Woodstock Ontario to Dayton Ohio

Sandy woke me at 6:30 AM again, but this time I had nine hours of non-stop sleep so I felt much better about it. The hot breakfast at this Best Western included some scrambled egg things, link sausage and tater tots. I took advantage while Sandy stuck with her usual. Heather stopped by with Jasper before we left. It was raining, but I pulled up under the overhang by the door so we could load the truck dry.

Sandy showing Heather and Jasper where the sand fleas bit her

We headed out about 8:20 AM, taking Highway 401 West. When we reached London, I took the 402 towards Sarnia and the Bluewater Bridge to Port Huron, Michigan. I refuse to pay Marty Maroun any money to use the Ambassador Bridge.

Raining in the parking lot

Raining on the road

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Turbines along the 402

 

Some yellow crop

We arrived at the bridge and paid our toll. Then, for the first time in a very long time, we stopped at the Duty Free store. Nice place. Then it was over the bridge in the lane reserved for NEXUS holders. It was funny to watch a couple of pickup truck drivers getting into the Trucks lane. Trucks here means big rigs. There were more vehicles in the NEXUS lane than the regular ones, but we got through quickly. Five minutes waiting and less than a minute being interviewed.

Bluewater Bridge

NEXUS booth

Leaving the bridge, we headed right into construction. I-69 and I-94 split without giving the destination of each. Very confusing. If I hadn't known I was taking I-94 to Detroit, I might have gotten lost. The drive down I-94 to Motor City was uneventful except that we were getting great fuel mileage due to a tail wind.

Detroit

This is as close as I get to that bridge

This girl must really love the guy

We caught I-75 South in Detroit. From there to the Ohio border, it was quite rough although there was some road work going on in a few spots.

Buckeye border

The moment we hit the Ohio border, two things happened. The road smoothed out and we entered a never-ending stretch of road construction. I didn't think there were that many orange barrels in the whole world. Where is all the money coming from?

We stopped in Findlay at a Bob Evans for lunch. This used to be across the road, and the roof leaked one time years ago when Sandy and I ate here during a rain storm. Tanya served us and was very personable. We both had a half sandwich and a cup of soup. Very tasty. Evans is one place where I always like the menu.

After lunch, we went next door to Walmart. I added another year and 800 minutes to my Trac-Fone and we picked up a few essentials. Sandy also got nose pads for one pair of glasses where the pad had fallen off. Then we stopped at Shell and fueled up for $1.999 per gallon. Between the price and the mileage, I paid $38.65 to cover 263.3 miles. Sherm called as I was fueling up to say he was ready to leave Kingman.

I like the price

There were a few miles without road work south of Findlay but then we were back in orange before we reached Lima. (Lie-mah, not Lee-mah). An aside here. I really dislike LED headlights, especially on big trucks. There is something jarring about the wavelengths. But they are becoming more prevalent so I guess I better get used to them.

Approaching Dayton, we took the exit to I-70 East to Huber Heights. The interchange is new with sparkling white concrete and blue painted steel. And airplanes in relief. We got off a few miles down and found the Days Inn. The add said truck/bus parking but they were being a bit creative. Since we would be here two nights, I backed the trailer into a spot and unhooked before moving the truck up by the room and bringing the gear in.

The I-75/I-70 Interchange

We went across to the other side of I-70 to Applebee's for supper. We had the two entrees for $25 special. Sandy had ribs while I had steak. The food was good but the menu in general doesn't seem as appetizing as in the past.

Going for supper

Back at the room, I did some prep work for the blogs but went to bed before getting anything finished. I need more self-discipline.

Today's Route (365 Avalanche miles):

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Sudbury Ontario to Woodstock Ontario

Sandy woke me up at 6:30 sharp. I didn't get much sleep last night, which is becoming a pre-trip pattern for me. It isn't one that I would like to continue. After getting dressed, we loaded the final bags into the truck and headed out of the subdivision. Today, our goal was to stop and visit Kim and Robyn in Cambridge before going on to see Heather, Tom and Jasper and spend the night in Woodstock.

I stopped at Crosstown Chev to get Freedom Riders VP Ken to sign a few club cheques before getting my breakfast sandwich at Tim's. We were on the road out of town by 8:30.

A brief aside about Crosstown. When I realized the ND Mazda Miata had no spare tire, I ruled it out as a cross country vehicle. I know bikes don't have spare tires either, but I think of cars differently. If I want to keep towing the bike but have a more efficient vehicle to use when not towing, a 6 cylinder Chev Equinox will do the job. Crosstown shows a loaded 2014 Equinox and, if we weren't leaving this morning, I'd be test driving it today. If it is still there in two weeks, we'll have to give it a close look.

The morning was warm and foggy. Once again, people hurtled around in next to no visibility with no headlights on. Using running lights means there is no illumination to the rear. It seems so simple.....

Visibility was limited

Having the elevations read out on the GPS screen reinforced one thing. Many times I would have sworn that we were going uphill while the GPS and fuel mileage readouts both told me we were going down. I can still see the ground and my senses are lying to me. No wonder pilots need instrument ratings for flying in poor visibility.

