Now with over 6000 km on my bike and just less than 700 km left to ride, it is hard to imagine this trip is almost over. I will update you as far as I can today as I am in Sault Ste. Marie having a rest day with my friend Lauren whom I taught with up north.
The last time I left off, I had just left on the ferry to Wood Islands, PEI. Upon arriving I met two cyclists from Cape Breton Island who had just spent some time cycling on a tandem around PEI. They were a wonderful couple and encouraged me to come back to Cape Breton to spend some more time cycling in their neck of the woods. From there, I cycled into Charlottetown which was a great ride! I was able to be exposed to a glimpse of what scenery was to come in PEI and just how vibrant the red sands are. Upon arriving in Charlottetown, I met up with my friend Ted at the hostel and I proposed that we ride to Summerside to meet up with my Aunt Susan and Uncle Pete. He thought that was a great idea, but had already checked in at the hostel. The decision was made to ride, so we went to the bike shop, picked up the bike and headed out. We left the city by 4:30 and made it to Summerside around 8:00 p.m. Most of the ride was a little bit soggy, but we were happy to get the rain out of the way early on in the trip. Once in Summerside, I gave my aunt and uncle a ring and we met up with them for dinner. The dinner and beer was fabulous and filled the empty pit in our stomachs! My aunt and uncle invited us to stay with them, so we took them up on their offer. The sleep was great and we enjoyed breakfast with them the next morning as well.
Our goal was to make it to Cedar Dunes P.P., but after considering how far away that was, we decided to head towards O'Leary and stay at Mill River P.P. That day was somewhat overcast, but we knew that sunshine was on its way soon. We stopped for a bagel with some hershey kisses, peanut butter, and almonds for energy at lunch. At the spot where we stopped we met a local and he shared some stories with us and made sure we enjoyed our stay. Onwards we pedalled and that afternoon we stopped at a Tim Hortons to refuel before setting up camp for the evening. On the way to the campground we stopped to watch some young girls practicing for their baseball team. It brought back fond memories of when I played when I was younger. Finding the campground that evening was quite the chore and after riding about 10 km more than we needed to, we determined that the campground was almost directly across from where we were watching the baseball practice. Oh the joys of being in a new area and riding a bike! We decided to have a fire that night, but after being sold wet wood, we did not get too far!
The next day began with some great Tim Hortons coffee, doughnuts, and oat cakes...mmm! We pedalled into O'Leary and our first stop was the Potato Museum. We learned everything there was to know and more about potatoes! We even sampled some potato fudge that was delicious. Before heading out of town, we stopped at a Co-op for some groceries and a cafe to have a sweet bite to eat. That day we also went to Skinner's Pond where Stompin' Tom was born and raised. Our ride there was very pretty as we decided to take a backroad instead of the more frequently used highway. The beach down Skinner's Pond road was absolutely beautiful. We shell searched and took about an hour off the bikes to just relax, smell the ocean, and talk to some other tourists. We decided it was about time to mosey on to North Cape. We cycled along the coast where we saw many wind turbines as we neared the tip. We went past a harbour that represented a typical PEI scene with many fishing boats and lobster traps just waiting to bring home the catch of the day. When we arrived at the tip, we could see evidence of the tides beginning to come back in. We grabbed a bite to eat and then headed back down towards Alberton. It was a long day on the bikes, but my aunt and uncle had told us about King's restaurant in Alberton where there was a great fish and chips dinner. We made it there around 7:30 p.m. and we were both ready for some good food. We enjoyed great conversation and the gentleman, Mike, who ran the restaurant showed us where we could set up camp for the night. He was quite the character and said that where we were camped we would be 'safe as a church!'
We stopped for a coffee and a cinnamon bun the next morning before making our way to Cascumpec for breakfast. Today was a short ride as we only needed to make it to Tyne Valley where we were going to attend an Oyster Shucking festival. Breakfast was great and we ended up meeting this couple that was driving their little green sports car around PEI. They had encountered some vehicle troubles and were sharing their story on getting their car fixed as it was a car that not many mechanics had the knowledge to solve the problem. They were in the right place at the right time as an Islander spoke up and said that he had worked on their type of vehicle before. It was fixed and they were off in no time. Upon making it to Tyne Valley we had a chocolate milk (which I am sure we must have consumed over 10 L per person!) and a whoopie pattie (Cream sandwiched between two pieces of cake-mmm). We decided that we would make a stop at the local library to check our emails. When we arrived the library was closed, but another guy pulled into the parking lot. Michael was from Missisauga and he had been travelling around the island as well, taking day trips on his bike. He was also staying at the same campground we were about to head to. We said we would see him back there as he had some errands to run in town. It was an early day to be off the bikes and after setting up camp at Green Park P.P. we threw some laundry in and went to see what sort of adventures we could find on the beach. The beach was mediocre as there was a lot of seaweed. While out in the water, I did find a starfish which was pretty neat. We dove in and had a quick dip only to be covered in a white residue - something I was not used to having only swam in fresh water! We met up again with Michael while walking back from the beach and we asked if he would mind giving us a lift to the Oyster Festival. He said, 'Not a problem.' We made our way to the Oyster Festival that night and had a big serving of oysters and scallops along with some salad, fries, and a delicious piece of pie. We soon found out what a raw oyster tasted like and also found out what shucking was. This was quite the festival and the competitors got right into it. The best part was the one competitors response to the question - 'So what brings you here?' - 'I just wanted to drink some beer and hang out with my friends!' The whole experience was surreal!
