Skid and Sandy On The Road

Winter Blahs

2012-01-30T17:16:00.000-05:00

We haven't been anywhere since the beginning of the month so I decided to post an update on how we've been doing.

I mentioned in my Christmas post that I had my last cigarette on November 27th. That was still my last cigarette. As for my general lack of motivation, I have gotten a few things done but am still coasting for the most part. On the plus side, I have lots to keep me busy once I get going.

One of the negatives lately has been my weight. On December 5th, I tipped the scale at 210 pounds. On January 24th, I was almost 225. Ouch. Sitting around watching TV, eating all the wrong foods and not going to the gym have a price. Plus my blood sugar hasn't been very well controlled, either.

That changed on the 25th. Since then I haven't had one thing that wasn't on my good foods list and have watched my portion control. I've started back at the gym, taking it slow at first, and I am getting plenty of water. My weight this morning was 218 and my blood sugar has been much better. This rate of weight loss won't continue. There is always a loss of excess fluids at the start of an effective diet (for me, anyway) and I expect to settle in at about two pounds a week based on approximately 1,600 balanced calories a day. The only thing I worry about is that tobacco used to be my way of ignoring food. Now I need to ignore both. So far, so good.

I also finally got in to see the cardiologist for the consult regarding my echo cardiogram and stress test last October. My Doctor had the reports in November and told me the echo showed increased calcification of my aortic valve while my stress test was "equivocal". The cardiologist cleared up my concerns. He said the Aortic Valve Stenosis (big words) was only marginally increased and the murmur was still a level one. He had me schedule another echo for two years down the road to keep an eye on it. As for the stress test, he said I handled the treadmill well and the only equivocal signs came at the end of my cool down period. He said not to worry about it.

It has been a mild winter without much snow. A few weeks ago, I fired up the 25 year old snowblower. Despite working fine a few weeks before, the auger drive seized up. I think it was the gearbox. In any case, it was very old so we headed over to Lowe's and bought a new one. Since it doesn't get used that much any more, we bought the house brand unit that was on sale. It is a 27" approximately 10HP unit and has been working fine for the few snowfalls we've had.

I need to get to work clearing my backlog. Some people are depending on things and I need to get things out of the way so I can get around to planning the spring trip. The days are getting longer and things should be right with the world before too long.

Freedom Riders Kris Kringle

2012-01-21T23:00:00.055-05:00

The Freedom Riders Motorcycle Association of Northern Ontario, Inc. held it's annual Kris Kringle party this evening in the field house at Ridgemount Playground. It might seem like an odd time for a Christmas party but we don't have date conflicts with other parties and the presents for the gift exchange are usually on sale.

Last year, the weather got down to -32C overnight. This year was much milder. We picked up Sue, the club Secretary, on the way and arrived before 3:00 PM. There was a good contingent of early people to help with the setup.

The official evening started with a short club meeting at 5:00 PM. That was followed by mingling and socializing for a bit before the pot luck buffet was laid out. The food was excellent and nobody was hungry when it was over.

Some of my favourite ladies

The buffet table

Ken digs in

Mmmm Mmmm Good

After dinner, we moved on to the gift exchange segment of the Kris Kringle. It involves wrapped gifts on a table and names in a drum. The first person called picks a gift from the table, unwraps it and shows it to everyone. Each person after has the option of taking a gift from the table or stealing one that is already open. If your gift is stolen, you may take one from the table or steal another one (provided it hasn't already been stolen in this round). It is best to be picked last.

I pull the names and keep track of who has stolen what. This can get complicated near the end when many open prizes are in play. Sandy usually complains that she either picks something she doesn't need or gets her choice stolen. I have tried to convince her this isn't about the gifts. Rather, it is a warped sporting event where you try to screw your fellow club members.

Ken told me a tale of one such exchange where he was picked last. Rather than steal something, he wanted to get it over with so he took the last wrapped gift from the table. It was a set of tie-downs, which he didn't need. So this year he was picked part way through with many nice gifts available to be appropriated. Instead, he took a wrapped gift and got (you guessed it) tie-downs. Santayana said it best.

My name was pulled part way through and I got a set of titanium drill bits. Sandy outdid herself and was picked second last. Almost perfect for a change. She stole a nice pair of pillows. And still, in retrospect, thinks she might have preferred a different choice. I give up:-)

We hung out after the gift phase for a while and then people started to drift away. A number have booked rooms at the motel around the corner. The wild parties are a thing of the past because of the club's position on drinking and driving. We are much more responsible these days and a lot duller as well.

It was a good party. Thanks to Marissa for coordinating it.

Cambridge Ontario to Sudbury Ontario

2012-01-09T23:00:00.052-05:00

Mike was up early this Monday morning and got the kids ready before leaving for work. We helped Kim get them into the car seats so she could drop them at daycare on the way to her job. It was a frosty start to the day as we headed out after the usual stop at McDonald's. All Sandy had was decaf and a muffin while I had my usual sausage McMuffin (no egg) and real coffee. McDonald's coffee has been improving and I will now take it as soon as I would a Timmy's. Plus they have much better lids on their cups.

We would have hit Toronto at morning rush hour. Figuring this would be a bad situation, I got off the 401 at Highway 6 North and took CR 34 northeast. This avoided Guelph as well. Instead of going north on CR 1/29 to Eramosa, I went one road further and took Guelph Line up to Highway 24. I won't do this again. At 24, we got behind two school buses at the stop sign waiting to turn left, Traffic was so heavy on 24 that it took quite a while for them to get moving, which kept us from turning right. The Eramosa route has traffic lights at the intersection.

We stopped to use the washroom at the new Tim Horton's in Erin. This shop has a very convoluted drive to get in, guarded by the nastiest speed bumps I have seen in a while. Then we stopped in Mono Mills for some of the relatively cheap gas. Going up Highway 400, I started to feel really tired. It made me think of the old saying:

I want to die peacefully in my sleep just like my grandfather.

Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

I drank a 5 Hour Energy drink. Again, about an hour and a half later, my blood sugar dropped excessively low. I am starting to suspect the little energy bottle reduces glucose. Good to know if it is true. This time, I had chocolate bars handy for just such a situation.

We rolled into Sudbury at about 1:00 PM. Gas was $1.326 compared to $1.189 this morning in Mono Mills. Something foul is afoot in gas pricing across the province but no one seems able to pin the oil companies down as to why. In any case, another successful weekend on the road is behind us.

Today's Route (293 van miles):

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Woodstock Ontario to Cambridge Ontario

2012-01-08T23:00:00.022-05:00

It was a short and quiet day today. We got up and slowly made our way the whole 33 miles from Heather and Tom's to Kim and Mike's. We had originally planned to visit for a while and then high-tail it for home but changed our minds and decided we would head home tomorrow instead.

I didn't get any pictures today but then again neither did Sandy. This was too bad because watching grandkids massacre lunch makes for some great photo ops. Jolene is getting to be quite the conversationalist and Robyn is walking anywhere and everywhere. I don't remember a whole lot of the day because, I have been told, I spent much of the afternoon sleeping on the floor of the family room. Sandy and Jolene worked on puzzles and then joined Kim to make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Grandkids are absolutely amazing. And we have the best grandkids in the whole wide world.

After supper, we watched a movie. I think it was Cowboys and Aliens. I think I enjoyed it. Then we went to bed.

Today's Route (33 van miles)

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Toronto Motorcycle Show and VROC Dinner

2012-01-07T23:00:00.164-05:00

We were up at 7:00 AM sharp, aiming for an 8:00 AM departure for Toronto. We grabbed a McDonald's breakfast as we were leaving Woodstock. I know Mickey D's is supposed to be bad for us but when we are on the move and need something quick, we know what we will be getting. The shameful secret is that I also like the food. There was absolutely no snow on the ground and, as we crossed Highway 6, we saw more geese flying north. Winter ain't like it used to be.

Approaching Toronto, we stopped at a brand new Fairmont Inn & Suites at the corner of Hurontario and Courtney Park in Mississauga. This is so new that even Google Maps didn't have it. A VROC friend from Detroit, Steve aka Jester, was staying there and would be attending the show and dinner with us. Steve was the very first non-local VROC member we ever met. Back in 1999, we stayed at his house and then rode together to SEVROC in Georgia. He's had been a regular at the Toronto gathering but has been absent for a couple of years.

Steve was ready when we got to the hotel and it sure was good to see him. He is retired now and rides the new BMW K1600, a bike I am not very familiar with. This weekend, he drove his car. It was a short hop around the airport to the International Centre, where I expected to face a traffic jam looking for parking spots. Oddly, just before the doors were scheduled to open, there was little traffic and a lot of free spaces.

Inside, we bought our tickets and joined the long line at the inner doors. At 10:00 AM sharp, the doors opened and we were swept inside, part of a river of humanity. It was obvious from the wider aisles and gaps in the booths that there less exhibitors than usual this year. This show is more retail oriented and the manufacturers haven't supported it since the December show started downtown a few years back. Strangely, Kawasaki had a full fledged corporate presence and it was good to see them.

After a preliminary walkabout, I left the others to continue sightseeing while I adjourned to the Vancouver Room to represent the Freedom Riders at the Ontario Road Riders Association meeting. It lasted about an hour and a half while we discussed some issues pertinent to street riding clubs.

After the meeting, I found the rest of our crew just outside at the food court. Sandy was nibbling on pizza and drinking a $3.50 bottle of water. That must have been some really special water. Then I followed them as they continued their tour. I had absolutely nothing on my shopping list so there was no pressure as we wandered, but I did note a few things.

Bushtec Trailers had a display here for the first time. There is no Canadian Distributor so this was a factory team from Jacksboro, Tennessee. I bought a Bushtec hitch for the Wing back in 2005 and stopped by the factory to have it installed. I was extremely impressed by the facilities. Imagine my surprise to find that the Preston family sold the business a few years back and Andrew and John were no longer involved in any capacity. Apparently Lewis and Electrical Connection are still working with them, though. The booth was being manned by the General Manager and the Production Manager. I wondered if Sherm knew this, since he knew the Prestons for many years when he was on the show circuit. I also wonder if the legendary Bushtec quality and service will survive the transition.

Bushtec trailer display and the new general manager

We saw another odd trailer in the Sarasota booth. It was a fully enclosed fiberglass unit called the Siesta and was unlike anything else I have seen designed for a motorcycle. They claim a surprisingly low weight but I'd want to check it on a scale. Also, I had to correct the salesman when he overstated the weight of the Leisure-Lite trailer in a comparison. I have seen the scale ticket on mine. Anyway, this was base priced at $2,440. Of course, windows are extra and the options are many and varied. Still, no setup required each night and you can always climb in on the side of the road if it is raining.

Sarasota Siesta trailer

We checked out the Kawasaki offerings but, since Sandy and I have already ridden the Voyager and Vaquero, we watched the kids paw the bikes. Heather was quite taken with the 900's.

Heather fits the 900 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic quite nicely

We also stopped to chat with old friend Cray Scarlett, who is the sales honcho at Open Road BMW in Newmarket. We go back a lot of years and Crayzy was in his glory meeting people and selling bikes. He had a 1600 just like Steve's on display so I got a primer on all the features of this revolutionary bike. If you need a Beemer, give Cray a call.

Heather, Steve, Sandy and Cray in the Open Road BMW booth

We left the show about 3:05, stopping outside to admire the bikes which had been ridden to the show. The weather couldn't have been nicer for January. I wish we could have ridden, too. There was even a 1974 Kawasaki Mach III, a 500cc 2-stroke three cylinder screamer. I used to swap my R5 for one periodically back in 1971 and can attest to the fact that it was one of the fastest things on two wheels when it was introduced. This one was in very nice shape but seemed a lot smaller than I remember it.

This doesn't look like January in Toronto

1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III 500cc

Tom picked the restaurant well. A brand new St. Louis Ribs & Grill, it was just a short hop from the International Center and, despite football games today, not crowded. We had a small turnout but more people than last year. In addition to the five of us, Mike and Adele from Ottawa attended. They have been Ontario rally friends for the last 30 years and are Vulcan owners as well. A little late but a sight for sore eyes all the same, The Mighty Stonewall wandered in accompanied Mary and their daughter. I am still kicking my butt for not getting a picture of Stonewall's impressive handlebar mustache.

Tom, Sandy, Adele, Mike, Heather and Steve at St. Louis Ribs

The food was good and the company was great. I think the earlier time and the more laid back venue was a great success. I look forward to doing it again next year and many thanks to Tom for organizing it.

After we left, we dropped Steve off at his hotel. It sure was good to see him and I think we may have
convinced him to attend the Wandering Rally in Virginia next September. On the way back to Woodstock, we stopped at WalMart in Cambridge so Tom could pick up a new Sony Playstation 3. I was dead beat by the time we got in and hit the sack soon after.

Today's Route (159 van miles)

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Sudbury Ontario to Woodstock Ontario

2012-01-06T23:00:00.105-05:00

It's the weekend of the North American International Motorcycle Supershow Show in Toronto. For the last decade, this has also been the weekend of the Annual VROC Frozen North Dinner. It was traditionally held at the Mandarin in Rexdale but they screwed up the reservation last year. Tom made a reservation at a new St. Louis Ribs and, instead of waiting until 7:00 PM, we decided 4:00 would be a good time since we were usually tired of the show by then. Today, we will go to Woodstock, dropping by Cambridge first to visit the grandkids (who are home with Mike) and drop off some personal items.

We were out of the driveway at 6:50 AM. The temperature was -5C and there was a light freezing drizzle coming down. Not the best travel situation, especially given the horrendous wrecks that we've had in the last week, so I hope the salt trucks are out in force. We stopped at Pioneer for fuel and saw our price was $1.326. We'll see how that compares to down south.

Traffic was light as we headed south. The drizzle gave way to a light fog as the sun rose and warmed the snow. The radio said it was going up to +3 today in Sudbury. Coverage was low all through the snow belt (the area that gets lake effect precipitation off Georgian Bay). We made a quick rest stop in Waubaushene where the gas was $1.189 per liter. Almost $0.14 or more than $0.50 per USG less than it is back home, just 150 miles to the north.

The service center (I have decided I am going to start using U.S. spellings to keep my spell checker happy) in Barrie remains untouched. The sign still says Closed - Rebuilding To Serve You Better but no one is rebuilding. The MTO website has removed the reopening date and replaced it with TBA. I am willing to bet that MTO evicted the old tenants (McDonald's and Petrocan) to get higher rents from new tenants, who then reneged when the economy hit the skids. It may be a long time before it reopens, if ever.

Snow cover became light to non-existent south of Barrie. It would probably be a good weekend for running shoes but I forgot mine at home.

Snow cover north of Highway 9

The new Canada's Wonderland coaster is coming along nicely

It was early so we followed the 400 to the 401 and headed west. Through Mississauga, the Toronto-bound traffic was dead stopped for several miles. I would hate to live here. Near Halton, we saw some Canada geese flying north. Then, near Highway 6, we saw a motorcycle headed east. While I don't agree with the alarmists as to the cause, the climate is a'changing.

We arrived at the Cambridge McDonald's and had a light lunch. I had called Mike to say we were coming but he had taken the kids to Aylmer for the day. We just dropped the boxes we had to deliver in their garage and headed on to Woodstock. One thing I did note today on the way down was a pretty extensive police presence on the roads.

When Heather and Tom got back from work, we headed out for supper. Restaurants in Woodstock are pretty popular on Friday nights. We tried Kelsey's and Montana's but the wait was too long. Boston Pizza was shorter so we waited and were seated in short order. The dinner was OK but nothing to rave about. Then we went back to the house and watched Paul on DVD again. Sandy and I saw this at Doug's on Christmas Day and laughed our proverbial asses off. It is just as funny the second time around.

I did doze off a bit near the end of the movie so when it was over, it was time to hit the sack.

Today's Route (321 van miles):

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Happy New Year

2012-01-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

May 2012 be everything you all hoped it would be.

Tom and Heather came up from Woodstock to share New Years Eve. It was a quiet evening. They headed back fairly early this morning.

Now to start the next season's travel plans.

BTW, still no cigarettes.

