Day 35: Pedaling Feat takes on Northern Ontario!

Day 35: Kenora, ON to Caliper Lake

August 2, 2010

Before we continue, there is something you should know about Pedaling Feat. We have an affiinity for lakes. Especially Mel. And as we cycled into Northern Ontario, south on Highway 71 towards the US border (leaving the bustling Trans-Canada behind!), we were surrounded by water. There wasn't a kilometer that passed by where we didn't see a body of water. Whether it was mom, dad or baby lake (seriously), or a creek or river which connected them. The rides have just gotten better and better.

I rode to Sioux Narrows that morning (a cute little town with water on each side) and loved every minute of it. This area is also known as Ontario's Sunset Country, as well as a 'Water Lovers' Dream'.






Taking a break at Bunny Lake.












From Sioux Narrows Mel continued along the quiet highway to Nestor Falls. This town is known for the finest fishing and hunting in North America! Unforunately, Mel and I had forgotten our rifles and rods at home, so we settled on a picnic bench next to the pituresque Nestor Falls, the towns' other claim to fame.









Nestor Falls. In Nestor Falls, ON.













Mel, climbing hill after hill as we roll through Northern Ontario!






From Nestor Falls we rode to our stop point for that day - Caliper Lake.


I wish I had majored in literature studies or creative writing in University, because then I would
at least have a hope of describing this gem of a place.In short... It was like cottage country, without all the cottages. Or being handed a freezie, on a humid 40 degree day, after battling it out on the soccer field. Or winning the Stanley Cup! (poor analogy, because really, nobody in Ontario can remember what that feels like). It was all the good things about the outdoors wrapped up in one awesome little parcel called Caliper Lake.


We parked at our campsite which looked out onto the lake, two small islands and Caliper Lake Provincial Park. After jumping in for multiple swims, Mel and I jet out in a canoe to tour the islands. As we arrived at the first island, our canoe skills failed us as we tried to park up next to the dock. Fortunately for us, the lady who lives on the island pulled us into shore so we could say hello to her 3 lovely pups. Her husband, kind as he was, offered us a beer and a tour of his beautiful island. We were like two Alices in Wonderland. It was breathtakingly beautiful.







Canoeing around Caliper Lake.





We left the family to their happy little island and canoed back into shore to head into town for some ice cream, fries and internet! While on the phone with my sister, I was distracted by three bald eagles flying overhead, a family of loons fishing in the lake and a water plane (which appeared to be several decades older than Lois) attempting to take off. Everything about this place was magical.














Enjoying the view.














Sunset. Caliper Lake. Beautiful.









If the weather cooperated, we decided we would hang out in Caliper lake the following day. So after a dinner of veggie dogs (keeping in mind we'd already eaten a mountain of ice cream and fries), we watched the sunset and head to bed.