The fog started to clear around the French River, where I stopped to check the tie-downs. I was already starting to get tired and needed the break at the Tim's south of Parry Sound.

Flower at Tim's

Sandy beat me to the truck

South of Parry Sound, we saw a few trees starting to change colour. While this will lead to an awesome display in a month or so, it is also depressing since it means winter is on its way. There were also a lot of caterpillar tents in the trees, something we haven't seen up around Sudbury yet. They are probably on the way since these critters are cyclical.

Caterpillar nests

There was a lot of roadwork all the way down Highway 400 to Toronto. We did note that the new On Route Service Centre at Innisfil is open, which will probably have an impact on my southbound trip planning in the future.

In Toronto, they COMPASS sign at Highway 7 said it was 15 minutes to the 401. I expected about five, so my guess was that things backed up further on. To avoid that, I decided to spend the outrageous coin that I would be billed for taking the ETR407 toll road. Traffic was even fairly heavy along this route.

In Cambridge, Franklin Boulevard is being heavily reconstructed. Apparently, a lot of intersections will be replaced with roundabouts. In the meantime, I think I'll avoid it whenever possible. We pulled into Kim's driveway at 1:40 PM. Robyn was home because they are staggering the start of school and her Senior Kindergarten class will begin tomorrow.

The four of us went to Boston Pizza for late lunch. Kim took me to TD so I could get some more US cash and investigate a screw up of my own making regarding payment to Disney next week for the November trip. It seems some transactions can't be undone, but we will work around it. Then we stopped by the school to pick up Jolene and take her home.

Sandy, Robyn and Kim going to lunch

Not long after getting back to Kim's house, we pushed on for Woodstock. The Best Western is a short hop from Heather and Tom's house. It started as a Microtel but is now a very well appointed BW with a very friendly staff. Once we got checked in, we headed over to see Tom and Jasper since Heather was still at an appointment.

Tom had a lot of leftovers from the Labour Day BBQ, so he made us something to eat while we played with our grandson. Heather got home about 7:00. Jasper went to bed not long after and I couldn't stay awake either, so we left about 8:30.

Here's Jasper

Working on the puzzle ball

Still puzzling

Sand tables are fun

Helping Dad

Back at the hotel, I didn't have the energy to blog or post the bills. I hit the sack with my Kindle about 9:00 PM and was sound asleep by 9:30.

BTW, we received word today that Wayne Mogensen, am active member of the MS Society Sudbury Chapter, passed away. We were just talking to him about ten days ago. Wayne was a unique individual and we will miss him. Rest In peace, Wayne.

Today's Route (317 Avalanche miles):

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Preparing For Arkansas

It has been over three months since I last lit up a cigarette. Most of the time, I don't miss it but there are moments when I crave something. Not necessarily a smoke, but something to fill a gap. It's like having an itch and not knowing exactly where to scratch. But I am sure now that I won't be lighting up again.

It is Labour Day Monday. While most folks are looking at the end of summer or the end of holidays, we are looking at the beginning of our first real trip since May. We are on the eve of heading out for the Vulcan Riders and Owners Club Reunion in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Those of you who follow our travels know that this is our traditional fall pilgrimage to the Ozarks to share some good times with our fellow VROCers.

We got the trailer hooked up and the bike loaded today. The packing is mostly done but the bags won't go into the truck until tomorrow morning to allow for last minute changes.

Sandy likes to guide me into the truck. I haven't hit her. Yet.

One more successful loading operation

Ready for a morning departure

Followup Stress Test

Today, I went to the cardiologist's office downtown for my followup stress test. I haven't been on a treadmill for a month, so I was really concerned about how I would do. Any issues now would spike the September travel.

The technician, a pretty young lady named Jamie, wired me up and got the baseline readings. On the treadmill, I started slow. On level three, I got to 112 BPM where I encountered trouble in May. No pains. No shortness of breath. On level 4, I hit my target rate of 132 and held it for 30 seconds.

I won't have the official results until I see Dr. Hourtovenko on October 13th, but it was a successful test for me. Much better than the last one. Then again, I have had six stress tests, several different types, over the last two years so this is getting to be old hat.

Eureka Springs, here we come!!!!

Interlochen Michigan to Sudbury Ontario

We were up and rolling by 7:25 this morning. It was another clear day, ideal for traveling. I almost forgot my Kindle under my pillow. I know, that's a bad place to put things in a motel room.

Traffic was light as we took West South Airport Road and Three Mile Road to bypass the waterfront. Cherry Capital Airport. I love the name. We stopped at the McDonald's where US 31 and M72 split. This was where we had planned to take 72 east and meet Gary and Dianne in Grayling for our trip together to North Carolina. Instead, we were returning home following US 31 through Charlevoix and Petoskey.

The drive to the Soo was uneventful. We fueled the truck at the Crist station just before we crossed the International Bridge. We were back in Canada at 11:15 and there were only two vehicles ahead of us in the Customs line.