Annual Vehicle Statistics

2011-12-31T23:00:00.019-05:00

Gold Wing Stats:

Mileage travelled: 7,954 Kms (4,943 Miles)
Fuel Burned (USG): 133.22
Miles/ US Gallon: 37.10
Mileage at end of season: 234,005 Kms (145,411 Miles)

Motor Home Stats:

Mileage travelled: 23,713 Kms (14,735 Miles)
Fuel Burned (USG): 1,786.66
Miles/ US Gallon: 8.25
Mileage at end of season: 126,485 Kms (78.598 Miles)

Dodge Caravan Stats:

Mileage travelled: 12,945 Kms (8,044 Miles)
Fuel Burned (USG): 405.95
Miles/ US Gallon: 19.82
Mileage at end of season: 182,810 Kms (113,598 Miles)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T23:00:00.042-05:00

Merry Christmas to all. Happy Hanukkah, Cool Yule and Krazy Kwanza, too. We came within twelve hours of having a green/brown Christmas here in Sudbury but enough white stuff fell to (barely) coat the ground. It has been an exceptionally benign fall and early winter. I'm actually glad my sled is gone.

It has been exactly a month since I posted here. In that time, a lot has happened. Or not much, depending on how you look at it.

Right after the Red Ribbon Kickoff, I got sick. Probably spent too much time in that meeting room with too many virus riddled citizens. Or maybe it was the flu shot the week before. Who knows? In any case, it started with sneezing and a slightly sore throat before settling into my chest. It wasn't really bad except for the coughing fits that emptied my lungs of air and wouldn't allow me to breath in. I had to wait until the spasm passed, doubled over and trying not to panic. When my voice went away, I paid the sawbones a visit and he prescribed ten days of antibiotics. Total duration was over two weeks before I felt good again.

On a positive note, independent of being ill since the bug was just ramping up, I had my last cigarette on November 27th. I had been telling myself for some time that I really didn't enjoy smoking. It didn't taste good, the raw feeling in my lungs wasn't a pleasure and going outside all the time (often alone) made me feel like a leper. So when the package ran out that evening, I just didn't get another one. Because the cold/flu was getting worse, I didn't even miss it until I was past the physical withdrawal. Now I just need to stay on top of the psychological game because if I don't stay quit this time, I probably never will. Old dog and all that. In almost a month of no nicotine, I haven't gained any weight, either. I haven't lost any, but that isn't the prime concern right now. My brother told me today I should get one of Allen Carr's books. Strangely enough, when I told Sandy about this, she retrieved the Carr book that she gave me ten years ago that I never read. Now I will.

The downside this past month has been a total lack of motivation to do anything. I have been laying on the couch watching TV, reading some novels and browsing the Internets. All the various jobs for the Freedom Riders, OPPVA, Action Sudbury, AAA and my personal task list just sit there on the table staring at me. And I am good at not noticing. I think it may be either some form of depression (although I don't feel particularly bad) or grieving for my old friend tobacco. Anyway, none of the tasks are critical yet and I always work best under deadline pressure, so I know I will get a Round Tuitt before too long. I hope.

I'd like to thank our friends Doug and Carol for including us in their family Christmas dinner today. It was good company combined with amazing food. We really enjoyed ourselves. And, as another Christmas fades into the past, I would like to wish everyone peace on Earth (unless they don't share the same feelings, in which case they can feel free to reap what they sow). Take care, all.

Action Sudbury Red Ribbon Kickoff

2011-11-25T23:00:00.042-05:00

I have been volunteering for several years now with Action Sudbury - Citizens Against Impaired Driving. This organization was started by Sudbury Mayor Peter Wong in 1984 to raise local awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.

One program is our Annual Red Ribbon Campaign which encourages people to tie a red ribbon on their vehicle antenna or mirror as a pledge to always drive safe and sober. We hold a media event every November to kick this off. With media and dignitaries in attendance, we heard a number of speakers, donated funds to the Sudbury Unit of the Snowmobile Trail Officer patrol, donated funds to the Greater Sudbury Police Services to fund a RIDE sobriety spot check and provided funding for a local documentary on a major tragedy caused by a drunk driver. More information can be found in this Sudbury Star article.

I took a few photos of the proceedings:

Our small display board

Friend Gary, GSPS Constable Richard (sled cop) and STOP Officers Real and John

A familiar face

Normie (Abby Normal) and Brenda

OPP Inspector Fern Labelle and Sudbury Police Chief Frank Elsner (mug shot)

Nickel Belt Member of Provincial Parliament France Gelinas

Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk

More photos

It was a successful morning. Now it is up to each and every one of you.

Drive Safe! Drive Sober! Report Erratic Drivers!

Woodstock Ontario to Sudbury Ontario

2011-11-21T23:00:00.039-05:00

One month until the solstice and the official start of winter.

We left at the same time as Heather and Tom headed for work. After a quick stop to get McDonald's breakfast to go, we were headed east on the 401 by 7:45 AM. Traffic bogged down east of Cambridge so we took the Highway 6, County 34, County 1, County 29 route to Highway 24.

It was a nice day for traveling. We got coffee in Mono Mills and then followed Highway 9 to 400 North. The service centre in Barrie still doesn't show any evidence of work being done. I did learn from the radio that watching one hour of television takes 22 minutes off your lifespan. At that rate, I think I must have died several years ago.

Welcome to Muskoka District. The sign says "Once Discovered, Never Forgotten". The Simcoe County sign says "For The Greater Good". I understand the Muskoka motto but wonder what the Simcoe people were thinking with the second.

The snow around Parry Sound was almost gone. Near the French River, I found my blood sugar was low again. I wonder if the 5 Hour Energy drink contributes to this since it was a common factor between this time and last. On the plus side, I had a Snickers bar with me this time. We got into Sudbury in the early afternoon without event.

One beef those of us in Northern Ontario have relates to gasoline prices being much higher here than in the south. These photos, taken today, tell the tale. 'Nuff said.

Mono Mills Ontario

Sudbury Ontario

Today's Route (321 van miles)

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Woodstock Ontario - Book Shopping In Kitchener

2011-11-20T23:00:00.049-05:00

I had a slow day today. Heather had a candle party to go to in Toronto and Sandy went with her. Tom drove them and went to visit his friend Remi while the party was underway. They planned to be back by 5:00 PM.

I had several books I was looking for. I wasn't familiar with any large retailers in Woodstock, so I headed to Chapters in Kitchener, about 30 miles east on the 401. The store was moderately busy as I browsed the paperback Science Fiction/Fantasy shelves.

The first book I was looking for was Towers of Midnight, Book 13 in the Wheel of Time series started by Robert Jordan. Jordan passed away after the eleventh book of what was supposed to be a twelve book series, but he left many notes on how it was to end. His wife, who was also his editor, engaged Brandon Sanderson to finish the work but they decided that Book 12 needed to be split into three parts, hence the thirteenth and fourteenth volumes. Towers of Midnight was released in 2010 in hardcover but just came out last month in paperback.

The second book was Robert Sawyer's Hybrids, volume three of his Neanderthal Parallax Trilogy. This explores the idea of a rift between two parallel Earths which divided 40,000 years ago. In ours, CroMagnon Man was successful while, in the other, Neantherthal Man prevailed. Interestingly, the rift happened in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory deep in our Creighton Mine. This local touch added to what was already a fascinating tale.

The last book was Destroyer of Worlds by Larry Niven and Edward M. Lerner. It is the third in a set of four (so far) labelled the Ringworld Prequel Series. It tells the tales already told by Niven in Known Space
from a totally different perspective. Other than Heinlein, Niven is my favourite SciFi writer.

Luckily, I found all three.

With my new books in hand, I headed back to Woodstock. I stopped at Mickey D's and picked up an Angus burger on a ciabatta bun for lunch. Then it was back to the house where I spent the afternoon reading and napping.

Kim and Mike stopped by with the girls later in the day. They had been to a kids' Christmas Party at African Lion Safari hosted by Kim's employer, Gore Mutual Insurance. They stayed for a while but, bonehead me, I didn't take any pictures. As I have said before, I really need to concentrate on improving this.

The rest of the gang didn't get back until 8:00 PM. Tom and I settled in to watch the recording of the final NASCAR race of the season from Homestead, Florida. Unfortunately, there were enough rain delays that the race went overtime and we didn't get to see the ending. That was too bad because the Championship ended in a points tie between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards. Stewart became the Champion because he had won more individual races, but it was a great showing by both drivers. Now I will suffer race withdrawal until February.

We'll be heading home tomorrow so we were in bed by 11:00.

Today's Route (62 van miles):

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Woodstock Ontario - A Double Birthday Party In Cambridge

2011-11-19T23:00:00.051-05:00

It was sunny, cool and windy this morning. Heather and Sandy went over to WalMart to get some cards while Tom and I headed for a motorcycle dealership so he could pick up some oil for the bikes. It's time for the pre-storage change. The dealer had a 1996 Kawasaki Voyager XII with only 56,000 Kms on the clock sitting on the floor. It was very clean and I expect someone will get a lot of miles of smiles out of this bike.

Back at the house, we had to wait for the ladies. It seems they decided to look for more than cards. When they finally returned, we all piled into the van for the drive to Kim and Mike's new house in Cambridge. The rest of the gang was already there including Mike's parents, siblings and their kids. Jolene and Robyn were dressed in their birthday finest and having a whale of a time.

Aunts and uncles and cousins, Oh My!

Mike grilling some excellent tube steaks

Grandma Gail and Robyn in the playroom

Jolene's party dress

Grandma Sandy and Mommy chowing down

Two kids means two cakes

Robyn looks happy

A whole cake just for me???

Grandma Gail and the cousins

Grandpa Peter keeps a low profile

Uncle Tom and Robyn

Mike cuts the cake

Uncle Tom and Jolene team up to feed Robyn

Jo Jo doesn't need any help

And, in the final analysis, neither does Robyn

All the nice gifts and yet they end up playing with the bag

Robyn taking a spin

The party's over - lets' get out of that dress

After the party, we hung around for a bit before heading back to Woodstock for the night. The new house is certainly ideal for entertaining. The whole crowd fit on one floor without crowding so there would have been room for many more people to attend comfortably.

Today's Route (67 van miles):

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Sudbury Ontario to Woodstock Ontario

2011-11-18T23:00:00.102-05:00

This was the first really chilly morning so far this fall. We were heading back down south (again). Kim and Mike had decided to hold a joint birthday party for our granddaughters even though Jolene's actual day was December 23rd and Robyn's was back in October. All the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were going to be there so we couldn't miss it. And we were looking forward to it. We'd spend tonight at Tom and Heather's in Woodstock.

I would have liked to leave early but stayed to put in an appearance with my Action Sudbury - Citizens Against Impaired Driving cohorts at a cheque presentation. We are in a partnership with the Sudbury Health Unit and Greater Sudbury Police Service for a project that Ontario's Trillium Fund has seen fit to fund and the ceremonial cheque was being presented at 11:00 AM.

We arrived early at the Alzheimer's Society building where the presentation to us and five other groups would be made. Eventually, the VIP's and media were in place and the promise of funding our project to the tune of $50K was made by Sudbury MPP and Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci. Then we had coffee and took the obligatory photos before hitting the road.

The Action Sudbury Crew & our benefactor

Rolly, Mary, Ron, Honourable Rick Bartolucci - MPP (Sudbury), Brenda, Me and Normie

We fueled up and stopped at McDonald's in the south end on our way out of town. This Mickey D's has a small parking lot and the lunch time drive-thru customers had it totally blocked. I didn't realize this when I pulled in and was stuck in gridlock until the drive-thru line moved ahead. This is one of the worst lots I have ever seen. We would have stayed in the drive-thru except that we needed to use the facilities inside.

We were finally on the road by 12:25 with our bag o' burgers in light snow squall conditions. There were very few cars on the road and the CBC radio gave way to the highbrow classical music those elitist SOB's put on between talk programs. I note public radio in the US does a similar thing. I guess they feel this sets them above the unwashed masses.

Snow squall near Estaire Ontario

About an hour south of Sudbury, we started to encounter snow accumulations from a good fall they had yesterday but the roads stayed clear. This continued almost all the way to Barrie before the green terrain returned. Interestingly, near the Shawanaga Reserve north of Parry Sound, we saw a snowplow generating a mass of sparks as he plowed and salt/sanded a bare highway. Another one of those things that make you go hmmmm.

Tom Thomson Georgian Bay style jack pines

Deeper snow than at home

Typical Northern Ontario scenery

On the 400, I was passed by one more driver with a cell phone stuck to his ear. It makes me wonder about the politicians who outlawed the practice. I bet they went home feeling pretty good about themselves because they passed a law. But, as usual, a law without the resources or strategy to enforce it in anything more than a piecemeal basis is useless. Better to let the drivers govern their own behavior and, if cell phone records show the driver was on a call during a crash, lower the boom on him for distracted/careless driving. Oh well, that's my rant for the day.

We stopped at the Timmy's in Mono Mills and I had my first TH caramel latte. Not bad and cheaper than Starbucks. Then we took Highway 24 southwest and Sandy got some photos of the sunset as we went through Caledon towards Erin.

Sunset over Caledon

More sunset

Waves of clouds

I decided after the last time that the shortest way to Woodstock was 24 right to the 401. It may be the shortest but in Friday rush hour traffic it sure wasn't the fastest between Guelph and the 401. We sat for quite a while as traffic backed up trying to turn left on County 38 South. When we got to the 401, it was congested as far as Highway 8 but then opened up and we cruised into Woodstock without further problems.

We went to the Family Restaurant in the Travel Center of America for supper and then headed back to Heather and Tom's where I sacked out early for a change.

Today's Route (315 van miles):

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Winter Preparations

2011-11-14T23:00:00.031-05:00

It was partly cloudy and above 50F today so I took the Wing to the gas station and, after putting in a half can of SeaFoam, filled it up with fuel. Then I took it for a ten mile ride to get the SeaFoam through the injectors. It is a little nippy wearing a mash jacket at 50, but not too bad considering there should be snow on the ground.

Back home, I moved things around in the garage, aired up the snowblower tires (chains slip off at 0 PSI), checked the oil and fired it up. It started right away, pretty good since it is almost twenty years old. I also got out my array of shovels plus the broom and ice chopper and put the reflective posts at the end of the driveway.

I emptied all the items from the Wing bags, trunk and fairing, putting them in a storage box where I can find them in one place next spring. Then I rolled it to the back of the garage and lifted it onto the centre stand. I had changed the oil last week so it was just a matter of putting mothballs in the exhaust and fabric softener sheets at various places around the frame to repel rodents. Then I plugged in the battery tender and kissed it good night.

The garage winter layout

Crossover - golf clubs versus shovels

I also took a few moments to set out rat traps for the chipmunks since they started extending their burrows last night. And I climbed up on the roof to check out a squeeky whirlybird turbine. Didn't fall off the ladder but I did cut my thumb on a sharp edge. Go figure.

Chipmunk mound and rat traps in boxes

So it looks like I'm ready for the white stuff.

Apropos of nothing, son-in-law Tom sent me this photo of a GL1800 whose owner didn't know when to stop. I would hate to be around this on a sunny day.

Perhaps this is a little too much chrome?

The Blog of Blogs

2011-11-13T23:00:00.033-05:00

Today was the 13th and, even if it wasn't Friday, you just knew something had to go wrong.

Several years ago, I saw that there were getting to be more and more blogs being done by my VROC family. I thought it would be nice to have one location where people could check and see what was going on in the VROC blogosphere, so I started a blog of blogs. Rather than just list them, I discovered a Blogger gadget that would maintain them in the order in which posts were made. The most recently active blogs would keep moving to the top. It was slick and every time that I saw a new blog over the last few years, I added it to the list.

Today, I was doing some editing and added a test entry. When I went to delete, I accidentally selected the button that deleted the gadget instead of the individual item. You would think that there would be a confirmation dialogue for something this drastic. Something that said "You are about to delete two years of work. Are you sure you want to proceed?" But no, Blogger didn't anticipate a simple wrong keystroke and the gadget, along with all the painstakingly collected links, was gone into the ether. Without an Undo option! I am usually scrupulous about backing things up but I'm not even sure it would have been possible in this case.

So I put out the word out to VROC for blog links. And I checked the profiles of some prolific VROC bloggers to find not only their own blogs, but other ones they follow. I now have well over 100 discovered. The one problem is sheer volume. I maintain one travel blog so that would be a single brief operation to add my entire history to the list. A few others do this, too. But some of the most interesting bloggers in our circle start new ones for each separate trip or topic and it will take quite some time to add them, one by one, to the list. But I'm working on it.

A tip to novice bloggers. Blogger allows you up to 99 blogs for your user ID. I have four. Skid & Sandy On The Road (this one), Skid's Letters (to record my letters to the editor), Skid's Random Thoughts (musings that I occasionally save for posterity) and the Blog of Blogs. It will be easier for your followers to reflect on your history if you limit the number of blogs you maintain. Posterity will thank you for it. For those who have myriad different ones, they are important enough to me to spend from now until Christmas making sure the links are all collected in one place. And for all who take the time to share their lives in our common community, thank you so very much. Keep writing.

