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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Days 40 and 41 - Manitoulin Island!


August 12th to 13th, 2010

Espanola, ON to Owen Sound, ON


Early morning hugs were exchanged with the Warams as we got on our bikes to leave Espanola. Before we left the town limits, Lisa spotted what looked like a extra large horse on the side of the road in a field next to Canadian Tire. As we approached, we realized our dream had come true - it was a MOOSE! A confused moose, actually, who was trying to find her way back into the woods.






Moose sighting!











Totally boosted by our moose sighting, we happily rode south on HWY 6 through the La Cloche mountains to the swinging bridge that took us to Manitoulin Island - the largest freshwater island in the world. We enjoyed the ups and downs of the island roads, and made sure to stop at the 10 mile lookout into the vast Georgian Bay. We ended up in South Baymouth 3 hours early for our ferry! Lisa and I went for a swim to cool off from a hot day of riding, as Diana and Heather worked their magic and connected with some other ferry goers who ended up donating to Pedaling Feat! Both Heather and Diana were extremely active in High School communities across Ontario, through their work with OFSAA and teaching - connections across the province that came in handy more than a few times during our trip!









10 Mile Lookout, Manitoulin Island






















Break time....

Heather and Mel















Cyclists in a tipi









We hung out at a pub while waiting for the ferry and were entertained by a group of high-energy Harley Davidson motorcyclists who rounded up some donations from some innocent bystanders. Thanks guys!


The late afternoon ferry ride on the MS Chi-Cheemaun to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula had gorgeous scenery to pass the 1.75 hr crossing. We rolled into Tobermory and stayed at a nice campground not far from the ferry terminal.







MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry to Tobermory












Lois' VIP parking on the ferry
(behind a truck full of rocks)



















Lisa wondering what it would be like if she rode a Harley instead of a road bike across the country...













The next day, the dream team of Heather and Diana lead us along HWY 6 en route to Owen Sound. The day was challenging because of the traffic and heat, but our teamwork got us to our destination - the Best Western on the Bay (sponsored). Lisa and Diana checked out the whirlpool, as Heather ventured into Owen Sound to run some errands. I, on the other hand, had a much-needed nap in the air conditioned room. We made fajitas at a park on the bay, and enjoyed a comfortable rest in our hotel that night. Thank you Best Western!


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