Chaotic Weather

Day 7 – Blind River to Home

The Chi-Cheemaun

Today I rode 456 km from Blind River to South Bay Mouth on Manitoulin Island and then from Tobermory to home in Brampton. I took the Chi-Cheemaun. If you followed my last trip you will have seen the pictures of the Chi-Cheemaun. If not here it is again. The ride from Blind River to South Bay Mouth was ugly. It was threatening storms when I left the motel at 7:30 or so and I felt like I was being chased by the storm. I could see the black clouds in my mirrors, see the lightning flashes & forks and hear the thunder. But I managed to stay ahead of the heavy rain until I turned west at Espanola. I rode right into a fierce thunder-storm. I wondered why my knees were feeling bruised and sore – “wow this is heavy rain” I thought. I found out later when I stopped for gas and to wait out the storm that there was hail. No wonder it hurt.

Wade is from Cambridge and had picked up his Dad’s bike in Alberta and was riding home. Sadly his dad is very ill at a young age and can’t ride. But I am sure he will be happy that his riding tradition will live on at the hands of his son. Wade was in a panic because he had stopped in the Soo and was told it was a 2-hour run to the ferry. He found out at breakfast early this morning that it really was a 4 hour run and the ferry is on the fall schedule which means it leaves 2 hours earlier. To top it off – all of his ride was in the same storm I rode through. He took 2 hailstones in the eye – hey Wade – get some clear safety glasses at Marks Work Warehouse – $19.95 – and save those eyes! He just made the ship and was so pumped we had a great chat on the ship. After we had some lunch, we found two Muskoka chairs on the fantail and dried out in the sun. What a great way to travel.

Back to the story about his bike – I was telling him how I was not impressed with Harleys and that I would never buy one – that they were unreliable – and on and on – remember I thought his bike was a Honda. He finally told me it was a Harley and he was wondering why I was dissing his bike. I was embarrassed so I told him how great a bike they are and how I wish I had one – I don’t think he believed me. We had a good laugh about it.

When we got to Tobermory the sun was out and the temperature was near 30 degrees. Of course I had all the wrong clothes on now. I packed a few of them away and switched to my open-faced helmet. The ride home took about 3 hours – a lot of time was taken trying to get through Owen Sound – remind me never to go there again.

The ride was pleasant enough but there were high winds all the way down so I am tired and sore after fighting the constant gusts.

I arrived home around 5:15 p.m. – one day early. It is nice to be home. Pat had spaghetti and wine ready. Mmmmmm home sweet home.

Signing off now until the next trip.