Woodstock Ontario to Sudbury Ontario

2011-11-06T23:00:00.040-05:00

We set the clocks back last night. Earlier sunrise, earlier sunset. It was a bright sunny morning in Woodstock, very unseasonable. We again stopped at McDonald's for food and Canadian Tire for gas and then headed straight into Toronto on the 401 at a blistering 100 KPH. The drive was uneventful as we caught the 400 north for home.

After a stop at Waubaushene for a 5 Hour Energy drink, we continued on. There was a traffic enforcement blitz near Moon River but it was no concern of ours at the speed we were traveling. North of Parry Sound we encountered a few motorcycles on the road, unbelievable for this time of year. We made one more stop at the French River Trading Post and then pushed on for the last forty miles.

Strange clouds near Parry Sound

Soon after we left the Trading Post, I started feeling weak and shaky and started sweating. A quick glucose check showed my blood sugar was only 3.7 (67 for my American friends), exceptionally low for me. Since I don't use insulin, hypoglycemia is't usually a problem for me so we didn't have any sugar in the vehicle nor anywhere to get some before Sudbury. I pulled over and let Sandy drive.

Once in town, we stopped for fuel and a Mars bar. The mileage was only 25.6 MP(US)G this time, probably because we didn't take back roads in the south and kept to 100 KPH in the 90 stretches, but it was still way better than usual. The chocolate bar kicked in but I immediately developed a migraine aura. As with the few times they have hit me in recent years, it was a silent migraine. No pain, just a feeling of pressure in my head.

On the way home, we saw motorcycles everywhere. Again, very strange for this time of year. We picked up some groceries and got in with plenty of time to catch the NASCAR race from Texas.

Today's Route (318 van miles):

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Moving Kim and Mike

2011-11-05T23:00:00.081-04:00

We had originally been told to be at Kim and Mike's for 8:00 AM but got a call suggesting an hour later wouldn't be a problem. When we left, we took two vehicles, Heather traveling with me and Sandy going with Tom. We made a quick stop at Starbucks to get Kim a pumpkin spice latte.

When we got to the house, it was apparent that the rest of the crew arrived at or before the original time. Mike, his buddy Jay, his brother and brother-in-law, who looked like the front line of a football team, had the truck in place and were well on their way to filling it with furniture and appliances. Being smaller and older, I just stayed out of their way, disconnecting cables on the entertainment centre and helping Mike's mom Gale and the ladies load smaller stuff into the two minivans. We made a couple of trips to the new house and the rental truck made two as well. It went pretty well and everything was in the new place by 3:00 PM.

The A Team taking a well deserved break

The second load is well under way

As we were wrapping up, Mike ordered some Mr. Topper's pizza for the crew and everyone took a sustenance break. Then the heavy hitters left and I followed Mike as took the truck back to the Penske shop, After looking all around the closed building, we found the key drop off box.and then I brought him back to the house,

Mean looking Gremlin in the Penske yard

We did our best to move the boxes and things from the garage to the appropriate levels but it will be some time before it is all squared away. About three, they went to pick up the girls from the baby sitter's.

Kim taking a break in the family room

Heather resting

Tom found some floor

Mike and Sandy comparing notes

Mike and Robyn

One last thing on Mike's list was a new TV. His old 27" CRT set was toast and he was wrestling with what to get, considering the myriad units on the market. Tom had a nice Samsung 46" LCD he had gotten last year and I have a several year old 42" Panasonic Viera plasma, so we took him shopping. Our first stop was Sears, where they had the same set as Tom's, but for over $100 less than a year ago. After comparing sets and talking to the sales guys, that is the one he settled on. Because Sears didn't have a suitable TV stand (it needs doors because of the kids), we went on to Best Buy where Mike chose what he wanted but would have to go to the Kitchener store tomorrow to pick it up. Best Buy had the same TV but it was priced higher than Sears.

Mike sent this picture of the new TV

On the way home, we picked up Arby's for everyone. Back at the house, we ate Beef 'n Cheddar sandwiches and curly fries. Hunger satiated, the four of us drove back to Woodstock. It was an early night to bed.

Sudbury Ontario to Woodstock Ontario

2011-11-04T23:00:00.089-04:00

Yesterday, I gave the Wing its pre-storage oil change. I was joined for this season end ritual by Leo, who had never changed the oil himself in his new (to him) GoldWing. Leo's bike was a little harder to do because the wires from his low mounted driving lights interfered with the removal and re-installation of the oil filter, but we got the job done.

Today, we were off to the south again to help Mike and Kim move to their new house. Mike would be getting the 16' Penske rental truck about 1:00 PM and planned to move the contents of his 10x10 storage unit this afternoon. Moving the from the old house was scheduled for tomorrow when Tom, Mike's friend Jay, his brother and brother-in-law would be available to do the heavy lifting. To get there in time today, we were on the road by 7:10 AM.

There was a thick coating of frost on everything as we set out in the dark. The traffic was light as we followed Highway 69 south at my new leisurely pace.

Sunrise on a northern highway

Heavy frost and gnarly trees

The trip was uneventful. Because it was early in the day, I opted to take the big road through Toronto but skipped the 407 ETR toll road in favour of the 401. As we passed Canada's Wonderland, we could see a crane hoisting sections of yet one more roller coaster into place. This one looks like it will have an extreme drop. We haven't been to Wonderland in years but I'd love to go back if I could find someone who liked thrill rides to go with me.

New roller coaster (green) at Canada's Wonderland

The exit from 400 to 401 west was still under heavy construction. The sign says it will be done by fall of 2013 which seems like an awfully long time, but it has been a major traffic pinch point for years and needs to be improved.

We arrived in Cambridge at just after 1:00. A quick fuel stop showed the benefit of slower driving was still there with mileage improving again to 26.9 MP(US)G. We got to the house and Sandy stayed with Kim and the girls while I drove Mike over to get the rental truck. Then we headed for the storage facility on Franklin Blvd.

I have seen many storage facilities but never one like this. The entire place was indoors with an internal loading bay and external loading docks. Mike had forgotten the key for his unit so one of the employees got bolt cutters. The cutters were old and didn't do a really good job. The new cutters were out on the company truck. After a lot of gnawing and twisting at the lock with the cutters, the final break was achieved with pliers. A 10x10 locker can hold a lot of stuff. Some of the boxes were packed by my daughter who packed by volume rather than weight. No skin off her nose because she didn't have to lift the large box full to the top with books.....

Rental truck ready to load at storage facility

A nice sized little truck waiting to be loaded

Mike is still smiling

Indoor storage and hand trucks for loading - a soft touch

When we had finished loading the truck, and the contents just fit, we drove over to the new house and Mike and I unloaded the contents into the garage. We tried to move as many things to the appropriate rooms but lack of labeling limited our effectiveness.

The new house - who would believe five levels?

Unloading into the new garage

When the truck was empty, we left it there and went back to the old house to rejoin Kim, Sandy and the grandkids. We stayed for a while before heading on to Tom and Heather's in Woodstock for a good night's rest before the big move tomorrow.

Jolene looks ready for winter

Today's Route (322 van miles):

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Woodstock Ontario to Sudbury Ontario

2011-11-01T23:00:00.076-04:00

Heather and Tom left for work at 7:30 AM this morning and we hit the road at the same time. It was an unseasonably warm morning with no frost. We stopped at McDonald's in Woodstock for breakfast to go and then fueled up at Canadian Tire before taking Highway 401 East through banks of fog. I resolved to see what lower speed would do for our fuel economy and motored along in the right lane at the 100 KPH speed limit. Perhaps piloting the motorhome has given me more patience. Maybe I'm just getting old.

Foggy southern Ontario countryside

Pea soup

I'm glad it's a divided highway

Lights on, everyone

Because it was morning rush hour on a Tuesday in Toronto, we opted to take the back roads north of the city and retraced the new route we took coming down. This is the best way I have found for avoiding the larger centres but I doubt if we'll use it much because the southern legs actually travel southeast, resulting in a backtrack. Highway 24 out of Cambridge through Guelph is the most direct route.

In Caledon, Sandy needed to use the facilities so we stopped at the Eddie Shack Donut Shop. Eddie's chain never took off quite the way Tim Horton's did. Maybe one reason is because their washrooms are locked and for customers only.

Eddie Shack Donuts - Caledon Ontario

Still needing a rest room, we went on a few miles to Mono Mills on Highway 9 and stopped at the more friendly Tim Horton's. The Shell station there had fuel advertised at $1.179/liter. I can't remember the last time I saw gas under $1.20. And, to add icing to the cake,the sun came out.

Fuel price in Mono Mills Ontario

Heading north towards Barrie on the 400, we caught up to two Wide Load portable buildings out of Indiana. They were taking up more than a whole lane and we watched one of them clear the overpass at Highway 88 by inches. At speed. I would hate to be pulling that load.

Wide load in the fog on 400 north

He wasn't changing lanes, just wandering

Less than inches to spare

In Barrie, we ran into more fog. Then, north of there, Highway 400 northbound went down to one lane due to resurfacing operations. I'm glad to see the new asphalt (which we Canucks strangely pronounce aSHphalt) but wonder if November is the best time to do this. No tourists or cottage country traffic, I guess. The sad thing is that the areas of new asphalt are rippled. Not uncommon these days, I have found.

We stopped at the McDonald's in Parry Sound to grab lunch. North of there on the two-lane Highway 69, we found a crew grinding the centre line and adding centre rumble strips. I think these are a great idea and, after seeing them for years in the US, am glad to see Ontario is adding them. They should alert distracted or sleepy drivers before they cross over into oncoming traffic.

Black storm clouds near Sudbury

Blue sky the other direction

The storm clouds bearing down on Sudbury slid north of the city by the time we got there. I fueled up and got the verdict on the lower speed. Typically, our 2003 Dodge Caravan with its 3.3L V6 has given us 22 to 23 MP(US)G on the highway at 18 KPH above the posted limits. Today, we got 26.3. That is a significant difference at today's gas prices.

This week, I have an Action Sudbury meeting, we both have appointments with the sawbones and I will work a charity Bingo before we head back south on Friday to help Kim and Mike move to the new house.

Today's Route (322 van miles):

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Halloween in Cambridge

2011-10-31T23:00:00.096-04:00

This morning, Heather and Tom headed off for work. I continued tinkering between my slow computer, trying older restore points and disabling some processes. These efforts picked up the speed a little but it still isn't where it should be. I miss Windows 3.1, where I knew what the computer was doing. Whoever invented the Registry, with its millions of lines of undecipherable instructions, deserves a special place in Hell.

At lunch time, Sandy and I went over to the Heritage Pancake House on Julianna Street, which was fairly empty. We each had soup and split a clubhouse sandwich. This is one of the few places that doesn't take VISA. Then we stopped by WalMart looking for some slippers for Sandy. It seems her other pair somehow got purple paint on them. As usual, she didn't see anything she liked.

We left for Cambridge about 4:00 PM. Everyone was home by 5:00 and, after the kids had supper, it was time for costumes. Robyn was a flower while Jolene was a cupcake. It seemed to take forever to get dark and I kept watching the street to see if the house lights were on or if other Trick Or Treater's were out and about.

How have these plants avoided the frost?

Any kids out there yet?

I think I see someone

Maybe I'll just take some candy from our bowl

Let's get the show on the road

Robyn sees more stairs and away she goes

Finally, time to go

Mike had gone over to the new house to hand out candy. Sandy stayed at the old house while Kim and I went out with the kids. Kim carried Robyn while I walked with Jolene. Last year, Mike and I had rehearsed Jojo on how to say "Trick or treat" and she was good at it until we got to the first door. Then it was deer in the headlights as she stood there in awe. This year, she was right on the money with "Trick or treat" and "Thank you". We only did about a dozen houses or so before we worked our way back home.

Trick Or Treat

Grandma Sandy, we're home

Back home, Jolene helped hand out candy to the other kids as they came to the door. She seemed to be a big hit with the older ones. She only had a couple of candies but one of the new things in the candy bag were little containers of Play-Doh, and she amused herself with them.

Making things with Play-Doh

I'm not sure what it is but it looks good

Mom and Grandma unwind

But what is Jolene up to over there?

As the streets cleared, Mike returned from the new house. It seems the youth density in both neighborhoods is about the same since each house had about fifty callers. I reflected back on my old friend Tarkus' annual rant on how Trick Or Treating was teaching our children to be share-the-wealth liberals. I miss arguing politics with him but he has moved on to other interests.

We left for Woodstock about 8:30, encountering a little rain on the way. We reflected on the ideal Halloween weather while the kids were out. Not too cold with no wind or wet at all. Back at Tom and Heather's, we saw what Tom had done with the pumpkin they had. This Jack O' Lantern is absolutely amazing. Without the candle inside, it looked like a series of random cuts but when it was lit, the face appeared. A work of art.

I'm not a Simpsons fan but it might be Ned Flanders.

It was a quiet evening and we were all in bed early.

More Waterloo and Cambridge Ontario

2011-10-30T23:00:00.035-04:00

Sandy and I were up again and on the road back to Cambridge this morning. When we got there, Sandy and Kim loaded up their paint and equipment and set off to the new house to paint Jolene's bedroom light purple, her favourite colour, while Mike and I entertained the kids at the old house. Kim called soon after because the new door key they had cut didn't work in the door so I hopped over with my copy, which worked just fine.

Sisterly love

The family that plays together, stays together

Back at the old place, Mike and I held down the fort until lunch time. Then we loaded the kids in his new 1500 RAM truck and stopped by McDonald's for a bag of burgers and fries before heading over to the new house to feed the painters (and us).

The painting was coming along well, although there appeared to be philosophical differences between Mike's and Kim's methods. No problem, though, because Kim and Sandy were doing the job so the ladies did it their way. The downstairs bedroom will be the playroom and Mike had brought some toys over so Jolene and Robyn played down there. Except when Robyn headed for the stairs, which was often. She likes to climb and the child gates weren't in place yet, so we had to keep a close eye on her. That didn't stop her from slipping on a step, hitting her chin and biting her tongue, but it was a minor injury.

Jolene still loves her Elmo couch/daybed

And she wants Robyn to love it too

Forget it, I'm out of here

When the painting was done, we headed back to the old house where came made up some tasty homemade pizzas. Then Sandy and I headed back to Woodstock for the night.

Waterloo and Cambridge Ontario

2011-10-29T23:00:00.015-04:00

We were up this morning and headed back to Cambridge with Heather and Tom, stopping at Starbucks to get Kim a pumpkin spice latte. We spent most of the morning playing with the kids and then Sandy, Heather, Kim and I went shopping. First stop was at People's Jewelers so Heather could get her wedding and engagement rings checked and cleaned. Then it was on to a paint store to get a can because Kim and Sandy planned to repaint Jolene's new room tomorrow.

For supper, we ordered dinner for pick up from Mostly Thai in downtown Galt. Tom and I went to pick the order up but I erroneously plugged the address in as Ainslie Street South. That happens to be a bowling alley next to the fancy new local bus depot. Once we swapped to North, we found the place easily. I don't think I have ever eaten Thai before but found it quite tasty.

After supper, we returned to Woodstock for the night. At the house, we watched some TV and then I settled in to read Niven's Juggler of Worlds, a book Cat let me take when we visited them in California back in June. I really enjoy Larry Niven's stories about Known Space. This one retells the familiar Beowulf Shaeffer stories from a completely different perspective. The fact that I fell asleep while reading should not be taken as a negative commentary on a very good book.

Sudbury Ontario to Woodstock Ontario

2011-10-28T23:00:00.096-04:00

Yesterday, we finished the fall yard work including final lawn mowing and late fall fertilizing along with pulling some of the more obstinate weeds. I like to think of the Fiskars tool I use for the large weeds as a supplementary lawn aerator, two tools in one. Today, we are heading to Cambridge and Woodstock to see the family and, on Monday, take Jolene Trick or Treating.

It was clear and sunny this morning. The early temperature was below freezing but it improved significantly before we left at 11:00 AM. Before we hit the road, I called ETR 407 toll road around Toronto to get three erroneous charges in September, billed against the motorhome which hadn't left Sudbury since before they were incurred, erased. They checked the photos and agreed that the plate they had looked like mine but wasn't. There is now a flag on the plate so that if it comes up, they will visually verify it. They also told me that they were no longer charging the video fee for non-transponder equipped motorcycles. Good to know.

It was a good day to travel. The fall colours are pretty well done for the year, except for the golden needles on the tamarack trees.

