Sunday, July 7, 2013 - Day 24
We arrived in Port aux Basques, NL, at 5:30 AM NL time. I reset both Bev's and my watches to NL time. We lined up at the snack bar on deck 9 for O.J. and a muffin for breakfast. There was also coffee and tea available but we passed on that. After packing away my sleeping bag I went into the Men's washroom to change into my cycling gear. There was such a line up for the elevator that we decided to take the stairs down to the 3rd deck where we had left our bicycles. The stairs were also quite crowded but at least we were moving. We waited for an hour or so while the ship tied up and the vehicles at the front disembarked before we got to proceed. We stopped a couple times to take photos of our arrival in our last province before going up the highway about a kilometer where we stopped at a gas station for water. Bev walked over to the Tim's next door to get a couple ham and cheese sandwiches for our lunch. I took a few more photos while waiting for her to return. The TCH was well paved with a clean meter wide paved shoulder which made cycling along the highway much more comfortable than we had expected. Once the ferry traffic cleared it was relatively quiet and smooth sailing. It was only 40 kms to Doyles with a few hills on the way and thankfully a nice calm sunny morning. It was the first time we had managed to get started before 7:30 AM!!! We stopped at doyles' Corner Store and asked for directions to the Grand Codroy RV Campsite. We arrived at 9:30 AM and went into the gift shop to enquire about campsite. It was $25 for our little tent and 2 adults ($28 if we wanted an electrical hookup) and free Wi-Fi. We met the person driving the support RV for the double leg amputee who was cycling across Canada to raise money for service dogs. ? had set off just before we arrived and would cycle 120 kms that day. We were so impressed with the size of his "land yacht" support vehicle that we regretfully didn't make a note of his name. I had chosen a site with electrical hookup so I could plug in my GPS to charge it up and also to use my Notebook just in case there was a decent Wi-Fi signal. Unfortunately there was no shade to be had at the designated sites so we set out tent up in the bright sunshine and walked back a short distance to the "office" to pay. We ate our sandwiches at 10:30 AM and washed them down with bottled water. I hadn't gotten much sleep on the ferry so lay down for a nap at 11:00. I got up at 13:15 PM. There was a nice breeze blowing which helped to keep us cool as long as we went over by the washrooms/showers where there was some shade. We just had to keep moving the damn picnic table. When Bev tried to plug in her cell phone to charge it she found out the socket was only good for a large RV/trailer type plug. I was able to get an adapter at the "office" for a deposit of $10 and plugged my GPS in to charge it up. Later on I checked the Wi-Fi and was able to get a connection but it was quite slow. Bev posted a note on Face Book re our arrival at Doyles campground. There was nothing to be had in the way of drinks or groceries at the park so we cycled to the corner store and got an ice cream and supplies for tomorrow's ride. Bev went across the highway to the Pharmacy to see if she could get another book to read. I waited patiently by the bikes. We cycled back to our campsite and had a cold beer before going for a shower. Meanwhile a convoy of about 20 land yachts began arriving. They were a group that had come to NL to get "Screeched IN". It seems they all got on the Internet at the same time as when I tried to update my blog the signal was so poor I gave up in frustration. We prepared KD with maple flavoured baked beans and chopped up cocktail sausages. After cleaning up we went for a walk around the park and returned the adapter in order to get my deposit back. The black flies and mosquitoes were to much to deal with so we quickly got into our tent and called it a night. We wanted to get an early start the following day in order to cycle all the way to Robinsons. So we were off to sleep at 9:00 PM.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke's, Corner Brook, NL
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
CCCT Part II - Iona to North Sydney, NS
Saturday, July 6, 2013 - Day 23
We were up at 6:30 AM after a good night's sleep. Bev went to the restaurant to get sandwiches and bread for our breakfast. When she returned we had peanut butter, jam (for me) and banana sandwiches and chocolate milk for our breakfast. We finished packing and loaded our bags on our bikes. We were ready to leave at 7:30 AM but first of all I wanted to get an itemized receipt of our motel expenses. Eventually we located the manager but had to wait awhile while she booted up her laptop. Then she couldn't get the printer to work. In the end we gave up and asked her to e-mail the bill to me. We set off for N. Sydney at 7:50 AM. It was a very nice ride with a few hills and very little traffic. We stopped at Beaver Cove at a Convenience Store and got a cold drink and butter tarts. The next 10 kms were quite flat and before we knew what hit us we were climbing the Barrachois Hill. Of course it was much hotter by now and we were sweating buckets by the time we made it to the top. We both had to stop several times to catch our breath hydrate. we had planned to go to a Hostel in N. Sydney to do our laundry and get some rest before having to go to the ferry terminal at 8:00 PM. We had been told by Andre back in Riviere du Loup that there was a Hostel in N. Sydney but when I checked the Hostel map there was none to be found. I then looked for a laundromat on my GPS and the nearest one was 4.6 kms away. We arrived at the laundromat at 11:45 AM, sorted our laundry and used the washroom to change out of our sweaty cycling clothes. Bev walked over to a nearby convenience store and came back with cold drinks while I minded the laundry and tried to cool off. We ate our ham and cheese sandwiches which the motel restaurant had prepared for us while waiting for our laundry to dry. We finished folding and sorting our laundry at 2:00 PM and cycled down to the dock where we were able to get ice cream cones and sit in the shade. It was still to early to go to the ferry terminal so Bev decided to go get some groceries for tomorrow's ride from Port aux Basques to the campground in Doyles, NL. Rather than cycle there she decided to go by taxi. The girls in the ice cream shop were very helpful and called the taxi company to come and pick her up. I waited in the shade and did some reading. Eventually Bev returned and after sitting around for another hour or so we decided to go for dinner. We had planned to eat at the restaurant at the waterfront but once the evening manager arrived he was so rude when he asked us to move as he wanted to place a slop bucket where we were sitting. Instead we decided to walk back up to the main street where there was a cafe