Flowers in Charlevoix

Over the Big Mac

Back in the Soo

We grabbed some food at McDonald's in the Soo and then stopped at the brand new Esso station in Blind River. They didn't have coffee. There was a long line at the single lane bridge in Webbwood and traffic was heavy after we crossed Highway 6, plus I was really feeling tired, but we got safely into our driveway at 3:30 PM.

It was just a short trip but the first since May and it felt really good.

Today's Route (377 Avalanche miles):

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Interlochen Michigan - Old Mission Peninsula

We slept in a bit this morning and didn't get away from the motel until almost half past eight. Rather than a sit down breakfast, we got coffee and a few nibble things at the Blarney Castle store at the corner gas station.

Seen at the gas station

Tim, Dee and Sandy look ready to go

Gearman is heading home today

Roseman and Lana brought this unusual setup

Today, we would explore the Old Mission Peninsula, visit the lighthouse at the point and check out a restauarant Big Jim had heard about. I tried to get someone else to lead but that wasn't going to happen.

After a stop at the gas station in Interlochen, we rode north on Long Lake Road and ended up following Silver Lake Road to US 31 in Traverse City. Traffic was heavy but we were lucky with lights. There was a little bobble making the left onto M37, the road that goes out the peninsula, but we all got through after a few moments. From there, it was a straight shot all the way out to the Mission Point Lighthouse. Unlike the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Park at the tip of the Leelanau, this park is free.

Together on Silver Lake Road

Betty and Big Norm

Tim and Dee

Me making new friends

Sitting on the 45th parallel

A pretty and well maintained building

Hessler Log Cabin

We're here

Taking advantage of the very nice beach

Tim and Dee getting feet wet

Gnarly looking group

Mermaid?

Some days I feel like this tree

The restaurant Big Jim wanted to try was the Jolly Pumpkin on the west side of the peninsula. I found it in the GPS and set a destination. After skipping one right turn due to a gravel road, we turned off M37 and moved over to Peninsula Drive, following it to the restaurant.

Orchards on Old Mission Peninsula

West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay shore line

The Jolly Pumpkin was hidden in some trees with a very understated sign out front, but we found it. Inside, they were able to seat us right away. They advertise handcrafted artisan ales and we could see racks of samples being delivered to other tables. The food menu featured artisan type selections as well. I had something called a Cheesy BLT:

"applewood smoked bacon, fresh tomato, baby greens, Leelanau raclette and Swiss cheeses on grilled sourdough bread with amber ale mayo on the side"

 It was very good, well worth the $11.00 I paid for it, and I will stop here again when I'm in the area.Sandy had a smoked turkey sandwich on multi-grain bread. She liked it too, but wasn't a fan of the sauteed kale they put on it. Who would sautee kale anyway??????

Special thanks to Big Jim for finding this place.

Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Traverse City Michigan

Leaving the Pumpkin behind us, I led the group back along the Traverse City waterfront. It was about 2:00 PM and I had to admire the park and beach areas teeming with people. This is a very nice place to visit and, probably, to live.

Traverse City waterfront

West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay

We stayed on M72 and then took M22 along the west shore of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay to Suttons Bay where we stopped for gas. As the bikes were fueling, Ray and Lisa rode by heading south. They honked and waved but Flatop, Too Tall and Linda, who were following, pulled in.

Tim admiring Flatop's flat black GoldWing

(it looks like an F6B but meaner)

With our expanded group behind me, I went to the north side of town and then turned west on M204 to the top of Lake Leelanau. From there, we headed south on South Lake Shore Drive to the village of Cedar. Flatop was right behind me and I know he wanted to open it up, but I held to the pace I had been doing out of respect for the group. From Cedar, we continued south across M72 and followed the west shore of Long Lake to Interlochen where I peeled off to top the bike up with cheap US gas.

It was good to note that I didn't have any serious disorientation or anxiety episodes yesterday or today.

Back at the campground about 4:00 PM, we kicked back and took it easy.  Soft ice cream is a Cycle-Moore tradition and some went to partake. Tim and I continued our discussion, touching on books, movies, music and politics. About 6:45, the cornhole boards came out.

Lisa and Sandy on an ice cream rum

We were pleasantly surprised when Kevin and Steph pulled in from Middlebury, Indiana. They hadn't been on the list of attendees but found they could get away at the last minute, so they jumped in the truck and came up. It sure was good to see them.

Steph, Kevin and Rosie

Must be a Middlebury thing

Eventually, it got to be time to hook the trailer up and load the bike. Everyone wanted to know what they could do to help but I pretty much have it down to a one man operation by now. If I don't hit anything or fall off, I count the procedure as a success.

Tim and Dee watch as I load the bike

The rest of the evening was mostly talking and laughing as the cornhole challenge raged on. Rosie and I swapped stories about work and play while we don't know what the ladies were plotting.

The ladies of VROC

Rosie looks like he's wearing out

Again, we didn't stay too late. We made the rounds saying our goodbyes because we'd be heading out directly in the morning. We were back at the motel by 11:00 PM. Facebook evidence shows that the party went on quite a bit longer.

Today's Route (105 motorcycle miles):

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