Tamarack trees along Highway 69

The old master at the wheel

Traffic was light southbound but got busier on the 400 south of Barrie so I got off at Highway 9 and headed west to Mono Mills, our usual route when I want to avoid heavy Toronto traffic. Then it was south on Airport Road for a few miles and then southwest on 24 and south again at Eramosa. When we reached Highway 7, I tried something new and continued south all the way to Wellington 34, which took us to Highway 6 and the 401. From there, it was a short hop to Townline Road in Cambridge.

I noted that both Service Centres on the 401 near Cambridge were closed. The sign said they were being redeveloped to serve us better. That's also what the sign says at the former Service Centre on the northbound 400 Highway at Barrie, but they demolished that one in May 2010 and there has been no sign of rebuilding, renovating or anything else since then. To check it out, I went to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website and found a page on these renovations. Construction is supposed to commence in Barrie in the fall of 2011 and at the Cambridge facilities during the winter of 2011/12. Okay, it is late October 2011 and there is absolutely no activity in Barrie. Furthermore, while the Cambridge sites are scheduled to be reopened in the fall of 2012, the Barrie date is yet to be announced. OK, so much for my sniveling about MTO and how they look out for the traveler. Back to the trip at hand.

We arrived at Kim and Mike's about 4:30. Kim was already home and, soon after, Mike arrived with the kids. We hadn't seen them since July so the changes were obvious. Jolene is still talking a blue streak but her vocabulary has increased substantially. And Robyn, who just turned one, is walking. And she took to me right away, which was a big change from July. I never realized that grandchildren were going to be so much fun.

Robyn and Mommy

Jolene in traveling mode

Three generations

I think Robyn wants me to pick her up

Sandy brought the ingredients to make a casserole for supper and got to work while I played with the young ones. Heather and Tom arrived from work and, eventually, we all sat down to eat. Later, Mike discovered that the second pound of ground beef (the recipe was doubled) was still in the microwave where it had been defrosting. Shades of Clara Peller. But even if it was a little light on the meat side, it was good.

Jolene uses the spoon and bowl for supper

Robyn doesn't:-)

After supper, Kim took Sandy and I plus Heather and Tom over to the new house they had just bought. They decided a while back that they needed more room than the two story three bedroom semi-detached they bought about five years ago, and managed to find a place that fit the bill just about a mile from their current abode. Their offer was successful and they sold the old place for just above their asking price within a week of listing it. The new place is a back split on a lot that slopes to the rear of the lot. The top floor has three bedrooms and a bathroom, the main floor has a living/dining room, kitchen and large garage and, one level down, there is a family room with fireplace, another bedroom, a large renovated bathroom and sliding doors leading out to a huge back deck complete with pergola. Down from this in the front is a level with a laundry room and sizable unfinished basement and, one more level down in the back, the furnace room, a storage area and a workshop. That's right, five levels. There should be no problem with room now. We will be back next weekend to help with the big move.

After returning to the old house, we followed Heather and Tom to Woodstock where we would be spending the nights during this stay, arriving at 10:30. I spent the rest of the evening wrestling with my little ASUS netbook, which has slowed way down due to what appears to be some kind of corruption of the Windows XP operating system. I tried going back to prior restore points with no luck. This happened once before and it took a clean install of the operating system to fix it. I will probably have to do that again when I get a chance. Then it was off to bed.

Today's Route (325 van miles):

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The Motorhome Is Stored

2011-10-22T23:00:00.001-04:00

Today, the motorhome was put away for the winter. It is now residing in Rob and Chantal's spacious back yard in Val Therese until spring. Thanks to both of them for the generous offer of the space.

A couple of weeks ago, I took it into Don't RV for regular roof maintenance, which included cleaning, UV treating, caulk checking and TV antenna gear greasing. This is something that I will eventually learn to do for myself. To make access easier, I had Andrew install a ladder on the back of the unit. The water systems were also drained and winterized with non-toxic anti-freeze and the two house batteries were pulled so I could take them inside and put them on battery tenders. If I had known there was power available at Rob's, I would have left them in place and simply plugged in the shore line to keep them charged.

Everything was removed from the RV and put in the basement at the house. We will decide in the spring just what needs to go back in because we were certainly over equipped this year. We filled the fuel tank and added three cans of Sea Foam, about right for the 55 USG tank. The propane tank had been filled after the last trip.

Today, we hooked up the trailer and drove it out to the Valley. I pulled the tire pressure sensors off the wheels and will replace the batteries before re-installing them in the spring. I taped plastic sheets over the external vents for the fridge, furnace and water heater. I climbed the new ladder and put a cover over the A/C unit. Sandy liberally spread fabric softener sheets throughout the unit to keep rodents at bay. Then Rob hooked up and backed the trailer into the yard and I moved the motorhome back beside it, parking the wheels on sheets of 1/2" plywood. I cracked the roof vents, which are protected by Max-Air covers, to enable the moisture to escape and Rob and I put the tire covers on using the awning pole technique sandy devised last year. The fridge was left open. And we locked it up. All that remains is to pick up a tender for the house battery.

I hope everything is good to go. I see many units stored outside all winter and, barring last year when this one was in Alabama, it was stored the same way. So we'll keep an eye on it and start planning for next season.

Freedom Riders North Bay Ride

2011-10-08T23:00:00.110-04:00

The fall has been unseasonably warm and the forecast for this weekend was no different. I put out a call to the Freedom Riders yesterday to see if anyone was up for one more ride and got replies from Dan and Rob that they would be heading for North Bay today. Doug said he and Carol might join us too.

This morning was clear and dry with a forecast high of 24C. Couldn't ask for better. Rob said we would leave from Tim's on Levesque Street at 10:30. Sandy and I left the house at 9:55, stopping for gas on the way. When we got to Tim's, Rob, Dan and Tracey were already there. We waited to see who would show up. Doug and Carol arrived on their V-Strom right at the appointed time.

Dan, Sandy and Tracey waiting at Tim's

Tracey and Sandy in deep discussion

Rob took the lead, setting a leisurely pace about 10 KPH above the posted limit. We didn't get far because the railway crossing gates at Coniston came down just as we got there. Rob made it through while the rest of us waited for a seemingly endless inter-modal train to go by. It was long enough that they had helper engines in the middle and at the end.

Rob waits for us as we wait for the train to go by

CN helper engine at Coniston

Once the train cleared the highway, we continued on our way enjoying the unseasonably fine day. I don't know what you call Indian Summer in these politically correct days, but this is one of them. The trees were still showing some good colour.

Fall colours along Highway 17

More fall colours

Approaching Warren, an OPP cruiser came out of town and headed east ahead of us with the lights going. I noted the side marker lights as it came out of the side street weren't very visible. Half way to Verner, we found the reason for his rush. A car heading west had driven into a deep ditch. Asleep, forced off, swerved to avoid a moose? Who knows? It didn't look too serious.

We stopped at RL Equipment in Verner, a Honda/Yamaha dealer where I take the Wing for service. They had few bikes and fewer snowmobiles but there was quite an ATV selection. I was looking at a nice 11 HP tracked Honda snowblower but stopped looking when I found it had a price tag of $4,000. My twenty year old unit still works and I've only used it a couple of times in each of the last two winters. If necessary, I can get a good unit to replace it for less than half the cost of the Honda. Outside, we talked to a couple from North Bay on a new (to them) GL1800 who were headed to Sudbury for a ride.

RL Equipment in Verner

From Verner, we continued on to North Bay as the temperature climbed.

Lake Nipissing

Good group discipline on Highway 17

More fall foliage along Highway 17

Doug and Carol in North Bay

In the Bay, we stopped at Burger World for lunch. I had a bacon cheeseburger with soup instead of fries (trying to watch the calories) while Sandy had a corned beef on rye sandwich.

Rob, Tracey, Doug and Dan outside Burger World

Rather than go directly back to Sudbury, we opted to head north for a ways on Highway 11 to Marten River. That is spelled with an E because it is named for the member of the weasel family that is popular with trappers. Marten River was, in fact, home to a Trapper's Museum although I can't find anything that says it still exists.

At the crossroads that is Marten River, we turned right on Highway 64. This shortcut was opened in 1971 and I first rode it when it was still gravel. It is now a nicely paved road with sweeping corners and not much traffic. I was particularly impressed by the way Tracey rode. She was second to Rob and was rock steady the whole time.

Riding Highway 64

We passed through the small community of Field and continued on back to Highway 17 in Sturgeon Falls. There, we adjourned to Tim's for a brief comfort stop. We met some riders from the Valley who knew Rob and Dan and spent some time swapping tales.

Seen at Tim's in Surgeon Falls

I had planned to go south from Verner to Noelville and then swing back up to Hagar but it was running late and our friend John from Ottawa was due to stop by. Doug's hip was hurting so we both headed directly back, with a side trip up the Garson Coniston Road as we reached town. John was waiting when we got home.

It was an unexpectedly good day for a ride but i still need to work on my photos. I take some but, unlike Sherm, Stewey and others, I often don't think of getting the camera out and don't realize what I missed until I am writing the day up later. I'm going to try to make a conscious effort to do better in the future.

Soon it will be time to store the bike and RV but I bet I can get a few more riding days in before then.

Today's Route (206 motorcycle miles):

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Arrive Alive Conference - Barrie Ontario

2011-10-03T23:00:00.030-04:00

Normie and I just got back from the Arrive Alive Drive Sober Conference in Barrie, Ontario. We are both directors of Action Sudbury, a local group dedicated to the elimination of tragedies caused by drinking and driving. This year's theme was Impaired Driving - What's Next.

We left yesterday after the Freedom Riders monthly meeting. Norm rented a black GM Tahoe that looked every bit like a police vehicle. That was probably appropriate because probably 60% of the conference attendees were on the job. Unfortunately, he couldn't find any magnet mount roof antennas to complete the image. It was a very comfortable vehicle, considering that it was basically a truck.

We arrived in Barrie (180 miles south of Sudbury) and checked into the host Holiday Inn just as the official Arrive Alive Annual Meeting was ending. Action Sudbury Chairman Ron and Treasurer Gary were already there. We all went out to Wild Wing for, you guessed it, wings for supper. I had my favourite, a dry Cajun rub. Then we returned to the hotel and sought out the hospitality room where we mingled with attendees, mostly cops and government employees, from across the province. Then it was off to bed.

The hotel workout room opened at 5:30 AM. I was there soon after and found no one else was similarly motivated. The security guard turned the lights on for me and I figured out the nuances of the equipment before putting in 45 minutes of cardio. Then it was back to the room for showering a dressing before heading to the hot breakfast buffet.

We were in the meeting room on time. the first presentation was from ladies representing the Ministry of Transportation and Attorney General, who updated us regarding recent and proposed changes in legislation. Then we were briefed on the status of remediation programs and new hardware available. After a buffet lunch (I skipped dessert), we were given an excellent presentation by an OPP Traffic Staff Sergeant regarding distracted driving and another of the use of social media to carry the message to youth using methods they can relate to. I particularly liked the Happy Hour Fail piece.

At the afternoon break, Ron and Gary headed for home. Norm and I stayed to take in the presentations on Off Road Vehicles and Motorized Snow Vehicles since we had what might be called a professional interest.

We were on the road just after 4:30 and arrived home about 8:00 after a quick bite at Lick's south of Parry Sound. It's been a long time since I had a Homeburger, but I had back bacon on a bun instead.

I decided to attend the conference this year to see what other areas are doing in terms of anti drinking and driving initiatives. We will be sitting down in December to do some strategic planning and I can use all the ideas I can find to add to the mix. There wasn't any magic bullet that I could see but I did learn a few new things that could prove useful. And I expect I'll head back down again next year.

Freedom Riders Countdown Ride To Elliot Lake

2011-09-25T23:00:00.136-04:00

We enjoyed our Colour Run last weekend so much that Ride Captain Nepper decided we should squeeze at least one more ride in. The forecast for today was excellent so he sent a message out saying that he'd like to lead us to Elliot Lake, about 100 miles west of Sudbury.

The day dawned warmer than last Sunday, 9C versus 4, but it didn't really dawn all that much. We looked out to see a heavy blanket of fog laying low on the land. Nepper said we should meet at Mr. J's Roadhouse in Lively at 9:30. I wasn't sure whether this meant we would depart at 9:30 or if we would have time to eat first, so I talked to Leo and we decided to arrive early.

Leo arrived at 8:00 AM sharp (the man is punctual) and we headed out through town soon after. Although it was warmer than last week according to the thermometer, it sure didn't feel like it in the damp fog. Sandy had her Gerbing heated liner turned up and I ignored it as best I could.

Riding through the fog to Lively

We were the first to reach the restaurant so we went inside and ordered some food. Sandy just took hot chocolate while Leo and I had ham and egg sandwiches. Soon the others started to arrive, most having coffee or some other type of warm beverage. We agreed that we would ride to Elliot Lake and back but would skip the Deer Trail because of negative reports about the pavement condition. We didn't want a replay of last week's Aspdin Road episode.

Gathering at Mr' J's Roadhouse

We were on the road shortly after the posted time with Nepper in the lead. We followed Municipal Road 55 through Whitefish to where it joined Highway 17. As we prepared to turn left onto the main highway, another group of bikes went by heading west. We fell in behind them and could tell from the patch on the tail end rider that they were the local chapter of the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers. They were moving at about 10 KPH above the limit so we followed them to Nairn Centre, where they pulled off at the truck stop. We continued on another ten miles to the Tim Horton's at the Espanola turnoff.

Nepper on his Victory Vision leading us through the fog

The CMC riders ahead of us

While stopped at the Tim's, I talked to a few other riders who were planning to join some others for a run through the Deer Trail. One was on a Nomad and another had an immaculate GL1100 Goldwing Interstate painted a pale yellow. I wish I had thought to take a picture. Then another Nomad rolled in and Sandy and were pleasantly surprised to discover it was Heather and Jim, a couple we haven't seen in many years. Jim bought the Nad last fall after not riding for over 35 years. They were also headed for Elliot Lake so I invited them to join us. Roger also arrived from the island with a new rear tire on his Harley.

Nepper led us west again as the fog finally cleared. The trees were much more colourful than last week. Sandy took many photos which I posted in a separate entry just before this one. After we passed some slow traffic, I noted that Jim was holding back a bit. Heather wasn't comfortable with the buffeting at higher speeds, so Leo and I stuck with them. Jim is new to group riding but has learned the first lesson right off the bat. Ride your own ride and don't feel pressured to step outside your comfort zone.

Elliot lake lies about sixteen miles north of Highway 17. That last stretch on Highway 108 is a very nice ride, especially when it is bordered by trees of gold and crimson. When we reached town, we caught up with the lead group and followed them to the Fireside Grill. Imagine our surprise in discovering it was now a Shopper's Drug Mart. A nice local lady directed us to the restaurant's new location. I should mention that there was a middle group that had gotten mislaid but they found us as we were moving to the new location.

Welcome to Elliot Lake

Lunch was very good. I had half a club wrap and lobster bisque while Sandy had a chicken Caesar wrap and acorn squash soup. After lunch, we headed for the Fire Tower Lookout, located on a hill just north of town. From there, you can see all the way across the lakes and colour-tinged hills to Georgian Bay.

Parked at the Fireside Grill

The road to the Lookout

Bear activity included at no extra charge

Nicky surveys the Northern Ontario terrain

More lakes than Minnesota

New rider Heather

Two Jim's

We left Elliot Lake in two groups. Nepper led the first and Jim and Heather led the second. Gary V dropped into the second group with Leo and I but, since Nepper reduced his pace, we were together all the way to Highway 17.

Jim and Heather on their 1600 Nomad

Yes, I waved at the motorhome

Leo on his pretty '08 Goldwing

The two groups separated a bit once we started east on Highway 17. There was an unplanned stop in Spanish due to a luggage malfunction on Terry's Valkyrie. Then it was on to the Tim's at the Espanola turnoff again, where we made our final group stop. There, wonder of wonders, we met another couple we haven't seen in a long time. Ted and Helena from Blezard Valley, on another Nomad, are a couple we rode with to the west coast back in 2000. That was a significant trip, the first long ride on our 2000 Nad, where we first met Scorpion, Sherm and other northwest VROC icons.

Terry fixing his saddlebag lid

Ted and Helena

The group rolled out while we were talking with Ted and Helena. Then Jim and Heather left after giving me their Email address so I could send them some info on VROC and more comfortable seats. When I finally left, Ted and Helena were behind us but, in my rush to catch the others and get some more spirited miles on, I lost them as I was cutting through the Sunday afternoon traffic. We did catch Jim and Heather just before Lively.