and have our dinner there. It turned out to be a wise decision as the food was excellent and so was the apple pie with two scoops of ice cream. I know ice cream 2 times in one day is a big no-no but we were in a celebratory mood as we were finally taking the ferry to NL. At 7:00 we left the restaurant and walked our bikes along the main street in the direction of the ferry terminal for 15 minutes or so. There was still quite a ways to go to we got on our bikes and cycled the rest of the way. Traffic was backed up along the entrance to the ticket booths but we were able to go around them and get our boarding passes which were waiting for us as Bev had called ahead the night before to book our passage to Port aux Basques. The lady in the ticket booth told us to go to the front of row #4 where we parked and bikes and waited to be told we could go on board the Highlander the ship that would take across to NL. We left our bikes and went into the terminal where we were able to get some information on camping, etc in NL. It was to hot to stay inside so we went up on the deck and sat outside where there was a bit of a breeze and waited for the announcement that it was time to go on board. Finally at 8:30 they were ready to start boarding. The agent let several motorcycles go on board than he let Bev and I go aboard with our bicycles. We parked our bikes at the back of the ship on deck #3 and went up to deck #7. We sat in the bar and had a cold beer. I took some photos before boarding and of the spectacular sunset. We set sail at 10:30 PM for Port aux Basques. We had to go up to deck #9 to find our recliner seats and once we located our seats we settled in for the 7 hour trip across the Cabot Strait. I had trouble putting my seat back. Bev was already snuggled up in her sleeping bag and drifting off to sleep. There were lots of snorers, people chatting, banging doors, bright lights, etc which made it rather difficult to get any sleep. I got up out of my seat pushed on the leaver and gave the back a good shove and finally got it to recline properly. Thank goodness it was a short crossing and a smooth one....
Mike and Pearl Yetman's, Robinsons, NL
We were up at 6:30 AM after a good night's sleep. Bev went to the restaurant to get sandwiches and bread for our breakfast. When she returned we had peanut butter, jam (for me) and banana sandwiches and chocolate milk for our breakfast. We finished packing and loaded our bags on our bikes. We were ready to leave at 7:30 AM but first of all I wanted to get an itemized receipt of our motel expenses. Eventually we located the manager but had to wait awhile while she booted up her laptop. Then she couldn't get the printer to work. In the end we gave up and asked her to e-mail the bill to me. We set off for N. Sydney at 7:50 AM. It was a very nice ride with a few hills and very little traffic. We stopped at Beaver Cove at a Convenience Store and got a cold drink and butter tarts. The next 10 kms were quite flat and before we knew what hit us we were climbing the Barrachois Hill. Of course it was much hotter by now and we were sweating buckets by the time we made it to the top. We both had to stop several times to catch our breath hydrate. we had planned to go to a Hostel in N. Sydney to do our laundry and get some rest before having to go to the ferry terminal at 8:00 PM. We had been told by Andre back in Riviere du Loup that there was a Hostel in N. Sydney but when I checked the Hostel map there was none to be found. I then looked for a laundromat on my GPS and the nearest one was 4.6 kms away. We arrived at the laundromat at 11:45 AM, sorted our laundry and used the washroom to change out of our sweaty cycling clothes. Bev walked over to a nearby convenience store and came back with cold drinks while I minded the laundry and tried to cool off. We ate our ham and cheese sandwiches which the motel restaurant had prepared for us while waiting for our laundry to dry. We finished folding and sorting our laundry at 2:00 PM and cycled down to the dock where we were able to get ice cream cones and sit in the shade. It was still to early to go to the ferry terminal so Bev decided to go get some groceries for tomorrow's ride from Port aux Basques to the campground in Doyles, NL. Rather than cycle there she decided to go by taxi. The girls in the ice cream shop were very helpful and called the taxi company to come and pick her up. I waited in the shade and did some reading. Eventually Bev returned and after sitting around for another hour or so we decided to go for dinner. We had planned to eat at the restaurant at the waterfront but once the evening manager arrived he was so rude when he asked us to move as he wanted to place a slop bucket where we were sitting. Instead we decided to walk back up to the main street where there was a cafe and have our dinner there. It turned out to be a wise decision as the food was excellent and so was the apple pie with two scoops of ice cream. I know ice cream 2 times in one day is a big no-no but we were in a celebratory mood as we were finally taking the ferry to NL. At 7:00 we left the restaurant and walked our bikes along the main street in the direction of the ferry terminal for 15 minutes or so. There was still quite a ways to go to we got on our bikes and cycled the rest of the way. Traffic was backed up along the entrance to the ticket booths but we were able to go around them and get our boarding passes which were waiting for us as Bev had called ahead the night before to book our passage to Port aux Basques. The lady in the ticket booth told us to go to the front of row #4 where we parked and bikes and waited to be told we could go on board the Highlander the ship that would take across to NL. We left our bikes and went into the terminal where we were able to get some information on camping, etc in NL. It was to hot to stay inside so we went up on the deck and sat outside where there was a bit of a breeze and waited for the announcement that it was time to go on board. Finally at 8:30 they were ready to start boarding. The agent let several motorcycles go on board than he let Bev and I go aboard with our bicycles. We parked our bikes at the back of the ship on deck #3 and went up to deck #7. We sat in the bar and had a cold beer. I took some photos before boarding and of the spectacular sunset. We set sail at 10:30 PM for Port aux Basques. We had to go up to deck #9 to find our recliner seats and once we located our seats we settled in for the 7 hour trip across the Cabot Strait. I had trouble putting my seat back. Bev was already snuggled up in her sleeping bag and drifting off to sleep. There were lots of snorers, people chatting, banging doors, bright lights, etc which made it rather difficult to get any sleep. I got up out of my seat pushed on the leaver and gave the back a good shove and finally got it to recline properly. Thank goodness it was a short crossing and a smooth one....