The next day we hoped to make it to North Rustico as we wanted to go Deep Sea fishing the following day. We cycled to Kensington and we heard some live music that we wanted to check out. It turned out to be coming from this neat pub, but we had a hard time finding a table. There were some folks that were just leaving, so they said we could have their table. We got talking to them and they mentioned where they were from which ended up being about 20 min away from where Ted lived in southern Ontario. What a small world! After having a beer and some sweet potato fries we checked out some stores around the area and pedalled on to our destination. We cycled through Cavendish, which is one of the most highly sought out places to go in PEI. It was almost as if there was an explosion of tourists after we crested one hill. We had some Cows ice cream and then pedalled the rest of the way to White Sands Campground. That night we pedalled into town to grab a bite to eat and to check out the Deep Sea fishing for the following day. We met up with a local who tried to quiz us on a bird that had built it's nest up on top of a hydro pole. He said, 'I bet you don't know what that bird is up there.' I said, 'Might it be an osprey?' He was absolutely shocked! From there on in, I was termed the bird queen by Ted. We then rode out of town to the liquor store to get some beer for around the campfire. We arrived back at the campsite and I thought that we should split the wood, so we went over to another campsite to ask them if we could borrow their axe. They said, borrow our axe - you should just come and join our fire! So, Ted and I went over there equipped with our wood and beer and got to know these other campers. Marco, Monika, and two gorgeous girls, Viktoria and Kiara would end up being our entertainment for the night. We had a great time sharing stories and watching the stars - they were beautiful that night! Little did I know that I would end up staying with this wonderful family when I arrived in Montreal, which is where they were from.
It was a gorgeous morning the next day and we decided to get a bite to eat before heading out on the boat. After getting some nourishment we headed towards the wharf where we would be leaving from to go catch some mackerel. We got talking to one of our guides and somewhere in the conversation I mentioned that I was interested in the Tour D'Afrique. He then proceeded to say that his aunt and uncle wrote a book about that trip and that they were just having lunch in a restaurant across the way. He took Ted and I over there and introduced us. We quickly chatted about our experiences and Bernie and Beryl gave us each a signed copy of their book.
Well folks, I know I am leaving you hanging, but I have had enough of the computer today. I will be sure to back in touch soon and catch all of you up to speed!
Smiles and laughter,
Ashley :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Rest Day at home to New Glasgow, NS
Hello everyone! Hope you are all well and enjoying the summer as it winds down. I feel that I have not been pulling my weight with respect to updating this blog, but that is what happens when there are so many wonderful people to meet along the way. I am in Montreal as of now, but I am going to update this in smaller chunks.
So, to begin (which seems so long ago now!) when I was at home my Mom and I made a trip to Peterborough to take care of some school business for this Fall. Just south of Omemee I saw two cyclists on the side of the road. I said to my Mom, "I am pretty sure that is Gaston and Simon, the two cyclists I met in BC!" She said, "There is no way you know those two!" So, at the top of the hill, we pulled over and sure enough it was them. They didn't recoginze me at first because I didn't have my bike with me, I was actually clean, and I was so far away from where we met. It was great to see them on the road and to realize just how far they had made it.
The next day - the 28th of July - I flew out to St. John's, Newfoundland. My Mom drove me down to the airport and after she left it occurred to me that I was missing something. I had left my front wheel in the trunk of my Mom's car. So, here I was flying out east to complete the rest of the trip, sans a wheel of my bike. OOOPS! Upon arriving in Halifax, where I had a quick layover, I turned on my phone and it rang almost instantly. It was my Mom, and we both laughed at our stupidity over forgetting the front wheel. We determined that the most cost effective approach was to just buy a new wheel once I was in Newfoundland. On my flights over I met some great people. I spoke with a gentleman from Nfld who explained the history of the language in Nfld and then from Halifax to Nfld, I met a firefighter named James from Missisauga who was travelling out east with his nephew for some holidays. I arrived in Nfld around 11:00 p.m. and I was greeted by Nicole and Stacey. It was so great to see them and catch up! We headed back to Nicole's family's house and there we met up with Nicole's family and Lauren and Dan. I enjoyed some good company and good food before heading to bed that evening.