We rode through town and arrived home thankful for another great day of riding with like-minded friends. With the benign way the autumn has fallen the last few years, there may be time to squeeze a few more in before it is time to hang up the helmets.

Nepper's Ride Report

Today's Route (221 motorcycle miles):

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Countdown Ride - The Colours of Fall

2011-09-25T22:55:00.002-04:00

Freedom Riders Fall Colour Run

2011-09-18T23:00:00.179-04:00

Happy 56th Birthday to my brother Dave, aka Rabbi.

Our local riding club, the Freedom Riders, have traditionally waited until late in the season for our Annual Fall Colour Run. It wasn't a deliberate plan, but the last big ride usually found us riding past trees which had lost most of their leaves as the small crew who were brave (read dumb) enough to venture out struggled to avoid frostbite. It does seem possible that we are able to learn from our mistakes, though, because the 2011 Colour Run was scheduled for today. Destination was Parry Sound, 100 miles south of us, plus any optional routes worked out by the riders.

It was a fine morning for a fall ride. The sky was a clear blue and the temperature was 5C (41F) as I ignored the layer of frost and went out to check the bike tires. Due to the cold, the pressure read about 4 PSI low in each tire so I topped them up. I also checked the oil, which was right up and still looking clean. I haven't changed the oil all year but then I have barely ridden enough miles to warrant it.. My hip is only mildly complaining with a dull ache this morning and I was looking forward to breaking in my new Tourmaster Solution 2 boots.

Leo showed up precisely at 8:30 and we headed out together for the rendezvous at the Tim Horton's on the south side of town, filling up at the Canadian Tire gas bar on the way in to avoid then new supposed $5.00 fine for showing up without a full tank of fuel. When we got there, Road Captain Nepper was waiting with his elegant Victory Vision and President Rob had his Victory, back from the shop after being fixed following the July wreck. Don had his pretty blue Harley, Roger his black one and Ken was on his ST1300. Rob's dad, Ray, had his usual and Terry rolled in last on the yellow Valk. Sandy surprised me when she decided to come along but it turned out she was the only lady who did.

I had breakfast (ham breakfast sandwich on an English muffin, hash browns and one of the new extra-large coffees). The coffee was so large that I filled my 20 oz. Butler mug and had enough left over to drink with my food.

Mingling at Tim's before the ride

Group photo (before)

Terry, Ray, Ken, Sandy, Rob, Nepper and Don (missing Roger)

We rode south on Highway 69 with President Rob in the lead and made a stop 40 miles out at the French River Trading Post. Rob tried out a new way of parking when we stopped but, after due consideration, I think most of us will continue to park our bikes upright.

The temperature rises on a bright, sunny day

On the road again

Soaking up sunshine at the French River Trading Post

Then it was on to Parry Sound where we stopped at the Trapper's Choice Restaurant, recommended by members Jack and Cathay, who live in the town. They joined us and Cathay's Sportster, another of the bikes that was involved in the July crash, was back together and looking good. They seated us upstairs at the restaurant and we ordered from a server with nice dimples. Sandy and I both had the special, chicken Parmesan on a bun, but she ordered the salad while I opted for tomato macaroni soup.

Trapper's Choice Restaurant - Parry Sound

Terry orders while Nepper makes a point

A fine looking couple

A hungry Ken patiently waiting for food

Chicken Parmesan on a bun with tomato macaroni soup (for Sherm)

The 100 miles to Parry Sound was just to get us to some good riding roads. After lunch, we fueled up and left town heading south on Old Highway 69, jumping on the divided 400 for a few miles before getting off on Old 69 again and then turning left on Highway 141. Jack, Cathay and Terry peeled off a short way later because they had other commitments later in the day. Although the trees were starting to change colour nicely in Sudbury, south of the French River most of them were still green with the odd flash of red, orange or yellow. But then the Colour Run isn't as much about the colours as it is about the run.

A small splash of colour in a sea of green

A few more colours

Highway 141 is one of my favourites, especially east of Rosseau. Unfortunately, leader Rob saw the Huntsville sign in Rosseau and turned left on Muskoka County 3, aka the Aspdin Road. I haven't been on this road in 25 years. The road surface wasn't much back then and I'm sorry to say that it was in the same condition today. None of us were sorry when we reached Highway 11 at Huntsville, where Rob took us a short ways north on Highway 11 before exiting at Highway 60 and finding a Dairy Queen.

Hunter's Bay - Huntsville, Ontario

Some had ice cream at the DQ but I passed because the diet I started Monday has seen me loose five pounds in six days. It's too soon to start backsliding. As they ate, we talked about options for the return trip. Rather then ride north on the relatively boring Highway 11, I suggested that we head back across the excellent stretch of Highway 141 that we had missed and return via Highway 69. With no objections, I led the way through town on a new road I had never seen before, We had to stop briefly and wait for Ray and Roger because Ray had to reattach a spark plug wire. We caught Brunel Road, or Muskoka 2, south out of town. The corner in town was under construction but, after a hairy turn and several hundred yards of gravel, we were home free.

Home free didn't last long. The road was very nice, rising, falling and sweeping. We took an almost hidden turn to the right (I wish the MTO would do something about signs obscured by trees) on Port Sydney Road (Muskoka 10) and continued rising, falling and sweeping until we made a sharp turn and crossed a bridge in the hamlet of Port Sydney. That was where I was able to see back more than a couple of bikes and realized there were only three headlights behind me. Stop and confer. Nepper and I went back looking and found them on the side of the road. It seems Roger's rear tire had decided it was tired of holding air any more. I phoned Rob and he and Leo came back to us.

Stopped on Muskoka Road 10 for a flat tire

I don't think my plug kit would fix this

Roger phoned his brother in Val Caron and asked him to come down with a trailer to get him. He moved the bike to a shaded wide spot in the shoulder to wait and, after making sure there wasn't any more than we could do, we headed out. Almost at once, we noticed that several bikes were still missing and stopped again. Ray's plug wires were still acting up. After trying some quick fixes unsuccessfully, Rob sent us on our way.

I led an enjoyable ride over Highway 141, marred for part of it by a lady in a golf visor driving a white Ford Flex. I could have accepted doing the speed limit but she felt ten under was appropriate and, on a road like this, there are virtually no places with dotted centre lines. Alone, I would have taken her in any of a number of spots (solid line passing is legal in Ontario if you have a clear view) but I was leading a group and restrained myself. Most of us did get by in one short stretch before Rosseau.

We continued on and fueled at the Petrocan south of Parry Sound. It was 120 miles home from here and there was a brief discussion about whether we would stop to eat on the way back since it was after 5:00 PM. The consensus was to ride right through so we set out. Nepper led and I took the rear position, proud of the way the five bikes moved along with no one more than a couple of feet out of position. I got a call from Rob as we were about 40 miles out (hands free cell via Bluetooth and Zumo GPS) advising Ray's problem was the plug wire at the coil and they were in North Bay, well on the way to getting home. The sun was setting as we pulled into the same Tim's from whence we had started and said our goodbyes. It wasn't an uneventful ride but it was fun. But this isn't the end. We agreed to try and get at least one more good ride in before the season is done.

Group photo (after)

Ken, Don, Sandy, Nepper & Leo

Sandy and I rode home and put the bike to bed. The new boots worked very well. One difference wearing these is that I can't ride with my toes pointed down because of the rigidity in the ankles, but they provide enough support that I was comfortable. Once I got the feel of working the stiffer ankles around the shift lever and rear brake, they were great. Anybody want to buy some rain totes?

The official Freedom Riders Ride Report

Today's Route (300 motorcycle miles):

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Bethel Maine to Sudbury Ontario

2011-09-11T23:00:00.111-04:00

This Sunday morning was cool and foggy. A somber day to remember the attacks on 9/11, ten years ago. It is hard to believe it has been that long.

Sandy and I decided to be a little healthier this morning and ordered the granola and fruit breakfast. Guess what? They were out of granola and fruit. I settled for bacon and dry French toast while Sandy had syrup on hers. We said our goodbyes and were on the road just before 9:00 AM. My initial plan had been to take two days to get home but it was only 627 miles, according to the GPS, and we decided to do it in one. I estimated we would be home by 10:00 PM.

My normal route would have been to take US 2 to St. Johnsbury, Vermont. This time, we retraced some of our Friday track by taking NH 115 to US 3, US 302 and I-93. The distance was about the same but the twenty miles on I-93 allowed us to make better time. Then, instead of continuing on US 2 to I-89, we cut diagonally northwest just past Danville on Vt 15 (aka Grand Army of the Republic Highway) and 104, catching I-89 near our turn west towards New York State. We rode this route going to Bethel a few years ago and liked it because of its steady, sweeping curves and the fact that it bypasses the cities.

Exiting I-89 at Swanton, we drove towards the bridges across the two lobes of Lake Champlain. Near the first bridge, I caught up to an SUV loaded with kayaks and bicycles. Obviously real outdoor types. I asked Sandy to get a photo so she was ready for what happened next. As we entered a straight stretch, the driver slowed right down. No signal so I assumed he did this to allow me to pass. Assuming, of course, makes an ASS out of U and ME. As I prepared to move left and cautiously overtake, he turned sharply left into a parking area with no signal or mirror check. I hope he is better with his toys than he is with his vehicle.

Unsignalled left turn - I couldn't get a licence number if I wanted to

We crossed into New York and left the clouds of Vermont behind. I am sorry the map is a bit inaccurate but Google Maps doesn't realize that the bridge at Rouse's Point is passable. I see someone complained about this in June but no one has fixed it yet. We stopped at a Price Chopper in Champlain to get Normie some Cherry Coke (unavailable in Canada) and grab lunch at the McDonald's Drive-Thru. We each had a hamburger and shared a medium order of french fries.

Continuing on, we stopped in Chateauguay, New York at a Stewart's gas station and store. In addition to fuel, they had great root beer and ice cream but all we took was the fuel. After all the slow driving in the Green and White Mountains, we got 25.1 miles per US gallon on this leg, better than my highway average of 22.4. I wanted to fuel up before the border and could have gone further but I didn't want to patronize a station on the Mohawk reserve because I won't support a business that dodges paying the same taxes as everyone else.

We crossed back into Canada at Massena/Cornwall. We stopped for a traffic light on the bridge where it was down to one lane for repairs. Then we passed the defunct Canadian customs station on Cornwall island. This was abandoned after the Mohawks, whose reserve includes the island, got upset over the arming of Canadian border agents. Finally, we saw a billboard on the Canadian side that advertised "Cornwall bridge is falling down....". I see there is a plan to replace the decrepit old bridge with a new $75 million causeway. I am all in favour of tearing the bridge down and closing the crossing. We can use Prescott/Ogdensburg or go to Quebec. The Mohawks can build their own bridge if they want to instead of claiming sovereignty while using our infrastructure. Maybe I am just getting old and crabby.

The interview at the border was enjoyable. I declared we were gone three days and had about $150 in goods (boots, book and Cherry Coke) and we were on our way in less than a minute. I guess if the heinous felon James L Robinson wants to leave the USA for Canada, we'll let him in.

Leaving Cornwall, I saw a Texas BBQ place that was closed down. I never knew it was there. My loss. We drove up 138 to Highway 417 and headed for Ottawa. The traffic was moving along at 110 to 115 KPH, a far cry from the days when this was one of the fastest stretches in Ontario and being passed at 100 MPH was a common occurrence. Traffic through Ottawa at 4:00 PM was surprisingly light and didn't hold us up at all. We did encounter the usual middle lane hogs on the six lane, one reason I wish I was equipped with push bumpers. Again, I am getting old and crabby.

We stopped at Tim Horton's in Deep River as the sun was setting for supper to go. I got two chicken ranch wraps and a muffin while Sandy chose a new sundried tomato asiago parmesan specialty bagel, which tasted like pizza. Wow. Continuing northwest, the sun was low on the horizon and often in my eyes, highlighting the pitting my windshield has taken over the last 175,000 Kms.

Sunset on Highway 17

At last, I can see again

We drove past North Bay and stopped for fuel in Sturgeon Falls. Sandy took Windex to the inside of the windshield, which helped the view. The rest of the trip was pleasant with a bright moonlit night and a cleaner windshield. The towns counted down the familiar path which I could almost do in my sleep. Sturgeon Falls, Verner, Warren, Hagar, Markstay, Wahnapitae, Coniston and, finally, Sudbury. We pulled into the driveway at 9:34, slightly better than my morning ETA. It is, however, slower than the old days when I used to travel much faster, but we got here.

This will be, barring unforeseen circumstances, our last trip of the year outside Ontario. We had planned to go to Eureka Springs, Arkansas next weekend but Sandy managed to get an appointment with the local neurologist on Friday and that takes precedence. We will, however, be making several trips to see the kids and grandkids in the next couple of months and I will get some bike riding in before the snow flies.

Today's Route (627 van miles):
Pretend we crossed the bridge at Rouse's Point

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Bethel Maine

2011-09-10T23:00:00.063-04:00

Happy Birthday to me. Fifty-nine years ago today, I came into this world in Val D'Or, Quebec. Some day, I may actually realize I'm getting older but, for now, I am happy to continue feeling like I am still a young buck. With a few aches and pains. I was overwhelmed by the greetings and congratulations from everyone via Facebook and the VROC newsgroup.

We were downstairs in the dining room shortly after 7:30 for the full breakfast that was included in the room rate. I decided a hearty start to the day was warranted and ordered a carnivore omelet and rye toast. Our big table filled up with cheerful VROCers and it was a pleasant meal.

After breakfast, those with motorcycles planned their ride for the day. Unlike many years, the sky was blue and there was no rain in the forecast. Remaining behind, Steve, Dee, Ralph, Dawn, Sandy and I decided we would kick back and take it easy.

U-Turn, Ol' Phart Joe, Lost Bob and Brad discuss route options for the ride

while Karen waits patiently

Lost Bob really likes his name

U-Turn and Ol' Phart Joe with dueling GPS's

After the riders left, the remaining six of us sat around the hotel lobby and swapped stories until lunch time. Then we adjourned to the pub where we ate a light meal. Afterwards, we wandered down the street and across the railway track to the Foothills Grill for ice cream. Then we continued to the park and followed the path for a ways, although I found a park bench for a while because my hip was still complaining. Back at the hotel, Steve, Ralph and I compared RV notes. This was good for me because they both have a lot more experience than I do.

The riders returned, all smiles, by mid-afternoon. We mingled for a while and then adjourned to the pub for a few drinks before supper. I found my blood sugar had jumped to 10.0 (160) for no good reason other than a suspicion that I was dehydrated. I drank a full jug of water and, within an hour, it was down to 6.4 (115). That served to remind me that I have to stay on top of things.

We moved up to the fancy dining room for our 7:15 reservation. They had set three tables aside for our group. Ed was our waiter and handled the orders with a quiet and friendly competence. Sandy ordered the Scallopini Milanese, a selection I favoured until Ed told us there was a special on prime rib that wasn't on the menu. It was thick and pink, complemented by garlic mashed potatoes and slivered vegetable. Many skipped dessert but I chose cheesecake to go with my coffee. The group surprised me by ordering an ice cream stuffed eclair with a candle on it and gathering around to sing Happy Birthday. All in all, it was a fine meal with good friends.

Brad, Sandy and U-Turn

Karen, Joe, Judy and Brad

I wish I could remember his name, Jess, Dawn, Ralph, Jewel and Bobcat

Laurie, Steve and Dee

Sylvie, Homer and Lost Bob

After supper, some went to bed while the rest of us adjourned to the sidewalk in front of the hotel under the full harvest moon. U-Turn, Homer, Sylvie, Steve,, Dee, Ralph, Dawn and I were trading one liners and laughing up a storm. U-Turn, usually the instigator, was brought to a complete standstill by Homer who is one funny guy. People laughed so hard there were tears in some eyes. But all good things must end and, before 11:00 PM, we had headed off to our rooms.

Colchester Vermont to Bethel Maine

2011-09-09T23:00:00.126-04:00

It was a cool and foggy morning in Colchester, Vermont. We got up, loaded the gear in the van and then had ate our continental breakfast in the hotel breakfast room. Out in the lot, we saw a TomTom camera car. I guess they are going the same route as Google, although it seems like a lot of duplication to me.

TomTom camera car in Colchester Vermont

Our first destination today was the Whitehorse Gear headquarters in Conway, New Hampshire. I have been wanting us to switch to Tourmaster Solution boots for some time because they are fully waterproof and we'd be able to ditch the infernal rain totes, but I won't buy boots without trying them on.