Mike and Pearl Yetman's, Robinsons, NL
CCCT Part II - Port Hastings to Iona, NS
Friday, July 5, 2013 - Day 22
I had set my alarm for 6:30 AM but Bev was already up at 6:15 AM, dressed and off to the Canadian Tire gas station across the highway to get Gatorade and sandwiches for our days journey. I got up and started packing. We went over to the restaurant for breakfast at 7:00 AM. we both had French toast and hot chocolate. We were all packed and ready to leave at 8:00 AM. After a short downhill we started climbing to get to the on ramp for the #105. The climb went on for 3 kms. Needless to say it didn't take long to work up a sweat which lasted all day. It was again very hot and humid with no wind not even a gentle breeze to help cool us down. we had to make frequent stops to keep from over heating. each hill was harder and harder to climb. we stopped at a gas station in Whycocomagh. There were mostly natives and one guy with a 2 foot long ponytail. He was quite impressed that we had cycled across Canada and were on our way to St. Johns, NL. After filling up his truck he came back to shake my hand. We hadn't yet gone 10 kms when I saw a young deer standing at the side of the road. I was still quite a ways from it when I saw a car coming in the opposite direction. Just as the car was passing the deer it ran across the highway and smacked into the back of the car. The deer did a half flip and once it was back on its feet it ran back into the woods. Bev who was behind me saw the car go by with a big dent in its rear fender. If the deer had waited another second he would have been able to cross the highway safely!!! We cycled to the ferry crossing at Little Narrows. There was no charge for cyclists. According to our map we expected to find a VIC nearby after crossing over to L. N. There was only a convenience store where we were able to get a cold drink and information re a motel in Iona that was a further 23 kms down the road!!! We sat outside the C. S. on a park bench and ate our lunch. At the C. S. we had met a young fellow who lived nearby. It turned out he lived about 8 kms from Iona. We stopped for a moment across the highway from a house where we saw a guy cutting the grass in his front yard. It turned out to be Andrew from the C.S. We went over and asked him for some cold water which he was only to glad to give us. We had to wait outside while he went in to fill our bottles as he had a none to friendly German Shepherd dog inside. Andrew also told us that the Legion in Iona, which was a short walk from the Highland Inn where we planned to stay, was having a roast beef dinner that evening. We finally arrived at the Highland Inn at 2:45 PM and managed to get a room at $99 with mini fridge, TV, Wi-Fi and a great view of the bay. After showering I lay down for a nap and later walked to the Legion for dinner. We were there just after 5:00 PM and still ended up with #40 & 41. We had a couple cold beers while waiting for dinner to be served at 6:00 PM. There was roast beef with mashed potatoes, mashed turnips, gravy and cole slaw and water melon and fresh bread and butter all for $11.50 each. There was also a band that was supposed to start playing at 7:00 but it took them quite a while to set up their equipment and then they sat down to eat. Rather than wait another hour or so for them to finish eating we decided to head back to our motel. Back at the motel we went to the shop managed by the motel and got a small tub of ice cream which Bev and I shared when we got back to our room. The shop also sold beer and liquor so it was doing a roaring business as it was Friday night and everyone was stocking up for the weekend. The Wi-Fi was quite good but I was to tired to do any blogging. Watched some TV, sent an e-mail to Mike Yetman re coming by Corner Brook to visit and have a pint or two. Off to bed at 9:30 PM.
