver so we had a lot in common to talk about. We also discussed problems with short term solutions in Haiti but they liked the micro credit aspect that is applied by water.org. Before I left I spoke with another couple who had actually lived in Kenora since the 1950’s. A lot has changed of course but they still love it. Mike Richards who was from Kenora was going to be in town with a few other LA Kings for a golf tournament and it a week or two from now again with the Stanely Cup. I was happy for Kenora but told them I was upset with the Kings for beating up my Canucks. We had a good laugh and I went on my way onto highway 15 which is the Trans Canada.
There are so many lakes on the road side I totally ignored the constant up and down of the Ontario hills. Overall you can keep an okay pace but you never get going fast for a long time as there is always a hill around the corner. It is a hot one so I took a little break at a small lake and soaked my feet while I ate muffins and a coke.
As the day worn on it was clear the next week or two through Ontario is about forcing myself to be hydrated and topping up my water at any opportunity as there is quite a distance between towns and even gas stations. As the day wound down I entered Dryden which was my stop for the day. My gps and data connection were having problems so my ride didn’t save properly. No mattter, I asked for directions to the campground – what a novelty!
I cleaned up and then went to the store to stock up on food. There are a couple of stops in the next 120 kilometers but then apparently noting for the next 180 kilometers after into Thunder Bay. This means I will be camping on the side of the road tomorrow and I will likely be out of contact for a day and half. So don’t worry if you don’t hear anything, I will have plenty of supplies and water!