We headed south on Interstate 89 through patches of fog. It still amazes me how many people drive in fog without turning their lights on. We left 89 at the state capital of Montpelier and took US 2 east past the gold domed Vermont State House. This was a notoriously rough road that has been much improved since our last visit here. Traffic on 2 was light to non-existent and we moved right along. Past St Johnsbury, we took I-93 south to US 302.

Green Mountains poke through the Vermont fog

I-93 rolls through scenic Vermont countryside

Welcome to a state where they really advocate freedom

US 302 should have taken us to Conway but that was not to be. There was a bridge out, courtesy of Hurricane Irene, and we were detoured from Twin Mountain north on US 3 and New Hampshire115 back up to US 2. It would have been shorter to stay right on 2 from St. J but we would have missed the enjoyable drive along 302.

US 2 took us to Gorham, New Hampshire which put us close to Bethel before we turned south on new Hampshire16, which took us south past Mount Washington and into Conway. On the way, we saw Brake for Moose signs, leading me wonder once again who (in their right mind) wouldn't brake for an animal that size. We also saw numerous construction zones and closed side roads as the state struggled to repair the damage that heavy rains from Hurricane Irene caused. In one spot, 1/3rd of the highway was washed away. Luckily it happened at a spot where there was a passing lane. Near Conway, we saw a lot of bicycles escorting eight handcycles and a bus that claimed it was for Evening Moose Tours.

Seems like common sense to me

Highway washout on New Hampshire 16

Whitehorse Gear is located a little off the main roads in Conway. Luckily, they post their GPS coordinates on their website and the Garmin took us right to the door. It was an unassuming white building guarded by a huge dog named Hudson. They claim he is half Newfoundland and half standard poodle but I see hints of wolfhound in him. At least he was friendly. I tried on a pair of size 10 boots and then opted for 11's to give me a little wiggle room. Sandy tried a pair of ladies 6.5's but they were too tight around the calf and her feet were swimming in the 7's, so we will have to find her something else. We also looked at convertible jackets but didn't see anything better than what we have now so will hold out for Rocket Alter Ego 3's, which are totally waterproof, later on. I did buy a returned copy of Bob Woofter's Motorcycle Camping book, $24.99 retail, for the princely sum of $3.00. Our Nomad is on page 44, a photo taken by Bob at Lake George back about 2002.

Hudson greets Sandy at Whitehorse Gear

From Conway, where we grabbed lunch at McDonald's, we crossed into Maine and caught Maine 5 in Fryeburg. They were holding a Good Sam Samboree there and, as members, I was tempted to stop but we pushed on.

Highway 5 has been resurfaced. It isn't a pretty job but the new layer of asphalt is certainly effective. It took us right into Bethel where we were the first to arrive at the Sudbury Inn. We got the keys to Room 21, our traditional spot on the 3rd floor front. Not five minutes later, Ol' Phart Joe & Karen and Lost Bob & Laurie arrived, having come in the same route we did.

Lost Bob and Ol' Phart park while Karen supervises

Lost Bob in all his sartorial splendour

After getting our bags to our room, we adjourned to The Suds Pub for a few drinks while we waited for the rest of the gang. Steve and Dee were next. Dee coached me while I played a game of cribbage against Joe. I haven't played in many years and needed all the help I could get. I actually drank a couple of Guinness'. The rest arrived later including Brad & Judy, Homer & Sylvie from Quebec, Ralph & Dawn, Bobcat & Jewel, Jessica & her beau and the inimitable U-Turn. We had supper in the pub, with Sandy and I sharing a pizza.

Ol' Phart Joe, Karen, Laurie, Bob and Sandy at The Suds Pub

We spent the evening socializing and joking, but had to speak louder after the entertainment, a local gentleman playing guitar on stage, started up. The music was OK and some of the blues guitar numbers were pretty good but we wanted to catch up with each other and probably didn't appreciate his efforts as much as we should have.

Eventually, people started to wander off to their rooms. It was about 10:00 PM when it was down to U-Turn and I so I bid him good night. From what I heard later, he didn't go straight to his room but continued to enjoy the Bethel night life for a while longer.

Today's Route (212 van miles):

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Sudbury Ontario to Colchester Vermont

2011-09-08T21:00:00.001-04:00

We had the van loaded and were rolling by 7:40. It was a cool morning with heavy dew but there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We stopped for a Tim Horton's breakfast to go on the way out of town on Highway 17 East.

Our first stop was in the village of Wahnapitae because a school bus was loading ankle biters under the protection of the red flashing lights. When I see all the school buses on the road and realize they are largely moving these kids from here to there and those kids from there to here due to our supposed need for FOUR school boards, I wonder how much of my taxes this takes up. And how much noxious greenhouse gases these chrome yellow beasts belch out. Surely there must be a better way.

We made a pit stop at Tim's in North Bay while listening to a CBC program about some people who moved from the US to Canada 40 years ago and took out Canadian citizenship. The US apparently still considers them US citizens and wants to hit them with large penalties for not reporting their assets held in foreign (Canadian) banks. Yikes.

Near Deep River, we met an O.P.P. cruiser, first responders, an ambulance and then a police supervisor all heading west with lights and sirens. I hope it was nothing serious but am glad that we got through ahead of it, whatever happened. When they close a highway up here, the detours often involve hundreds of miles. This one would have.

Another pit stop at Tim's in Deep River. I'm sure you can see a pattern developing:-) In Arnprior, I couldn't find the exit. They had so many orange barrels, I was unable to navigate. This area was heavily under construction at this time last year and they haven't made much progress. We stopped for fuel in Kanata, instead. I wanted a McDonald's lunch but it was inside the WalMart so we got Harvey's burgers to go instead.

At the Cornwall bridge crossing, we had to go inside US Customs again. It seems the notes they put on my file back in May in Buffalo must have been overwritten when the files were updated. I was warned about this. They put another override on it but told me it could easily get zapped again. I'm not sure I put much faith in Homeland Security if their computer systems are this Mickey Mouse. But the agents were friendly so it could have been worse.

NY 122 had signs past Constable warning about rough road. Maybe they think it is rough but I thought it was pretty damn good. We drove across the Champlain Bridge into Vermont and south on I-89 to the Days Inn in Colchester, next to Burlington. I missed the driveway the first time because the dumbass GPS had me looking on the wrong side of the street. Our room has a loft with the bed in it. There were no plain rooms because the whole area, including Burlington, was booked up solid. We're here because the Comfort Inn wanted $149 for a king room, all they had left and that was too rich for my blood.

We went to Friendly's for supper. The server sure was friendly but they post the calories of all the selections on the menus. What a buzzkill. I had a sandwich and clam chowder while Sandy had half a sandwich and salad. We looked at the ice cream selections on the menu and then skipped dessert. After weeks of wildly fluctuating blood glucose readings, I have been happy today. It was 7.2 (130) this morning, 4.1 (74) before lunch and 4.4 (79) before supper.

Back at the room, we hooked up the computers. Mine was fine but, after connecting, Sandy's couldn't reach the Internet. I never know what the damned Vista is doing but I fixed it by telling it to get a new IP address. Bingo.

Today's Route (491 van miles):

The map is in Mapquest today because Google Maps doesn't realize that there is a bridge between Rouse's Point NY and Vermont

Getting Ready Again

2011-09-07T23:00:00.000-04:00

The New England VROC Maine Ride will be our last trip of the season (unless we change our minds this fall). We'll be heading out Thursday in the van for a weekend of fun and frolic at the Sudbury Inn in Bethel, Maine. In the meantime, we had to get some things done.

I had booked an appointment for yesterday at our local Chrysler dealer to get the oil and filter changed on the van. I also asked to have them check out why the passenger power window wasn't working, what was loose around the tail pipe and why the rear brakes were sticking when the van sat for a few days.

I delivered the van at 9:00 AM and opted to wait. They have good WiFi in the waiting room so I got a couple of days of blogs caught up from the weekend. About 1:00 PM, they had finished all the other jobs and took me in to show me the rear brakes. This van has drums on the rear and they were rusted quite badly. They also showed me that the oil pan was quite corroded as was the hose from the water pump to the heater. I don't like time bombs so I gave the go ahead to fix it all, but this meant I wouldn't be taking the van home today. The courtesy shuttle gave me a lift to the house.

At home, Sandy suggested we had time to get the motorhome out to the dump facility at the water treatment plant in Val Caron before it closed at 3:30. And we did. I dumped the noxious black tank and rinsed the hose with the grey water. I had filled the grey tank at the campground because, if we don't use the shower, this tank doesn't accumulate much. The black tank sensors looked clogged again but there isn't a regular hose fitting at the WTP so I will have to wand the tank later.

From Val Caron, we drove over to Berthiaume Fuels in Chelmsford, the only place in the area that supplies automotive propane. In fact, they have a pump right in the full service lane. They filled the tank to 80%. Now, with empty holding tanks and a load of propane, we headed for home.

On the way home, Kyle called from Royal Tire to say that out new spare tire was in but the rim wouldn't arrive until Thursday. I probably didn't mention the flat tire we had on the van the week before last. The little donut spare was in such raunchy condition that it barely did the job so I ordered a full size tire and rim to replace it. I pointed out that we expected to be on the road early Thursday and needed the tire so he said he would scare up a used rim.

At home, we had a quiet evening of blogging, napping and watching the season finale of Combat Hospital. I hope this Canadian series gets picked up for a second season but we'll have to wait and see what ABC says.

This morning, we got some things done before our 10:00 appointment with Lindsay, our new TDWaterhouse financial planner. Because we had no van, Sandy's father gave us a ride to the bank. The appointment took two hours, largely because Lindsay and I talked politics and the economy. We did decide on a relatively safe place for the RSP funds transferred from Sun Life and for the Tax Free Savings Account investments where Sandy's Canada Pension cheques will go. We made the decisions based on my current pessimism and belief that a second dip in the recession is imminent.

When we were done, I called the dealer and found the van was ready to go. Then I called Harry and he gave us a ride over there to pick it up. Back home, I called Kyle and found the spare tire was ready to go. Over to Royal for the spare, a stop by the bank for some cash and a quick check of the van tire pressures and my outside chores were done. I didn't get much of the inside work done in the evening but the essential work was finished and w'll be on the road in the morning.

Wiarton Ontario to Sudbury Ontario

2011-09-05T23:00:00.019-04:00

As often happens on the Labour Day Weekend, someone shuts off the "Summer" switch during the weekend. After warm weather, we woke up this morning to 11C and drizzle. The Internet tells me it is only 7C in Sudbury. This would make for a cool, damp ride home if we were on the motorcycle. Lucky for us, the motorhome has a heater and windshield wipers.

Kevin helped me get the trailer pushed out on the road and pointed in the right direction. His crew, including Heather and Tom, were packed up and ready to roll before we got hooked up. I hoped the weather would improve for them as they headed south.

I hooked the trailer up and loaded the motorcycle without any trouble. We tolled out at 9:15, heading south on Highway 6 to Owen Sound. I fueled there and we followed Highway 26 to Wasaga Beach through patches of light rain. I opted to go right through Wasaga and Elmvale to Highway 400. Traffic was exceptionally light, partly because we were moving at 90 degrees to the Toronto bound masses.

On 400, we stopped at the new pullout by Moon River and made lunch from the things we had in the fridge. About then, we drove out of the light misting rain. Southbound traffic was now heavy and that continued all the way up the two lane road to the Key River, where the bridge was down to one lane for road work. We waited quite a while as large volume of vehicles was let through southbound.

I do wonder about the deteriorating condition of Highway 69. I'm sure MTO doesn't want to invest in it because it is supposed to be superseded by the new four lane road. Unfortunately, that is several years away and I'm afraid this pavement won't last that long.

There was no place to park at the French River Trading Post so we continued on to home, where we arrived around 3:00 under grey, overcast skies. I managed to get the bike unloaded and the trailer and motorhome maneuvered into the driveway in short order.

It was a good weekend and now we need to get ready to head to Maine on Thursday in the van.

Today's Route (256 motorhome miles):

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Wiarton Day 2 - Falls Tour

2011-09-04T23:00:00.001-04:00

We awoke at 5:30 to the sound of hard rain on the roof. Sandy said it also rained earlier but it didn't wake me. By the time we got up at 7:00, it had receded to a light drizzle that stopped completely soon after.

The Niagara Escarpment runs up through the Bruce Peninsula. This limestone structure goes from upstate New York all the way to Wisconsin via the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In this area the rivers and streams fall off the edge of the escarpment forming a series of waterfalls. The Grey County tourism people have put together an interesting guide to the various falls and, on this overcast morning, Al and Marion were going to lead us to see some of them.

Sandy, Heather and Lynn decided that they would stay behind today. The rest of us geared up and hit the road about 10:00 AM. Al led us out of town on County 1 following the south shore of Colpoy's Bay. Rather than stick to the shore all the way, we turned inland and took a shortcut over the headland, giving us a spectacular view as we descended the other side.

The first stop was at the Kemble Women's Institute Overlook. This commemorates the oldest active women's institute in the world, established in 1897 by a group of local ladies.

At the lookout with threatening skies in the background

Tea, anyone?

These ladies were ground breakers in their day

From the lookout, we rode on down and around the town of Owen Sound to Inglis Falls, the site of an old grist mill. We paid the $3.00 parking fee and went to see the falls. As usual, I was moving slowly due to hip pain.

Kevin checks out the old mill stones

The site of the old mill

Artist's depiction of the old mill

The water falling off the edge of the escarpment

Maysey and Kevin on the upper lookout

The 18 metre Inglis Falls

From Inglis Falls, we rode to the junction of Highways 6 and 10 where a few took on fuel. Then we rode into Chatsworth where we stopped at Kettle's Back Home Cooking for lunch. We were lucky that they had a table for ten because, as soon as we were seated, the lines at the door started to build. I had a Ma Kettle's Burger which had, in addition to a home made patty, ham, bacon, mushrooms and double cheese. Add lettuce, onion and tomato and it was hard to get my mouth around. And it was also very good.

Kettle's Back Home Cooking

And baking

From Chatsworth, we rode on to Walter's Falls. The Falls Inn And Spa is located adjacent to the falls and looks like an interesting place to stay. Maybe some day in the future. The falls themselves have a lookout but the railing appeared to host a wasp's nest. Kevin stopped a young fellow with more curiosity than brains from picking up a snapping turtle. I never did find out who Walter was.

The Falls Inn and Spa

Walter's Falls

As we returned to the parking lot, the skies started to spit on us. Some put on their rain suits but Al and I decided to take our chances. We decided to head straight back to Wiarton through Owen Sound. Over the whole route today, Marion was giving us a travelogue over the CB radios. The rain ended up being nothing of consequence. Just before we got to Wiarton, we were riding west on County 17 when we encountered a stretch of gravel starting in the middle of a blind curve. Some advance warning signs would have been nice. Luckily, we were traveling at a sedate pace.

We were back at the campground by 3:30. There was a visiting time until the supper Lynn had prepared was ready. The Waterloo Wings have a tradition of members cooking supper and splitting the cost, which invariably ends up coming to $7.00. Today, we had Sloppy Joe's on very fresh buns and several salads. It was very tasty. I enjoyed talking to Al about wells, Wings and work (former for both of us).

As the sun set, Al and Marion left for home and we felt the chill air of a September evening fall over us. This is a great group of people and we are very thankful they allowed us to share their weekend. With the trip home tomorrow, we turned in fairly early.

Today's Route (98 motorcycle miles):

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Wiarton Ontario Day 1 - Beach Tour And Cruise

2011-09-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

We were greeted by a very nice morning. I was surprised to find my wireless Rocket Stick couldn't find a signal because Tom had used it last night. On the plus side, there was a WiFi hotspot within range so we were able to get on line.

Tom told me he hadn't paid for our site so I walked over to the office at 8:00 AM to get things squared away. My hip was causing pretty intense pain when I walked. And the office wasn't open, so I limped back to the campsite. I took a few minutes and pulled the seat off the bike to remove a button that I had installed to allow Sandy to shut of her microphone when the wind noise became annoying. Unfortunately, it decided to start shutting off the microphone randomly, so it had to go. We walked slowly back to the office at 9:00 and found someone had marked Paid on the list next to our name by some kind of mistake. We paid for the site and got our tag to put on the post.

Al was going to be our guide today for a ride that would explore some of the bays around the Bruce Peninsula. We rode up to his place for 10:00 AM. He led the group up Bruce Road 9 to a side road to Hope Bay. The road was hard pack dirt but the bay was beautiful An excellent beach and no parking places.