Mike and Pearl Yetman's, Robinsons, NL
I had set my alarm for 6:30 AM but Bev was already up at 6:15 AM, dressed and off to the Canadian Tire gas station across the highway to get Gatorade and sandwiches for our days journey. I got up and started packing. We went over to the restaurant for breakfast at 7:00 AM. we both had French toast and hot chocolate. We were all packed and ready to leave at 8:00 AM. After a short downhill we started climbing to get to the on ramp for the #105. The climb went on for 3 kms. Needless to say it didn't take long to work up a sweat which lasted all day. It was again very hot and humid with no wind not even a gentle breeze to help cool us down. we had to make frequent stops to keep from over heating. each hill was harder and harder to climb. we stopped at a gas station in Whycocomagh. There were mostly natives and one guy with a 2 foot long ponytail. He was quite impressed that we had cycled across Canada and were on our way to St. Johns, NL. After filling up his truck he came back to shake my hand. We hadn't yet gone 10 kms when I saw a young deer standing at the side of the road. I was still quite a ways from it when I saw a car coming in the opposite direction. Just as the car was passing the deer it ran across the highway and smacked into the back of the car. The deer did a half flip and once it was back on its feet it ran back into the woods. Bev who was behind me saw the car go by with a big dent in its rear fender. If the deer had waited another second he would have been able to cross the highway safely!!! We cycled to the ferry crossing at Little Narrows. There was no charge for cyclists. According to our map we expected to find a VIC nearby after crossing over to L. N. There was only a convenience store where we were able to get a cold drink and information re a motel in Iona that was a further 23 kms down the road!!! We sat outside the C. S. on a park bench and ate our lunch. At the C. S. we had met a young fellow who lived nearby. It turned out he lived about 8 kms from Iona. We stopped for a moment across the highway from a house where we saw a guy cutting the grass in his front yard. It turned out to be Andrew from the C.S. We went over and asked him for some cold water which he was only to glad to give us. We had to wait outside while he went in to fill our bottles as he had a none to friendly German Shepherd dog inside. Andrew also told us that the Legion in Iona, which was a short walk from the Highland Inn where we planned to stay, was having a roast beef dinner that evening. We finally arrived at the Highland Inn at 2:45 PM and managed to get a room at $99 with mini fridge, TV, Wi-Fi and a great view of the bay. After showering I lay down for a nap and later walked to the Legion for dinner. We were there just after 5:00 PM and still ended up with #40 & 41. We had a couple cold beers while waiting for dinner to be served at 6:00 PM. There was roast beef with mashed potatoes, mashed turnips, gravy and cole slaw and water melon and fresh bread and butter all for $11.50 each. There was also a band that was supposed to start playing at 7:00 but it took them quite a while to set up their equipment and then they sat down to eat. Rather than wait another hour or so for them to finish eating we decided to head back to our motel. Back at the motel we went to the shop managed by the motel and got a small tub of ice cream which Bev and I shared when we got back to our room. The shop also sold beer and liquor so it was doing a roaring business as it was Friday night and everyone was stocking up for the weekend. The Wi-Fi was quite good but I was to tired to do any blogging. Watched some TV, sent an e-mail to Mike Yetman re coming by Corner Brook to visit and have a pint or two. Off to bed at 9:30 PM.
Mike and Pearl Yetman's, Robinsons, NL
CCCT Part II - Antigonish to Port Hastings, NS
Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Day 21
Bev was up and ready to go at 6:00 AM!!! She thought it was already 7:00 AM. She came back to bed. We got up at 7:00 AM and walked over to the Snow Queen restaurant for breakfast. We had a voucher for 2 free breakfasts from the motel. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries and toast (not sliced and well buttered). I made myself a nice egg and bacon sannie. We returned to our room, finished packing, loaded our bags on our bikes and set off for Port Hawkesbury at 8:30 AM. We started off on #4 but had to take the #104 after 3 kms due to a roadblock/detour. There was no way to get through even with our bikes. The #104 had a wide paved shoulder most of the 16 kms we were on it but the traffic and noise pollution was quite heavy. We were able to get back on the #4 at Exit 36A which took us all the way to the CANSO Causeway and the VIC at Port Hastings. We stopped on the #4 several times for butt breaks, snacks, etc. On one occasion an elderly lady who looked like a cartoon character out of the Beverly Hillbillies came hobbling over to us where we were resting in the shade of a big old maple tree. The only thing she was missing was her corn cob pipe and a tobacco pouch hanging out of her shirt pocket. In hind site I should have asked to take her picture. We arrived at the VIC in Port Hastings all sweaty and tired out and ready to pack it in for the day. It was only 1:00 PM but already the temperature was up in the high 20s with the humidex at 36. We were able to get information on motels, restaurants, route, etc. Bev went in the souvenir shop next door and got me a Nova Scotia Puffin pin for $2 and a bottle of water. While she was in the shop I met and had a chat with Billy Joe MacLean the mayor of Port Hawkesbury. He gave me his card. I gave him ours and told him about our Cross Canada Cycling Tour. We cycled to the Hearth Stone Motel which also had a restaurant. A room with king size bed cost $89.95 plus taxes. The grouch at the reception would not budge on the price. We were disappointed to find out there was no mini fridge. It was a large room with a king size bed and a huge 50" flat screen TV. We unloaded our bags and put our bikes in our room. We walked over to the Canadian Tire gas station across the highway and got an ice cream cone and soft drinks. It also had sandwiches and Gatorade which we would pick up in the morning before setting off for N. Sydney. We returned to our room and showered and lay down for a nap at 3:00. We got up at 4:45 and posted Day 20 on blog. we went over to the restaurant for dinner. I had the Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo with a cold beer. Bev had the Quesadilla. It came with a side salad which the waitress insisted she have. She couldn't eat her salad which she hadn't wanted in the first place. After dinner I tried to sit outside but the mosquitoes started bugging me. I went inside, updated my journal and did some reading. We were off to be at 10:00 PM.