We awoke at a decent hour the next morning as Bud, Nicole's Dad, wanted to take us out to Cape Spear, the most eastern point in Canada. We took a drive out there and it was beautiful, but a little chilly and windy as we were so close to the ocean. After, Bud dropped everyone else off back at the house and we went to get a new wheel for my bike from Canary Cycles in St. John's. The guys there were super helpful and had a little laugh over my forgetfullness! When we arrived back at the house we enjoyed a wonderful brunch with everyone and then we all went in our separate ways. Nicole, Lauren, Dan, and Stacey headed to Placentia where the wedding was to take place and I headed out on the road. Elaine and Jason, Nicole's sister-in-law and brother, guided me out of the city which was super helpful. This day definitely tested me, as it was my first day pedalling towards the west and there must have been 40 km/h head winds. The scenery was a lot like northern Ontario and I had to keep my thoughts focused on seeing all of the Newfie's that evening and not on how hard the wind was blowing. I didn't arrive until late that evening and once I was in Placentia, Janet and Stacey came to pick me up and we all headed back to the rehearsal party. What a great time...a bunch of newfie's and a few beer = awesome memories!
Lauren, Dan, Stacey, and I, as well as Nicole and her boyfriend, stayed at a B & B that evening. The next morning we had our java and breakfast and chatted with some other folks who were from Ontario, but travelling in Nfld. That morning Nick, Janet's boyfriend, took us around the town for a little tour. He also cooked up some moose meat and halibut for lunch that was super tasty. The wedding was soon to begin, so we all finished getting ready and headed to the church. There were a lot of people in attendance and the ceremony was very nice. After the wedding, everyone in the wedding party was picked up in a party bus (a huge bus, that by the end of the night looked pretty well used!) and taken up to Castle Hill to have their photos done. The rest of us headed back to Nick and Janet's place to relax before the reception. At the reception we had a great dinner and met some great people. We were also screeched in to become honourary newfies. To get screeched in, we stood up in front everyone at the reception (about 300 people) and had to do a jig dance, say a newfie phrase, kiss the cod, eat a piece of bologne, and drink a shot of screech. It was actually a lot of fun for us and the people watching! The rest of the night consisted of a lot of dancing and memory making. That night will not be soon forgotten! Thank you guys so much for having us out there!
We awoke late the next day as we didn't get to bed until 4:00 a.m. We met up with Paula (I am pretty sure she is Nick's niece??) who took us to meet up with one of Nick's friends (Amherse) for a boat ride on the ocean. It was beautiful and we were able to get a view of the bridge in Placentia and a view of the scenery around the town. Shortly after I headed back to the house to get ready for the short ride (about 10 km) to the ferry and to say goodbye to everyone. It was hard leaving everyone behind, but I knew that more adventures were awaiting me on the road. It was great to arrive at the ferry as I was lined up with many motorcyclists that were super friendly. I met Jake and Douglas from Pennsylvania and Kinda, Steve and Prob from the King City area near Toronto. After having a much needed shower I joined Jake and Douglas for dinner. We chatted for awhile and then decided it would be a good idea to pack it in (and their Gravol was starting to take effect!) as we all had long days ahead of us. We arranged a breakfast date and said so long.
After a much needed rest, I ate a good breakfast as I knew I would be pedalling a little bit of distance that day. I was joined by the motorcyclists I met the previous day as well as three others from Vermont. We all shared stories and marvelled about trips that were to come in the future. It seemed like no time at all and we had arrived in North Sydney, NS. Upon arriving, I pedalled into town and grabbed a bite to eat and I was on my way. It was a great day to ride and I saw some gorgeous scenery in Cape Breton. That evening I made it to a place near Port Hawkesbury, NS. I thought I was going to be near a campground, but I had no luck finding one, so I knocked on someone's door and they were generous enough to let me camp out in their yard. Their names were Grant and Patti and they were two very sweet people who invited me into their home and let me cook my dinner as well as have a nice, hot shower.