Roadside parking at Hope Bay

The beach and bay

Al and Todd capturing the moment

From Hope Bay, we moved on up 9 to Barrow Bay where we took another side road down to the channel to Little Lake. Again there was no parking area but, this time, there were cottages all the way along. We parked in front of one and the nice couple who lived there allowed the group to use their yard to get close to the channel.

Ducks in the channel between Georgian Bay and Little Lake

Our leaders Al & Marion on their 2001 Motor Trike Wing

Continuing north along the Georgian Bay side of the peninsula, we stopped at Lion's Head. The regular lot in the park was full so we moved over to one by the marina.

Lined up at Lion's Head

Lion's Head Marina

Next, we cut over to the Lake Huron side on 9, which Al informed us ran along the 45th parallel half way between the Equator and the North Pole. We turned north and followed the road through Stokes Bay to Tamarack Island and the Tamarac Island Resort Inn. They were just opening the dining room and we sat down for lunch. I had a chicken ranch wrap and triple cooked chips. The meal was on the expensive side but the food was good.

Tamarac Island Resort Inn

Placing the lunch orders

While we were eating, it started to rain. On went the suits and the consensus was to head straight back to Wiarton. The rain stopped as we were heading south on Highway 6 and it looked like it hadn't hardly rained at the campground.

The plan for the evening was to travel the 50 miles north to Tobermory, the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, by car and take the Sunset Dinner Cruise on the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry. This left at 8:00 PM, crossing to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island before returning us to Tobermory at 11:45 PM. Al and Marion each brought their vehicles and Lynn had her car so all thirteen of us piled in and headed north about 6:30.

It was a bit of a trick to find parking since the ferry lot was full but we found three free spots on the road. After paying for our tickets, we waited for the boat to arrive.

The gang is ready to cruise

Heather and Tom in Tobermory

The Chi-Cheemaun comes into view

Approaching the dock

The nose raising to allow the vehicles to exit and enter

Once we went aboard via the pedestrian gangplank, we were directed to the dining room and its nicely set tables. Our server was May, whose name was on a plaque mounted to a skillet commemorating the staff on the first dinner cruise back in 1997. She took the drink and dinner orders. I started with a tomato and roasted red pepper soup while Sandy had salad. She ordered a pork loin while I selected a medium rare prime rib with Yorkshire pudding. The beef was excellent but she found the pork a little dry.

Wendy, Todd, Al and Marion

Peter, Sandy, Maysey, Tom, Heather and Kevin

Doug giving Peter the eye

Tom and Heather

Ghostly reflections in the window

The road to Manitoulin

After the entrees, we opted to hold our dessert for the return trip. I went cruising the decks and found, on the top one, a spectacular display of heat lightning to the south. Then, as we approached South Baymouth, someone to the starboard side had a fireworks dispay on the horizon. I couldn't imagine where that might have been.

In South Baymouth, the cars departed via the stern and we took on a light load southbound. There were three semi's waiting to load and we could see the boat sink several inches as each one came aboard. Then the horn sounded indicating we, the smokers on the dock, should get back aboard.

Semi driving aboard the boat in South Baymouth

We returned to the dining room for Turtle cheesecake and coffee. Then we went back topside to enjoy the evening. The return trip seemed shorter even though my watch said it was about the same. before too long, we were back in Tobermory.

May picking up the dessert plates

The drive back to Wiarton was uneventful except for a few fog patches and an O.P.P. cruiser that went past us (no lights) at a very high rate of speed. We suspect he was late for coffee somewhere. Al and Marion dropped us off at the camground at about 1:00 AM and we all immediately headed for bed.

Today's Route (60 motorcycle miles):

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Today's Second Route (94 car miles, 58 ferry miles):

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Sudbury Ontario to Wiarton Ontario

2011-09-02T23:00:00.093-04:00

I overslept a little bit this morning but we were ready to roll out of the driveway at 8:40. I almost forgot to unplug the extension cord from the house but Sandy warned me. By 9:20, we had fueled ($1.287 / liter), picked up breakfast at Tim Horton's and were on the road. The ride seemed OK with the tires at 80 PSI so there probably isn't any reason to run them any lower unless the tread wear shows problems.

The wind was, predictably, out of the south. I almost always end up facing headwinds. The only issue was a bad smell when Sandy used the bathroom. Since we had barely used it at the rally last month, I didn't empty the black water tank and it was pretty rank. My bad. A few shots of the conditioner and the problem cleared up. The tanks will be emptied when we get back.

I was listening to CBC Radio for a while. There was a program called Know Your Rights, hosted by Craig Norris, which appeared to be trying to educate Canadians on just what rights we do enjoy under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. One caller said that he was not a fan of the Charter because it was all about individual rights and granted no rights to the community. The libertarian in me realized that I had found another enemy to the fundamental principles I hold dear. But this isn't my political blog so I won't go any further with this.

The GPS had us exit the 400 Highway at Horseshoe Lake Road near Barrie. This is a little longer but avoids the congested stretch through Wasaga Beach. Highway 26 through Stayner, Collingwood and Meaford to Owen Sound had some very good sections and some that were choppy. There were several sections where they said construction started last June but no work had been done. I'm not sure what the strategy is because winter is coming soon.

I missed the turn on Highway 6 coming out of Owen Sound. No good reason, I just wasn't paying attention. There was nowhere to turn around so I went on and turned north on County 10. It made the trip a little longer since Highway 6 was the hypotenuse of a right triangle, but we got there all the same.

In Wiarton, I went to the address for the campground and found the office. The young lady confirmed my site and told me it was paid for. That was a surprise. Tom, maybe? We had to go back out onto the street to get to the proper entrance. Since the site was a back-in, I unloaded the bike and unhooked the trailer. The fellow from the next site helped me push it to a good spot and then I backed the motorhome in and hooked up the water and electric. We were all in place by 3:20. The sites are nice with tall cedar hedges protecting you from your neighbors. It was hot and humid this afternoon with the Humidex pushing 41C.

Our campsite

Most of the others were set up already, all in a neat row just down from us. We sat and gabbed for a while, catching up on who had been where. Kevin and Maysey from Cambridge are old friends and were the only ones who had been involved with all the Cyclefests from the very beginning. They have also attended most of the other Ontario club rallies over the last three decades and we have also met them at rallies as far afield as Arkansas and New Mexico. The others are newer friends.

About 4:30, we climbed on the bikes and rode a few miles to Al and Marion's house in Colpoy's Bay. They were originally from this area but Al worked with Kevin for many years and, after retirement, they decided to come home. They have a beautiful R2000 house and hosted a barbecue for us this evening. We set up in the back yard and the chefs cooked hamburgers, chicken burgers and hot dogs. There were also salads and corn on the cob followed by some tasty desserts. It was an excellent meal. Tom and Heather arrived near the end.

Al and Kevin waiting for the BBQ to heat up while Peter looks on

Doug, Todd, Maysey and Sandy waiting for food

Al and Kevin, The Iron Chefs

Admiring Todd's lights in the driveway

As the sun was setting, we rode back to the campground. Everyone headed off to their own sites, with Heather and Tom joining us in the RV for a bit to watch a little TV. I went next door and talked to a couple from Toronto with a Class A about RV'ing for a bit. Before long, Heather and Tom returned to their tent and we turned in for the night.

Today's Route (268 motorhome miles):

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Getting Ready

2011-09-01T23:00:00.036-04:00

For thirty years, Labour Day Weekend meant a trek to the Kitchener/Waterloo area for the Cyclefest motorcycle rally. This event was originally put on by the Waterloo County Touring Club at the Chicopee Ski Club. In 1998, it moved to a campground in West Montrose and the Waterloo Wings took over the hosting duties. In 2009, the 30th anniversary, the final rally was held signalling the end of an era.

The Waterloo Wings didn't quit, however. Last year, some of us gathered again in West Montrose while the club chose Wiarton for a meeting spot this year. Son-in-law Tom reserved us an RV site at the Bluewater Tent and Trailer Park right in the town.

We haven't been on the road since we got back from California at the beginning of July. In that time, some work was done on the equipment. I washed the RV, maiming myself in the process. All three tires were replaced on the trailer. The RV was in for service at Cambrian Ford where, in addition to the oil and filter change, I had the transmission and differential serviced and the tires rotated. They were unable to find steel valve stems of the correct length to replace the rubber ones but did find that two stems were not high pressure rated and replaced them.

This morning, I checked the tire pressures and moved a couple of monitor sensors that inadvertently were placed on the wrong wheels. One wasn't working and, in the process of changing the battery, I broke a soldered joint. Luckily, I had an extra I had taken off the trailer so I swapped them out. It was evident that the mechanic had bumped the pressure up to 80 PSI from the 75 I had been running. No problem since I wanted to see if the maximum pressure would have an impact on the fuel mileage and also to see if the ride would be too harsh.

I managed to get the lawn mowed but it felt like I had paid a price given the way my hip was feeling when I was done. Then I hooked the trailer up and loaded the bike while Sandy moved our gear into the motorhome. The trailer lights didn't work at first but did come on after I gave the plug a shot with Deoxit contact cleaner.

I spent the rest of the day catching up the blog so we would be current for the start this weekend. My apologies for getting this far behind. By bedtime, we were ready to roll in the morning. It felt good to know we would finally be getting out of town again.

A Less Than Perfect Summer

2011-08-31T23:00:00.096-04:00

You will note that there hasn't been anything posted between the middle of July and the end of August. July the 15th was a day that will live in infamy. Not only was it the day four Freedom Riders bikes out of a group of eleven wrecked on Highway 60 in Algonquin Park (six injured but none critically), it was the day I decided to wash the motorhome. In a moment of abject stupidity, I climbed the stepladder without Sandy holding it and fell off. I landed on the pavement with my right heel while my left shin came down on the ladder. It cut me, leaving me with a gaping laceration that nicked the muscle.

After five hours waiting in the emergency room, a doctor finally showed up. He put four stitches in the wound and sent me home. What he didn't see was the bleeding inside the leg. This caused a build-up of pressure and, every time the elevated leg got lowered, the pain would hit 8 on a scale of 10 for a few minutes as the fluids put pressure on the nerves. To top it off, the stitches didn't hold and my doctor said it would be a long, slow process filling in.

I spent the next two weeks lying down with the leg elevated, trying to get up as little as possible due to the pain. When it came time for the Freedom Rally weekend, starting on July 29th, I had no choice since I was the head bean counter and was responsible for some other functions. We moved the motorhome down to the campground and I worked through the pain. Amazingly, the second morning I got up and the intense pain wasn't there. If I was up too long, a burning set in and I would get horizontal for a while. I managed to get through the weekend and the rally was a success, too.

Organizing Freedom Rally merchandise

The Freedom Rally registration table

President Rob recuperating from the Algonquin Park wreck

Sunset over Richard Lake

Following the rally, Sandy started to have symptoms of an MS attack, losing feeling in her lower body. We have no idea what triggered it but the excessive heat on our June trip may have been the culprit. The problems are still persisting but we are hoping it is merely a temporary exacerbation. She has an appointment with Sudbury's only neurologist in mid September.

Our Interlochen trip for the weekend of August 11th was cancelled, the first time we have missed this gathering. Unfortunately, my leg still wasn't up to riding. Instead, I celebrated by dealing with a tooth abscess. On Monday, my dentist confirmed it and prescribed antibiotics to knock down the infection. I had a scheduled appointment for the 29th and he said we would do a root canal then.

On the 12th, I mowed the back yard. When I was done, my right hip started to hurt. It is fine unless I walk and then I get a stabbing pain just above the right butt cheek. Three weeks later, this is still a problem. I'm not sure whether a doctor or a chiropractor would be the correct choice, but I need something.

Sandy and I did get back on the bike finally on August 17th to go and make donations on behalf of the Freedom Riders to the Sudbury Manitoulin Children's Foundation Send A Kid To Camp program and the Diabetes Association Camp Huronda. It felt good to be back on two wheels but the leg complained by the time we were done.

On the 20th, we managed to make it to Gord and Shirley's annual corn roast. This is for their friends including Freedom Riders and others. It was a fine evening and the food was excellent. The leg was better but the hip still hurt.

Corn roast people

More corn roast people

Our host Gord

The next day, Sandy stayed home but I went on a charity ride to support the Vale Hospice. It rained a bit at the start but then cleared up and I was able to make it all the way on the ride.

Nicky in the rain

Leo playing a silly game with pantyhose and pennies

Nicky and Leo at our first stop

Nicky at our second stop

Another silly game

The third stop

Trying to get people to play yet one more silly game

One good think about the whole sad period was that the root canal on the 29th went very well. I have an appointment in late September to finish the job with a permanent filling.

So here we are at the end of August. Summer has slipped away and I am left with a leg that is still healing very slowly and a hip that hurts like hell. Sandy is still numb. It could have been a much better time. But then it could also have been much worse.

Camp Quality Ride

2011-07-13T23:00:00.035-04:00

Camp Quality is located just off Highway 64 near Monetville, Ontario. It is a place where children fighting cancer can go and get away from their worries for a little while. The campers are paired one to one with older guides who are trained to look after each child's special needs.

Every year, the Sudbury Wings motorcycle club organizes a group ride to Camp Quality where the riders take the children old enough to go along on a short motorcycle ride. This year, we gathered at the Canadian Tire store on the south side of town. Almost every club was represented and we had a full escort of Greater Sudbury Police bikes with one car for follow-up. Freedom Riders were represented by Lea, Nicky, Sandy and I.

The group headed south out of town on Highway 60 to Highway 64 where we turned east. There was a short stop in Noelville before continuing on to Camp Quality.

The group ahead of us led by two police motors

And those behind us

The kids were waiting at the camp and we kept loading up, going for a ride to Monetville and back, exchanging kids and going again. I took three before it appeared that we had run out of young people.

One of the kids getting ready to go

The camp had put on quite a feast but the sun was low and I wasn't game to wait for dark in an area known for deer. Nicky and Lea opted to leave with us and we rode on up 64 to Highway 17, where we turned west and got home just as dark was falling. It was a good day for a good cause and we were happy to be part of it.

Sunset on Highway 17

Today's Route (130 motorcycle miles):

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Woodstock Ontario to Sudbury Ontario

2011-07-11T23:00:00.008-04:00

The drive home was uneventful. We took the 401 to Cambridge and then followed back roads around Guelph to 24 and followed the usual route up to Highway 9 and over to the 400 North. I was surprised to see just how much road work was going on on the secondary routes. The service centre in Barrie was still closed. The sign said "rebuilding to serve you better" but, since they closed it in the spring, all that has been done is demolition. No sign of any rebuilding all summer.

We got into some steady warm front rain from Parry Sound that ended just as we got to Sudbury. All I can say is that it is much more enjoyable with a roof over one's head.

Today's Route (319 van miles):

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Woodstock Ontario to Cambridge Ontario and back again

2011-07-10T23:00:00.049-04:00

For the third straight morning, we left Woodstock for Cambridge. I really appreciate the new Tim Horton's ham breakfast sandwich. It's a healthier choice than the sausage or the bacon. I prefer mine on the English muffin rather than the country biscuit.

At the house, we got out the inflatable pool that Tom and Heather had gotten for the girls. I broke out the 12 volt air compressor I carry in the van to save our lungs.

Inflating the pool

This pool is interesting. The umbrella top has a water line leading up to it which provides a shower for anyone in the pool. We got it aired up and moved it to the side yard where we put some water in it and connected the water line to the top. Jolene liked it and eventually we had Robyn and Mom in there as well.

I'm not sure about this

OK, it's not so bad

Look Grandma, the beach toys you brought me from California

It's getting a little crowded in here

After pool time was over, Mike fired up the grill (I used to call it a BBQ until I found out what real BBQ is) and cooked up some hot dogs and little brisket burger sliders. It was a fine lunch. Then we headed back to Woodstock to see Heather and Tom for a bit.

We arrived at 2:30, just after Heather and Tom got in. They said Boomer's weekend was a great success. After hanging out for the afternoon, we went to Crabby Joe's in old downtown Woodstock. We followed supper up with a stop at an ice cream shop on the way back to the house. When we got in, Sandy and Heather watched TV while I read a little more before going to bed.

Today's Route (65 van miles):

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Woodstock Ontario to African Lion Safari and Back

2011-07-09T23:00:00.069-04:00

We were up early this morning and on the road again to Cambridge.