Mike and Pearl Yetman's, Robinsons, NL3
Bev was up and ready to go at 6:00 AM!!! She thought it was already 7:00 AM. She came back to bed. We got up at 7:00 AM and walked over to the Snow Queen restaurant for breakfast. We had a voucher for 2 free breakfasts from the motel. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries and toast (not sliced and well buttered). I made myself a nice egg and bacon sannie. We returned to our room, finished packing, loaded our bags on our bikes and set off for Port Hawkesbury at 8:30 AM. We started off on #4 but had to take the #104 after 3 kms due to a roadblock/detour. There was no way to get through even with our bikes. The #104 had a wide paved shoulder most of the 16 kms we were on it but the traffic and noise pollution was quite heavy. We were able to get back on the #4 at Exit 36A which took us all the way to the CANSO Causeway and the VIC at Port Hastings. We stopped on the #4 several times for butt breaks, snacks, etc. On one occasion an elderly lady who looked like a cartoon character out of the Beverly Hillbillies came hobbling over to us where we were resting in the shade of a big old maple tree. The only thing she was missing was her corn cob pipe and a tobacco pouch hanging out of her shirt pocket. In hind site I should have asked to take her picture. We arrived at the VIC in Port Hastings all sweaty and tired out and ready to pack it in for the day. It was only 1:00 PM but already the temperature was up in the high 20s with the humidex at 36. We were able to get information on motels, restaurants, route, etc. Bev went in the souvenir shop next door and got me a Nova Scotia Puffin pin for $2 and a bottle of water. While she was in the shop I met and had a chat with Billy Joe MacLean the mayor of Port Hawkesbury. He gave me his card. I gave him ours and told him about our Cross Canada Cycling Tour. We cycled to the Hearth Stone Motel which also had a restaurant. A room with king size bed cost $89.95 plus taxes. The grouch at the reception would not budge on the price. We were disappointed to find out there was no mini fridge. It was a large room with a king size bed and a huge 50" flat screen TV. We unloaded our bags and put our bikes in our room. We walked over to the Canadian Tire gas station across the highway and got an ice cream cone and soft drinks. It also had sandwiches and Gatorade which we would pick up in the morning before setting off for N. Sydney. We returned to our room and showered and lay down for a nap at 3:00. We got up at 4:45 and posted Day 20 on blog. we went over to the restaurant for dinner. I had the Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo with a cold beer. Bev had the Quesadilla. It came with a side salad which the waitress insisted she have. She couldn't eat her salad which she hadn't wanted in the first place. After dinner I tried to sit outside but the mosquitoes started bugging me. I went inside, updated my journal and did some reading. We were off to be at 10:00 PM.
Mike and Pearl Yetman's, Robinsons, NL3
Thursday, July 4, 2013
CCCT Part II - New Glasgow to Antigonish, NS
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Day 20
We were up at 7:00 after a very fitful night's sleep due mainly to the heat and the narrow bed. We walked over to the main building for breakfast at 7:30 AM. Only one other couple was there. They were travelling from NL to Fredericton, NB and Etobicoke (?) for a family reunion. We helped ourselves to juice, chocolate milk, cereal (porridge for me) and a banana each. We returned to our room and finished packing our bags and loaded them on our bikes. We set off for Antigonish at 8:25 AM. It was overcast but the weather man on the Weather Channel promised us a "no rain" day with sunshine later in the day. Once we got on Hwy #4 the going was relatively trouble free. The highway was in good shape but without a paved shoulder. Just short hills. After Barney's River we had to get on Hwy #104 at exit 29 and cycle for 6 kms to exit 29A. Fortunately there was a nice paved extra wide shoulder which helped make it reasonably safe. we then continued on #4 to Antigonish. We stopped along the highway for lunch - a turkey and cheese sandwich on an Italian bun which Bev had gotten at Sobey's the day before. We arrived in Antigonish at 1:00 PM and checked in at the Homeward Inn the first motel we came to. It was $84.95 plus taxes for a room with TV, mini fridge, Wi-Fi and plenty of nearby facilities for eating and groceries. After unloading our bags and putting our bikes in our room we went over to McDs for ice cream. Back in our room I checked out the Wi-Fi and sent an e-mail to Mike Yetman a former DFAIT colleague who lives in NL. I got a nasty bite on my back so took a Benadryl and lay down for a nap. bev went for a walk to NEEDS a convenience store and got some Gatorade and chocolate bars. Mike replied. He now lives in Robinsons (not Corner Brook), NL. I sent him a reply re our travel plans. Decided to go out for dinner. We walked over to the Split Crow Bar and Restaurant for dinner and a cold beer. We both had a delicious hot chicken with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and orange cranberry compot. Back in our room I had a diet coke and finished off my Oh Henry chocolate bar while posting Day 19 of my blog. Nothing but repeats of TV so we watched TOR vs DET ball game. Toronto was losing badly so gave up on that and hit the sack at 9:30 PM.