I had coffee...mmm...and breakfast the next morning with Grant and Patti and then I headed out on the road again. I stopped in Antigonish for a chocolate milk and to pick up some stove fuel. There, I received a message from my Aunt Susan and Uncle Pete as they were travelling in P.E.I. We made plans to meet up once I was on the island which would only be a couple of days away. The rest of the ride that day was enjoyable and I had to laugh when I summited a hill that was about 2-400 m above sea level. It seemed like a bump in the road compared to the mountains out west! The terrain in Nova Scotia was quite hilly and the winds were not helping me make any time, but I always thought it could be worse and to take it just one pedal at a time. I met a wonderful couple that night in New Glasgow as I went to Sport Chek there to see if I could replace a pair of comfy pants I had left in Nfld. It turned out that I didn't find the pants, but I did meet Sirus (?) and Shannon - a couple full of life, very aware of who they are, and wanting to experience every ounce of adventure they can get their hands on. I spoke with them for awhile and they offered me a place to stay if I was taking the ferry from Pictou. I turned the offer down as at the time I was still set on pedalling to the Confederation Bridge to get to P.E.I.
The next morning I made a decision two minutes before leaving that I was going to take the ferry to P.E.I. I knew the hills on the way through the rest of NS would probably wear my legs out and I was getting anxious to get to P.E.I. Knowing I would get to see my aunt and uncle as well as meet up with my friend Ted (a paramedic from where I was teaching in northern Ontario) was getting me excited. The ferry ride over was great and I was able to plan out my route in P.E.I. as I had not originally planned to come over on the ferry. When I arrived at Wood Islands, P.E.I. I met the president of the Cape Breton cycling club and his wife. They had just finished riding around part of P.E.I. They were wonderful people and had a great zest for life!
Okey dokes...this is where I will leave you in suspense! They are still lots of adventures to tell, but this is all the time I have at this moment to update you. Stay tuned for the adventures on the island of the red sands as well as touring through NB and QC.
Smiles and hugs,
Ashley :)
So, to begin (which seems so long ago now!) when I was at home my Mom and I made a trip to Peterborough to take care of some school business for this Fall. Just south of Omemee I saw two cyclists on the side of the road. I said to my Mom, "I am pretty sure that is Gaston and Simon, the two cyclists I met in BC!" She said, "There is no way you know those two!" So, at the top of the hill, we pulled over and sure enough it was them. They didn't recoginze me at first because I didn't have my bike with me, I was actually clean, and I was so far away from where we met. It was great to see them on the road and to realize just how far they had made it.
The next day - the 28th of July - I flew out to St. John's, Newfoundland. My Mom drove me down to the airport and after she left it occurred to me that I was missing something. I had left my front wheel in the trunk of my Mom's car. So, here I was flying out east to complete the rest of the trip, sans a wheel of my bike. OOOPS! Upon arriving in Halifax, where I had a quick layover, I turned on my phone and it rang almost instantly. It was my Mom, and we both laughed at our stupidity over forgetting the front wheel. We determined that the most cost effective approach was to just buy a new wheel once I was in Newfoundland. On my flights over I met some great people. I spoke with a gentleman from Nfld who explained the history of the language in Nfld and then from Halifax to Nfld, I met a firefighter named James from Missisauga who was travelling out east with his nephew for some holidays. I arrived in Nfld around 11:00 p.m. and I was greeted by Nicole and Stacey. It was so great to see them and catch up! We headed back to Nicole's family's house and there we met up with Nicole's family and Lauren and Dan. I enjoyed some good company and good food before heading to bed that evening.
We awoke at a decent hour the next morning as Bud, Nicole's Dad, wanted to take us out to Cape Spear, the most eastern point in Canada. We took a drive out there and it was beautiful, but a little chilly and windy as we were so close to the ocean. After, Bud dropped everyone else off back at the house and we went to get a new wheel for my bike from Canary Cycles in St. John's. The guys there were super helpful and had a little laugh over my forgetfullness! When we arrived back at the house we enjoyed a wonderful brunch with everyone and then we all went in our separate ways. Nicole, Lauren, Dan, and Stacey headed to Placentia where the wedding was to take place and I headed out on the road. Elaine and Jason, Nicole's sister-in-law and brother, guided me out of the city which was super helpful. This day definitely tested me, as it was my first day pedalling towards the west and there must have been 40 km/h head winds. The scenery was a lot like northern Ontario and I had to keep my thoughts focused on seeing all of the Newfie's that evening and not on how hard the wind was blowing. I didn't arrive until late that evening and once I was in Placentia, Janet and Stacey came to pick me up and we all headed back to the rehearsal party. What a great time...a bunch of newfie's and a few beer = awesome memories!