Arriving at Kim and Mike's we found Michael looking into new vehicles. His company was going to provide him with a car allowance but specified it could be no more than four model years old and the Caravan wasn't up to the task. Kim liked their new Mazda too much to give it up to him so he was test driving a few options. His choices were limited to Chrysler products because of their aggressive financing options. His first test was a sensible Journey, which he brought home for everyone to look at. Then he went to the place he really wanted to be. A Dodge Ram 1500 with the Hemi gas engine. Once a truck man, always a truck man:-))

The test Journey was color matched to Jolene's outfit

While Mike continued his vehicle search, the rest of us loaded the kids into the Mazda for an expedition to the African Lion Safari which was only a few miles down the road. I drove the enjoyable little car over there where we found it was a very busy day. After getting through the gate, we found ourselves directed to the grass parking lot behind the overflow lot. Rather than drive Kim's car through the property and chance some serious baboon damage, we opted to pay a little more and take the bus. With all the crowds, we wondered how long we would have to wait but, surprise, we were put on the next one long and had most of the back seats to ourselves.

The long walk from the parking lot

Waiting for the bus

We had the back of the bus to ourselves

I haven't been to the Lion Safari in many years. This attraction allows vehicles to drive through compounds populated with wild animals. The big cat section had a pride of lions and some cheetahs. The baboon area is always fun as the large primates climb on the cars and try to figure out which parts, like mirrors and wipers, are removable. The section with the herbivores had rhinos, giraffes, zebras and all manner of antelope type creatures along with North American elk and bison. It was all quite educational but only held Jolene's attention for about half the way. Still, both she and Robyn were very well behaved. My apologies for not taking any animal photos but I was having too much fun with the kids.

After the bus tour, we had lunch at the Mombasa Market. It seems Jolene has quite the appreciation for onion rings. Good to know.

Resting footsies before heading back to the car

Instead of going straight home, Kim asked me to drive around a little bit so I looked for some back roads. Jolene went right to sleep but Robyn cried until Kim gave her a bottle. Then she settled down. Back at the house, Kim and Robyn went in while Sandy and I took Jolene for another drive. As we were motoring along, I told her that she would be able to drive herself in another fourteen years. "When I'm sixteen", she said. Wow, where did that come from? It seems Kim and Mike had told her that a while ago and it stuck in her mind.

Back at the house, I took Jolene to the park where we played on the swings for a while. No shrinking violet, all I kept hearing was "Higher, higher".

Higher, higher

We had stir fry for supper before heading back to Woodstock once again, hot and tired from a very exhausting day.

Looking at Grandma

Drinking is serious business

P.S. We heard a few days later that Jolene told Mike, as she was getting ready for bed "Me and Grandma and Grandpa and Mommy went to Where The Wild Things Are. But Max wasn't there." Amazing how those little minds work.

Today's Route (97 van/Mazda miles):

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Woodstock Ontario to Cambridge Ontario and back

2011-07-08T23:00:00.093-04:00

Heather and Tom worked a half day while Sandy and I went to the Pancake House for breakfast. After noon, we left them packing their bikes for the ride to see Boomer and company in Ohio. I'm proud of the way that these two have taken to motorcycle touring and camping. They have their routine and everything they need has a place. We'll see them on Sunday when they get back.

When we arrived at Kim's, Robyn was napping and Jolene was still at day care. We had a chance to catch up with Mom before kids started appearing. When Mike brought Jolene in, she gave a shriek and ran for hugs making Grandpa Jim feel pretty good. Robyn, on the other hand, wanted no part of me. In fact, for the first while, she cried every time she looked at me. Slowly, she settled down.

Robyn having a snack

Mother and child reunion

Jolene amusing herself

Robyn might be part monkey

Then again, maybe this one will ride roller coasters some day

Take my picture, Grandma

A serious moment

Playing together, sort of

We had homemade pizza for supper. They use some special kind of Fleishmann's yeast that makes the crust come out sort of like a croissant. It was different and really good. Jolene really tucked into it, too.

Homemade pizza is great

After the little ones went to bed, Sandy and I drove back to Woodstock. The new key worked in the door and I managed to shut off the burglar alarm without setting it off. I read a bit before we settled in for the night.

Today's Route (65 van miles):

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Sudbury Ontario to Woodstock Ontario

2011-07-07T23:00:00.023-04:00

We had originally planned to attend Boomer's camp out for VROC friends near Toledo this weekend but decided instead to spend it with kids and grandkids. It had been too long since we saw them. Heather and Tom will represent the family in Ohio. Although they would be away for much of the weekend, we opted to stay at their place in Woodstock because things are kind of crowded at Kim and Mike's with the two kids. The commute from Woodstock to Cambridge wasn't very far.

We headed south in the van just after 10:00 AM this morning. On the way down I discovered two things. One, I really don't like the low, clear LED roof racks on the police vehicles. It makes them very difficult to spot. No problem this time since they don't mind my 15 KPH over the limit cruising speed, but I like to know where they are. Second, the McDonald's in Parry Sound had signs indicating Mickey D was adding free WiFi at their establishments across Canada. About time, since this service has been available free in the USA for over a year.

I decided to take the 400/401 route since it was before Toronto rush hour. I never counted on heavy construction at the ramp from 400 to westbound 401 and again on the 401 past the 403 exit. The traffic was jammed, which cost us some time. Once clear of the roadwork, however, we had a clear shot to Woodstock. It did surprise me as we traversed the construction zones just how many people are still talking on handheld cell phones. The province has tried education so now it is time for a little more enforcement.

Heather and Tom were still at work when we arrived at their house and the key they provided me didn't work in the lock, so we killed a half hour or so until Tom arrived. He swapped by bad key for another which did work. We took a short trip to WalMart where Tom picked up an inflatable pool as a gift for Jolene and Robin. Then it was back to the house where Heather arrived and we spent the evening visiting.

Today's Route (315 van miles):

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A Blast From The Past

2011-07-06T23:00:00.010-04:00

Sandy's brother Malcolm has been scanning old photos and slides. Occasionally, he will forward a couple he thinks we might appreciate. These were taken at Horseshoe Bay during our July 1986 trip to Vancouver.

Thoughts on the June Trip

2011-07-02T23:00:00.034-04:00

First, the rallies.

Jamey T. and Trouble did a great job organizing WWR5 in Deadwood. I always like the Black Hills and I like them better when friends are there. Despite the WiFi issue, the hotel was just fine and ideally situated while the cafe was great. If they should decide to turn this into an annual regional rally, it will be very high on our priority list.

The Aebleskiver rally in Solvang was everything we could have hoped for and more. Jim and Cat found an ideal location and, although the turnout wasn't huge, we all had a blast. I understand it will go ahead next year in July (thank you) and, despite the great distance, we'll make every effort to be there.

Despite all the fine eating, I didn't gain a single pound while we were away. And traveling with Sherm was just like always. He is the ideal travel partner, undemanding and yet full of ideas about what we can do next. We look forward to many trips in the future.

Now for the thoughts on the motorhome after our third trek of the season. For a while, I was thinking about moving up sometime to a Class A unit for more space. Then I started considering downsizing to a comprehensive Class B like a RoadTrek which would get better mileage and be easier to maneuver. My current thought is that I am getting pretty good at wheeling the Majestic around and, despite the miles we are putting on, replacing an engine or transmission isn't too big a deal if we should wear them out. As a result, I think we will stick with what we have for the foreseeable future since it has been working for us.

This trip was a little fast paced. We could easily have taken two months or more, stopping to see things along the way. I'm not sure why we pushed so hard but think that we will plan to take an easier pace in the future. It is, after all, just a state of mind that needs to be adjusted.

The rest of the season will be pretty slack. After missing Boomer's, the next event on the schedule is the Freedom Rally in Sudbury at the end of July and then Interlochen, Michigan a couple of weeks later. Then we have the Waterloo Wings gathering in Wiarton, Ontario on Labour Day weekend, the NEVROC Maine Ride in Bethel the weekend after and maybe Eureka Springs, Arkansas the weekend after that. The Maine and Arkansas rides won't involve the motorhome and may not even include the bike. Time will tell.

Now I need to get the RV washed, some service work done and the tires looked after. We'll be off to see the kids next weekend in the van and I might even get some golf in. I do need to find a place to store the rig since it takes up my whole driveway.

Being a WHORE (We Haul Our Rides Everywhere) is a whole different experience. In a way, I miss the sense of accomplishment pulling into places all across the continent knowing we have done it on two wheels. But we've already done that so many times and this new way of getting around has definite advantages. We need to do some fine-tuning but I think it is working out for us.

Lastly, I was doing partial blog updates with photos and maps as we went along, getting to the narrative later. I did this for the rallies because of the demand for current pictures. I think I will keep that up for the gatherings but will hold the regular posts back until they are complete. The new format of text, then pictures, allows for a lot more photos and is easier to write to so I I will keep that. And the new Rogers Rocket Stick wireless device has allowed us contact from almost anywhere so we can be in touch more often.

So, dear readers, enjoy your summer and stay tuned. We'll keep you posted on our activities as time goes on.

Trip Summary

2011-07-01T23:05:00.018-04:00

Days on the road - 30

Motorhome

Distance traveled - 9,308 Kms (5,784 miles)
Fuel fill ups - 17
US Gallons consumed - 687.2
MP(US)G - 8.42
Mileage at end of trip - 125,468 Kms (77,966 miles)

Motorcycle

Distance traveled - 1,203 Kms (748 miles)
Fuel fill ups - 4
US Gallons consumed - 20.92
MP(US)G - 35.76
Mileage at end of trip - 232,357 Kms (144,387 miles)

Beaver Dam Wisconsin to Sudbury Ontario

2011-07-01T23:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Canada Day!!

We awoke to the sound of thunder. The radar showed a smattering of local storms throughout the area, the first rain we have seen since leaving Deadwood. I decided to adjust the trailer tire pressures and add a bit to the tire we had fixed yesterday. Now that the ambient air temperature was cooler, it was reading a couple of pounds low. A nearby gas station had free air so I topped up the trailer tires but, when I tried to add to the motorhome tire, a poor air fitting on the hose only succeeded in bleeding the pressure even lower. I moved next door to a Home Depot and unlimbered my 12 volt compressor to get the job done.

We connected with US 41 and drove through Oshkosh, Appleton and Green Bay to the Michigan border without incident. It was interesting that gas stations in Marinette, Wisconsin on the border have their gas priced closed to Michigan prices instead of twenty cents cheaper like further south in the state. It looks to me that while Michigan prices are high due to taxes, Marinette prices are high due to gouging.

Following Michigan 35 into Escanaba, we found significant road work in progress. Despite the disrupted traffic patterns, we managed to get into the lot of Advance Auto Parts where we found two bottles of White Diamond metal polish on the shelf. We bought both of them. Then it was back on the road again. Passing through Gladstone, I though about our friend Slots. He will know why.

Rather than cut north on Michigan 117 to Newberry, I stayed on US 2 and took the Worth Road/M123 cutover we found on the way out. I did stop at a rest area on 2 along Lake Michigan and was surprised to see the padlock on the trailer hitch was missing. The only thing I can figure is that it never got put on way back in Kingman and I have been at risk of having the latch pop open all that way. I secured the latch with a cable tie and we continued on. In the small town of Moran, I mailed my postage paid envelope to Riders of Kawasaki for the complimentary membership I won in Solvang.

We arrived in the Soo and fueled at the Citgo. The price here was $3.849/gallon, way above what it was further south but still much cheaper than Ontario prices. We set out across the Intenational Bridge and saw the US bound traffic was lined up almost all the way back to the far shore. It looked mostly like Canadians trying to escape for the long weekend. The wait in our direction was only 15 minutes and then we were back in Canada with 8 hours left on our health insurance. One bozo with US plates on a Ducati did weave through the car lines and then ignored the boulevard stop sign at the booth, pulling right in behind the car being inspected. This should have caused him to be sent to secondary but the border agent let him get away with it.

Leaving the Soo, the wind was out of the east. I guess there was no reason to break a losing streak this late in the game. Along the power line near Echo Bay, we saw five osprey nests on top of poles and, just before the St. Joe's Island turn, we saw a new herd of buffalo. There was not much else to note as we wound down the trip on this familiar stretch of highway. We arrived home just about sundown and had the bike unloaded, trailer unhooked and everthing properly parked in no time.

Today's Photos

Rain in Beaver Dam - the first we've seen since Deadwood

Wisconsin - Land O' Lakes

I'd hate to try to tie up this many bicycles

Lake Michigan

The Soo Locks

Canadians trying to escape to the U SA on Canada Day

Lined up almost the full length of the International Bridge

The motorcycle weaved through traffic to the booth

Waiting for the truck lane

One of five osprey nests visible on the pole line

The sun sets on this trip

Today's Route (593 motorhome miles):

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York Nebraska to Beaver Dam Wisconsin

2011-06-30T23:00:00.007-04:00

We left York about 6:40 AM to warnings on the radio that extreme heat was expected from noon until 7:00 PM. They were calling for 105 to 111 degrees and, by 8:00 AM, it was already up to 80. Passing through Omaha, we were notified by signage that the I-680, US 30 and I-29 routes were all closed near the Missouri River while flood abatement intiatives were in progress. We crossed into Iowa on I-80 without a problem.

Along the way, we saw scores of vintage cars bound for what I later found out was a major car show in Des Moines. We got pictures of a couple when we stopped for fuel at a Love's Truckstop near Newton, Iowa, where we only paid $3.32 for 89 octane. I was surprised to see that the big Ford Triton V-10 got 9.1 MPG screaming up and down the Rockies and only got 7.8 across the Nebraska/Iowa plains. Some day, I will figure this thing out.

Not long after the gas stop, the tire pressure monitor started to beep indicating the right outside dually was losing air. I did a quick check to see if it was a false alarm but it looked like the real deal. Not wishing to stop on the side of I-80, I put the four-way flashers on and slowed to 30 MPH, getting off a couple of miles down the road at Exit 197. All that was here was a closed BP station and an out of business tire place. And cornfields. I got out and could hear air rushing out of the tire. It was good the monitor worked because, otherwise, the tire would have lost all the air and, with the inner dually carrying all the weight in this heat, it would have blown and done a lot of damage. I figure this one incident has more than paid for the tire monitor system.

I called Good Sam again and they told me help would be there within an hour. I asked them to send a pair of new tires since duallys need to be matched by circumference and, because they didn't have the Michelins I used, they would be sending Goodyears. I figured to use the good inner Michelin to replace the old Firestone spare on the back. Jake from Morrison Repair in Grinnell was there in less than half an our and had the outer tire off in no time. We aired it up but couldn't find a leak until he touched the rubber valve stem. It looked like the rubber had simply deteriorated and failed. I noted in various on-line discussions that steel stems should be used and had planned to change them when I changed tires. Now I will change them sooner.

Jake found a metal valve stem that fit in his truck and, after breaking the bead on the tire using large hand tools and irons, we replaced it. Then he remounted the tire and filled it. He said, after struggling to get the tire back on the rim, that he would rather do the large semi tires rather than these 16" ones. But he got us back on the road within two hours of the alarm sounding. Thanks again to Good Sam and your network of service providers.

We stopped in Marion, Iowa at a WalMart for a trailer tire and rim. Again they had the right tire but, wonder of wonders, WalMart doesn't sell rims. Wow, what a shortcoming. Now I'll wait until I get home where I am going to scrap all the trailer tires, despite their good tread depth, because they are over five years old. And I will have steel valve stems installed.

It was too late to stop at J&P Cycles in Anamosa, Iowa. I had wanted to try on Tourmaster Solution waterproof riding boots before buying them. We'll have to keep looking. We did stop again at the BP station/Subway near Belmont, Wisconsin. This is where we ate last year on our way back from Nevada but today we got our sandwich to go. I navigated through Madison and we pushed on to Beaver Dam where I fueled and then found the local WalMart. This time, we were the only RV in the lot. It was still humid but not as warm as last night and we were able to connect to Wendy's WiFi.

Since we hit the flatlands, flies have plagued us in the RV. Not a lot, but one at a time is enough to make you nuts at times. The flyswatter is hard to use when driving and, at these temperatures, the insects move as if they are on speed. I guess I should get some flypaper for our peace of mind. We hit the sack knowing we were on track to make it home tomorrow.

Today's Photos

Iowa wind farms were a common sight

Adair Iowa happy face

Old vehicles were all headed for Des Moines....

....for a large car show

Our second tire problem in two days

The outer right drive tire went flat but didn't blow due to a warning from the monitor

Jake the repair guy places the jack

Only a bad valve stem

I help with the giant tire irons

Wrapping up

And we're back on the road again

The Mississippi River at Dubuque Iowa

A Mississippi riverboat

Crossing Ole Miss

And entering Wisconsin

The familiar cow fountain at Belmont Wisconsin

The rolling Wisconsin countryside

And pretty Wisconsin farms

Sun getting low in Beaver Dam Wisconsin

Today's Route (579 motorhome miles):

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