Hearth Stone Inn, Port Hastings, NS
We were up at 7:00 after a very fitful night's sleep due mainly to the heat and the narrow bed. We walked over to the main building for breakfast at 7:30 AM. Only one other couple was there. They were travelling from NL to Fredericton, NB and Etobicoke (?) for a family reunion. We helped ourselves to juice, chocolate milk, cereal (porridge for me) and a banana each. We returned to our room and finished packing our bags and loaded them on our bikes. We set off for Antigonish at 8:25 AM. It was overcast but the weather man on the Weather Channel promised us a "no rain" day with sunshine later in the day. Once we got on Hwy #4 the going was relatively trouble free. The highway was in good shape but without a paved shoulder. Just short hills. After Barney's River we had to get on Hwy #104 at exit 29 and cycle for 6 kms to exit 29A. Fortunately there was a nice paved extra wide shoulder which helped make it reasonably safe. we then continued on #4 to Antigonish. We stopped along the highway for lunch - a turkey and cheese sandwich on an Italian bun which Bev had gotten at Sobey's the day before. We arrived in Antigonish at 1:00 PM and checked in at the Homeward Inn the first motel we came to. It was $84.95 plus taxes for a room with TV, mini fridge, Wi-Fi and plenty of nearby facilities for eating and groceries. After unloading our bags and putting our bikes in our room we went over to McDs for ice cream. Back in our room I checked out the Wi-Fi and sent an e-mail to Mike Yetman a former DFAIT colleague who lives in NL. I got a nasty bite on my back so took a Benadryl and lay down for a nap. bev went for a walk to NEEDS a convenience store and got some Gatorade and chocolate bars. Mike replied. He now lives in Robinsons (not Corner Brook), NL. I sent him a reply re our travel plans. Decided to go out for dinner. We walked over to the Split Crow Bar and Restaurant for dinner and a cold beer. We both had a delicious hot chicken with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and orange cranberry compot. Back in our room I had a diet coke and finished off my Oh Henry chocolate bar while posting Day 19 of my blog. Nothing but repeats of TV so we watched TOR vs DET ball game. Toronto was losing badly so gave up on that and hit the sack at 9:30 PM.
Hearth Stone Inn, Port Hastings, NS
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
CCCT Part II - Brookfield to New Glasgow, NS
Tuesday, July 2, 2013 Day 19
We were up at 7:00 and packed and ready to hit the road by 8:15 after a quick breakfast of Greek yogurt and half a banana. Most of yesterday's clothing, which we had strung out to dry in our motel room, was still damp. We just had to pack it and hope that we would find a laundromat in New Glasgow. My cycling shoes were still soaked as well as my orthopedic inserts. We stopped at a Tim's in Truro, which was just 8 kms up the road. We had oatmeal and chocolate milk for breakfast and muffins to go. We got directions to the Pictou Road which is the old highway #4. It was straight ahead and turned out to be a 2 lane road with a gravel shoulder. Thankfully there was very little traffic and it was fairly smooth with a few exceptions where there were some potholes. Eventually the clouds cleared up and the sun came out which upped the humidity level. It was still fairly cool and when going downhill at 45 kph it felt like 10C. We stopped for a snack of curds and a Granny Smith apple and again for lunch at a roadside convenience store where we were able to sit at a picnic table by a big old apple tree. We shared a smoked meat sub that Bev had prepared the day before. It was much tastier this time around without the pouring rain that we had yesterday while trying to enjoy our lunch. Plus this time I had a diet coke to help wash it down. I checked my GPS and we only had 25 kms to go before arriving in New Glasgow. We stopped at an Irving gas station where there was also a VIC, DQ and Tim's. We were able to get information re motels, laundromat, etc. We missed the turn to go over the bridge. We had only gone 2 or 3 kms when I felt we were going in the wrong direction. I put the address of the Tara Inn in my GPS and after making a U-turn saw a sign that told us we had to turn. There hadn't been a sign coming in the opposite direction??? We arrived at the Tara Inn motel at 3:00 PM and were able to get a room for $85 plus taxes with Wi-Fi and breakfast, etc included. Room 129 was not ready so we were switched to room 130 with the help of the maid who was busy cleaning rooms. We sorted our laundry after unloading our bags and cycled to the laundromat which was located across the street from a Sobey's and the NSLC. After getting the laundry started I elected to keep an eye on it while Bev went shopping for groceries, etc. I did some reading. Bev returned and once our clothes were dry we folded them and returned to the Tara Inn. Bev went across the street to a Pizza place and got some Fish 'n Chips and onion rings for our dinner. It had been recommended to us by the agent at the VIC. She asked for ketchup, vinegar and salt. They gave her 18 packets of ketchup, a small container of vinegar and forgot about the salt. While waiting for Bev to return with dinner I sorted our laundry and hung up our jackets, etc. Bev had gone into the NSLC and gotten two cold beers which were supposed to be a surprise for me. Unfortunately I spoiled the surprise by unloading the grocery bag and putting things away in the fridge. I wanted my beer to remain cold and I didn't know how long it was going to take for Bev to come back with dinner. She returned just as I was about to set up the Wi-Fi connection. It would have to wait!!! After dinner we re-arranged the furniture to make room for our bikes which we brought inside our room. I packed my clothing, updated my journal and posted Day 19 of my blog while Bev watched the Jays vs Tigers. I had to open the motel room door to improve the Wi-Fi signal strength in order to get Day 19 posted. Bev was off to bed at 9:00. I soon joined her at 9:30. Very small, narrow bed.
