Our apologies for the delay in blogging. Northern Ontario does not believe in high speed internet.
Enjoy!
Lisa and Mel
July 31, 2010 : Winnipeg, MB to Whitemouth, MB
Just the two of us once again, I began the ride that day towards the Ontario border. I loved Winnipeg so much I decided (subconsciously) to take a detour. We followed highway 59 out of the city. I however, was enjoying the ride far too much and kept following the highway, while Lois (taking the correct route), turned off onto Highway 44 towards Elma, MB. About 5 km past the turn off, I noticed my mistake and turned around. It was then that I realized why I had been enjoying the ride oh so much. The ride back was slow as I rode directly into the headwind that had once been at my back.
Once I had reunited with Mel and Lois, we continued along the straight, flat roads towards Elma.
With Mel on her bike, roaring to go, I drove off in Lois. Along the way, I spotted a massive deer (horns and all) at the side of the road. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, I pulled off the road and hopped out of Lois to take a few photos. I watched the deer (from across the highway) eat a savory shrub, paying no mind to me. It was amazing.
Deer in the wild. I did not race this one - although I think Lois would have won.
Elma, home of the infamous midwife Lydia Pajuinen.
We reached Elma only to realize that there were no campgrounds in town. So we continued onto Whitemouth (another 20 km or so). At the campground we found a large herd of drunken ball-players who were in town for a slo-pitch tournament. The campground was jam packed for the night so we drove around the quiet streets of Whitemouth until we found the perfect camping spot... Whitemount School. There we parked Lois and plugged her in before heading out for slushies and a beer at the local pub.
Whitemouth School. Our parking spot for the night.
After a delicious dinner of veggie dogs and corn, we went and explored the campground. There we found the Whitemouth Museum (of Agriculture?) with all sorts of neat artifacts that we believe were once used for farming.
Mel, taking stock of farming equipment used back in the day. They had quite the collection in Whitemouth.
August 1, 2010: Whitemouth, MB to Kenora, ONTARIO!!!
After a rather sleepless night (the once quiet streets of Whitemouth were taken over by the Slo-Pitch Scallywags), we got up a little later than usual and set off, a little crakier than usual.
The day improved as Mel kicked the ride off on a road that was essentially abandoned of traffic, and the scenery changed from stark plains to winding roads, hills and forest - Could it be? Were we nearing the border of Ontario??? The highlight of the ride that morning was a bear siting! Well, there were two. The first, a bear cub that had been hit by a vehicle, lay at the side of the road. Wondering if the mother was near, Mel pedaled onwards, keeping an eye out for an angry momma bear. Shortly after, she spotted a black bear in the bush. Fortunately, it backed away as soon as it spotted Mel's threateningly large legs.
Something else we spotted along the way? One of our front-runners for 'Top 10 Canadian Road Signs'. Every little town we have passed through has their claim to fame (we may have mentioned this in previous blogs). Whether it be the band Nickleback or the coach of the men's national archery team. This town however, claimed to be famous for absolutely nothing. It was the town of Rennie. And we loved it.
The town of Rennie. Home of something... or somebody famous... someday... maybe.
Riding (safely) in Manitoba! Whiteshell Provincial Park
We switched up riders halfway through the day and it was only a matter of kilometers before we hit the Ontario border.
What does crossing into Ontario mean to Pedaling Feat?
1. Roads with shoulders again! Hoorah!
2. Change in scenery. Hills, forests and winding roads!
3. The chance of seeing new wild creatures. Black bears, beavers and moose galore.
and 4 (the big one)... We are nearing the halfway point of our Cross-Canada adventure!!!
We were both extremely excited to cross the Ontario border that day.
Pedaling Feat venture into Ontario!
We booked a spot at Willows Campground which was just past the town of Kenora. We were back on the Trans-Canada highway (Translation: oodles of traffic and very large 18 wheelers, but a great shoulder) and gradually the sky clouded over and let loose. Despite the rain, I pedaled to our final desination, at which point the sun came out and there were blue skies all around!
We spent the evening doing yoga and handstands. All in all, it was a day full of small victories!
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