Lauren, Dan, Stacey, and I, as well as Nicole and her boyfriend, stayed at a B & B that evening. The next morning we had our java and breakfast and chatted with some other folks who were from Ontario, but travelling in Nfld. That morning Nick, Janet's boyfriend, took us around the town for a little tour. He also cooked up some moose meat and halibut for lunch that was super tasty. The wedding was soon to begin, so we all finished getting ready and headed to the church. There were a lot of people in attendance and the ceremony was very nice. After the wedding, everyone in the wedding party was picked up in a party bus (a huge bus, that by the end of the night looked pretty well used!) and taken up to Castle Hill to have their photos done. The rest of us headed back to Nick and Janet's place to relax before the reception. At the reception we had a great dinner and met some great people. We were also screeched in to become honourary newfies. To get screeched in, we stood up in front everyone at the reception (about 300 people) and had to do a jig dance, say a newfie phrase, kiss the cod, eat a piece of bologne, and drink a shot of screech. It was actually a lot of fun for us and the people watching! The rest of the night consisted of a lot of dancing and memory making. That night will not be soon forgotten! Thank you guys so much for having us out there!
We awoke late the next day as we didn't get to bed until 4:00 a.m. We met up with Paula (I am pretty sure she is Nick's niece??) who took us to meet up with one of Nick's friends (Amherse) for a boat ride on the ocean. It was beautiful and we were able to get a view of the bridge in Placentia and a view of the scenery around the town. Shortly after I headed back to the house to get ready for the short ride (about 10 km) to the ferry and to say goodbye to everyone. It was hard leaving everyone behind, but I knew that more adventures were awaiting me on the road. It was great to arrive at the ferry as I was lined up with many motorcyclists that were super friendly. I met Jake and Douglas from Pennsylvania and Kinda, Steve and Prob from the King City area near Toronto. After having a much needed shower I joined Jake and Douglas for dinner. We chatted for awhile and then decided it would be a good idea to pack it in (and their Gravol was starting to take effect!) as we all had long days ahead of us. We arranged a breakfast date and said so long.
After a much needed rest, I ate a good breakfast as I knew I would be pedalling a little bit of distance that day. I was joined by the motorcyclists I met the previous day as well as three others from Vermont. We all shared stories and marvelled about trips that were to come in the future. It seemed like no time at all and we had arrived in North Sydney, NS. Upon arriving, I pedalled into town and grabbed a bite to eat and I was on my way. It was a great day to ride and I saw some gorgeous scenery in Cape Breton. That evening I made it to a place near Port Hawkesbury, NS. I thought I was going to be near a campground, but I had no luck finding one, so I knocked on someone's door and they were generous enough to let me camp out in their yard. Their names were Grant and Patti and they were two very sweet people who invited me into their home and let me cook my dinner as well as have a nice, hot shower.
I had coffee...mmm...and breakfast the next morning with Grant and Patti and then I headed out on the road again. I stopped in Antigonish for a chocolate milk and to pick up some stove fuel. There, I received a message from my Aunt Susan and Uncle Pete as they were travelling in P.E.I. We made plans to meet up once I was on the island which would only be a couple of days away. The rest of the ride that day was enjoyable and I had to laugh when I summited a hill that was about 2-400 m above sea level. It seemed like a bump in the road compared to the mountains out west! The terrain in Nova Scotia was quite hilly and the winds were not helping me make any time, but I always thought it could be worse and to take it just one pedal at a time. I met a wonderful couple that night in New Glasgow as I went to Sport Chek there to see if I could replace a pair of comfy pants I had left in Nfld. It turned out that I didn't find the pants, but I did meet Sirus (?) and Shannon - a couple full of life, very aware of who they are, and wanting to experience every ounce of adventure they can get their hands on. I spoke with them for awhile and they offered me a place to stay if I was taking the ferry from Pictou. I turned the offer down as at the time I was still set on pedalling to the Confederation Bridge to get to P.E.I.
The next morning I made a decision two minutes before leaving that I was going to take the ferry to P.E.I. I knew the hills on the way through the rest of NS would probably wear my legs out and I was getting anxious to get to P.E.I. Knowing I would get to see my aunt and uncle as well as meet up with my friend Ted (a paramedic from where I was teaching in northern Ontario) was getting me excited. The ferry ride over was great and I was able to plan out my route in P.E.I. as I had not originally planned to come over on the ferry. When I arrived at Wood Islands, P.E.I. I met the president of the Cape Breton cycling club and his wife. They had just finished riding around part of P.E.I. They were wonderful people and had a great zest for life!
Okey dokes...this is where I will leave you in suspense! They are still lots of adventures to tell, but this is all the time I have at this moment to update you. Stay tuned for the adventures on the island of the red sands as well as touring through NB and QC.
Smiles and hugs,
Ashley :)
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