Homeward Inns of Canada, Antigonish, NS
We were up at 7:00 and packed and ready to hit the road by 8:15 after a quick breakfast of Greek yogurt and half a banana. Most of yesterday's clothing, which we had strung out to dry in our motel room, was still damp. We just had to pack it and hope that we would find a laundromat in New Glasgow. My cycling shoes were still soaked as well as my orthopedic inserts. We stopped at a Tim's in Truro, which was just 8 kms up the road. We had oatmeal and chocolate milk for breakfast and muffins to go. We got directions to the Pictou Road which is the old highway #4. It was straight ahead and turned out to be a 2 lane road with a gravel shoulder. Thankfully there was very little traffic and it was fairly smooth with a few exceptions where there were some potholes. Eventually the clouds cleared up and the sun came out which upped the humidity level. It was still fairly cool and when going downhill at 45 kph it felt like 10C. We stopped for a snack of curds and a Granny Smith apple and again for lunch at a roadside convenience store where we were able to sit at a picnic table by a big old apple tree. We shared a smoked meat sub that Bev had prepared the day before. It was much tastier this time around without the pouring rain that we had yesterday while trying to enjoy our lunch. Plus this time I had a diet coke to help wash it down. I checked my GPS and we only had 25 kms to go before arriving in New Glasgow. We stopped at an Irving gas station where there was also a VIC, DQ and Tim's. We were able to get information re motels, laundromat, etc. We missed the turn to go over the bridge. We had only gone 2 or 3 kms when I felt we were going in the wrong direction. I put the address of the Tara Inn in my GPS and after making a U-turn saw a sign that told us we had to turn. There hadn't been a sign coming in the opposite direction??? We arrived at the Tara Inn motel at 3:00 PM and were able to get a room for $85 plus taxes with Wi-Fi and breakfast, etc included. Room 129 was not ready so we were switched to room 130 with the help of the maid who was busy cleaning rooms. We sorted our laundry after unloading our bags and cycled to the laundromat which was located across the street from a Sobey's and the NSLC. After getting the laundry started I elected to keep an eye on it while Bev went shopping for groceries, etc. I did some reading. Bev returned and once our clothes were dry we folded them and returned to the Tara Inn. Bev went across the street to a Pizza place and got some Fish 'n Chips and onion rings for our dinner. It had been recommended to us by the agent at the VIC. She asked for ketchup, vinegar and salt. They gave her 18 packets of ketchup, a small container of vinegar and forgot about the salt. While waiting for Bev to return with dinner I sorted our laundry and hung up our jackets, etc. Bev had gone into the NSLC and gotten two cold beers which were supposed to be a surprise for me. Unfortunately I spoiled the surprise by unloading the grocery bag and putting things away in the fridge. I wanted my beer to remain cold and I didn't know how long it was going to take for Bev to come back with dinner. She returned just as I was about to set up the Wi-Fi connection. It would have to wait!!! After dinner we re-arranged the furniture to make room for our bikes which we brought inside our room. I packed my clothing, updated my journal and posted Day 19 of my blog while Bev watched the Jays vs Tigers. I had to open the motel room door to improve the Wi-Fi signal strength in order to get Day 19 posted. Bev was off to bed at 9:00. I soon joined her at 9:30. Very small, narrow bed.
Homeward Inns of Canada, Antigonish, NS
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
CCCT Part II - Windsor to Brookfield, NS
Monday, July 1, 2013
We got up at 6:00 AM and went down for breakfast at 6:30. I had 2 yogurts, 2 small muffins and a glass of OJ. I took an apple and an orange for later. We returned to our room and finished packing. We put our bags on our bikes and took them down to the lobby in the elevator. We dressed in our Canada Day jerseys and put Canada flags, that Bev had picked up at a Dollar store before leaving, on the back of our bikes. We got Paul, who was having his early morning coffee outside, to take a picture of us and our bikes. We set off for Brookfield at 7:15 AM. Paul had given us directions but when we got down to the bottom of the hill he had told us to go straight through. But straight through would have put us in some sort of a park!!! We went over to the gas station on the corner and asked for further directions. A lady who was also going in our direction was able to give us more accurate directions. We had to cycle up 4 or 5 hills to get to highway 236. It took us over an hour to cycle the first 8 kms. It was quite warm and humid and very overcast. We stopped in Kennetcook at a gas station for a pit stop. The attendant saw us checking our map and came over to give us directions on how to get to Brookfield. He had a rather interesting accident (oops accent) and was difficult to understand. Nevertheless we thanked him and set off again hoping to reach our motel before it started raining. We stopped in Latties Brook outside the St. John the Baptist Anglican Church for our lunch. It started raining. No lightning so we were able to take shelter under a nearby tree. A lady, cleaning the church, came out to chat with us and offered us sanctuary in the church. She was preparing for her 95 year old aunt's funeral. We put our rain gear on and set off in the pouring rain. No time to take shelter. Besides we had no idea how long the rain would last. We still had about 30 kms to go to get to our motel in Brookfield. The highway was mostly in good shape but without a paved shoulder. Some sections were pretty rough so we had to go slowly coming down the hills in the rain. In spite of having a "dew" rag on my head the rain combined with my sweat was pouring off my forehead and into my eyes. The salt from my sweat was really stinging my eyes so I had to stop and take my "dew" rag off and borrow Bev's helmet cover. She wasn't able to use it because she now had a red flashing light fastened on to the top of her helmet. We finally arrived in Brookfield at 2:00 PM. We stopped at a Tim's and found out we still had a few kms to go before getting to our motel which we had booked before leaving Lawrencetown. It turned out to be about 6 kms from Truro. We paid $75 for a one and half star motel. We had hoped to use the motel dryer to dry off all our wet clothing but it was kaput. We stripped off our wet clothing and hung them up on the furniture, kitchen counter, shower rail, etc. There was no closet space for hanging clothes??? By this time the rain had stopped so I hung my jacket, which was soaked, on the back of a plastic chair and left it outside to dry. When we stepped outside to go to the bar/restaurant for a beer we discovered that it had rained again and everything we had left out to dry was even wetter now. We put them under the eaves and locked up our bikes before going for our cold beers. There was cat and dog hair all over the place. We decided to order a pizza but found out there was no delivery. The manageress offered to send her son to get it for us. The Wi-Fi signal was not strong enough in our room so I gave up and lay down for a nap. At 6:30 I went looking for our pizza. The manageress was on her way to our room with it. We ate in our room and later went to the restaurant with my Notebook so we could check tomorrow's route to New Glasgow. Bev paid $18 for our pizza and a large Pepsi. I paid $8 for 2 Budweisers. Nothing much to watch on TV so I did some reading. Bev off to bed at 9:30. A train came by and blew it's whistle at 9:45. It scared the bejesus out of me. I must have jumped about a foot off the bed.
Gotta get some rest for tomorrow's ride to New Glasgow which promises to be even more hillier.
Tara Inn, New Glasgow, NS
We got up at 6:00 AM and went down for breakfast at 6:30. I had 2 yogurts, 2 small muffins and a glass of OJ. I took an apple and an orange for later. We returned to our room and finished packing. We put our bags on our bikes and took them down to the lobby in the elevator. We dressed in our Canada Day jerseys and put Canada flags, that Bev had picked up at a Dollar store before leaving, on the back of our bikes. We got Paul, who was having his early morning coffee outside, to take a picture of us and our bikes. We set off for Brookfield at 7:15 AM. Paul had given us directions but when we got down to the bottom of the hill he had told us to go straight through. But straight through would have put us in some sort of a park!!! We went over to the gas station on the corner and asked for further directions. A lady who was also going in our direction was able to give us more accurate directions. We had to cycle up 4 or 5 hills to get to highway 236. It took us over an hour to cycle the first 8 kms. It was quite warm and humid and very overcast. We stopped in Kennetcook at a gas station for a pit stop. The attendant saw us checking our map and came over to give us directions on how to get to Brookfield. He had a rather interesting accident (oops accent) and was difficult to understand. Nevertheless we thanked him and set off again hoping to reach our motel before it started raining. We stopped in Latties Brook outside the St. John the Baptist Anglican Church for our lunch. It started raining. No lightning so we were able to take shelter under a nearby tree. A lady, cleaning the church, came out to chat with us and offered us sanctuary in the church. She was preparing for her 95 year old aunt's funeral. We put our rain gear on and set off in the pouring rain. No time to take shelter. Besides we had no idea how long the rain would last. We still had about 30 kms to go to get to our motel in Brookfield. The highway was mostly in good shape but without a paved shoulder. Some sections were pretty rough so we had to go slowly coming down the hills in the rain. In spite of having a "dew" rag on my head the rain combined with my sweat was pouring off my forehead and into my eyes. The salt from my sweat was really stinging my eyes so I had to stop and take my "dew" rag off and borrow Bev's helmet cover. She wasn't able to use it because she now had a red flashing light fastened on to the top of her helmet. We finally arrived in Brookfield at 2:00 PM. We stopped at a Tim's and found out we still had a few kms to go before getting to our motel which we had booked before leaving Lawrencetown. It turned out to be about 6 kms from Truro. We paid $75 for a one and half star motel. We had hoped to use the motel dryer to dry off all our wet clothing but it was kaput. We stripped off our wet clothing and hung them up on the furniture, kitchen counter, shower rail, etc. There was no closet space for hanging clothes??? By this time the rain had stopped so I hung my jacket, which was soaked, on the back of a plastic chair and left it outside to dry. When we stepped outside to go to the bar/restaurant for a beer we discovered that it had rained again and everything we had left out to dry was even wetter now. We put them under the eaves and locked up our bikes before going for our cold beers. There was cat and dog hair all over the place. We decided to order a pizza but found out there was no delivery. The manageress offered to send her son to get it for us. The Wi-Fi signal was not strong enough in our room so I gave up and lay down for a nap. At 6:30 I went looking for our pizza. The manageress was on her way to our room with it. We ate in our room and later went to the restaurant with my Notebook so we could check tomorrow's route to New Glasgow. Bev paid $18 for our pizza and a large Pepsi. I paid $8 for 2 Budweisers. Nothing much to watch on TV so I did some reading. Bev off to bed at 9:30. A train came by and blew it's whistle at 9:45. It scared the bejesus out of me. I must have jumped about a foot off the bed.
Gotta get some rest for tomorrow's ride to New Glasgow which promises to be even more hillier.
Tara Inn, New Glasgow, NS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
