Tuesday, July 16, 2013 - Day 33 (rest day)
Slept poorly. My feet, which were hanging over the end of the bed when I was on my stomach, cramped up several times. I got up at 9:00 AM after Amy left to get Liam (3 years old) tested for pre-school and to get a vaccination for Alex (1 year old). I had toast with peanut butter and marmalade for breakfast. I posted Day 28, 29, 30 and 31 on my blog. AVG took over Notebook to update virus protection. On reboot got a notification from AVG stating that update had failed and Notebook was unprotected. Checked Add/Remove programs and no sign of AVG. Decided to give up on AVG and downloaded/installed MS Essentials. I got all sorts of "SPAM". Managed to get rid of most of it but still stuck with a new tool bar that I really don't like. I had bacon and eggs and toasts and a diet coke for lunch. Amy and kids returned home at 12:30 PM. We went for a ride to Coachman's Cove where we saw a "French Oven" and a shutdown asbestos mine where Amy's relatives worked. We drove to Fleur de Lis and visited Amy's elderly Aunt and Uncle. Stephanie (Amy's sister) and her 2 children, Daniel and Alison, and dog, Cooper, showed up. We then visited Shelley's Island where we took several photos. Finally, we drove back home at 5:30 PM. Amy prepared shrimp, chicken and broccoli pasta Alfredo for dinner. Later we had 3 layer chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake for dessert. I watched TV while Bev, Amy and Stephanie cleaned up. I tried to setup my thumb drive on TV after copying Bev and my photos onto it. No luck. Amy called Mark in Alberta but still we had no luck. I checked e-mail and FB and sent e-mail to Jim Rogers re moose piss on road. Amy put Liam and Alex to bed. Others started watching pay-per-view ($6.99) movie "Jack The Giant Slayer". Said goodnight and went off to bed. I picked out a couple books and did some reading. Off to bed at midnight. Bev joined me at 12:30 AM.
Exploit's River Motel, Bishop's Falls, NL
Friday, July 19, 2013
CCCT Part II - Deer Lake to Baie Verte Junction to Wild Cove,NL
Monday, July 15, 2013 - Day 32
We were up at 6:00 AM and had Greek yogurt, banana and a carrot muffin for breakfast. We were ready to leave at 7:45 AM but met a lady from Ann Arbour, Michigan in the parking lot. We stopped and chatted about our trips. she was travelling alone in a VW camper with her mountain bike strapped on the back rack. We left at 7:55 AM. It was a very nice day in spite of being overcast. We had a clean, smooth paved shoulder all the way plus a decent tail wind. We stopped after 43 kms at a service station restaurant and went in for a pastry and W/C break. We stopped on the highway at 11:30 AM for lunch which was a "lunchable" pack. I had salami, cheese, crackers and a mini KitKat bar which turned out to be a bit soft because of the heat. We arrived at the Baie Verte Junction convenience store at 12:30 PM where we were to meet Amy. We went in for a cold drink. Bev asked for iced tea but there was none. I asked for a diet coke and Bev ordered a Ginger Ale. The waitress brought a Pepsi and Mountain Dew. Bev made her go back and get a Diet Coke for me and said she had ordered a Ginger Ale by the Mountain Dew would Do! Bev also asked the waitress if there was another restaurant nearby. She replied "We're the best restaurant!" We cycled to the nearby chip wagon, where there used to be an Irving station, and had an ice cream cone. We met several people there including a young couple from Ottawa and a family that were on their way to Barachois Pond Provincial Park where we had just recently camped for a night. We cycled back to the restaurant and sat outside on a narrow bench for 1/2 an hour just killing time while waiting for Amy to arrive at 5:30 PM. Bev did some reading while I updated my journal. We went inside for a cold drink and met a local who lives in a cabin nearby. He told us all about "iceberg alley" and how they would shoot chunks of ice off the icebergs when he was a youngster. They used the ice in there drinks and would ponder the fact that they were drinking 10,000 year old water. We went outside and waited some more. At 4:45 PM we went back in and ordered dinner. I had the cheese burger platter and diet coke. Bev had soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Finally, just as we finished eating, Amy, Mark (her husband) and two sons Liam and Alex arrived along with Grandma and Grandpa in a separate car. Mark was flying out of Deer Lake to Fort McMurray, where he works, and Grandma was flying out to New Brunswick to visit family and Grandpa was driving them to the airport in Deer Lake. We loaded our bikes and bags in Amy's pickup truck and set off for Wild Cove. It started spitting out!!! We stopped at the Flat Lake campground, where Amy and Mark have a trailer so Amy could pickup some laundry and perishables. We also stopped for bread on the way home in Baie Verte. We saw several signs of Moose piss on the road. Amy says the moose come out on the road and because of their hooves slipping and sliding on the pavement they get nervous and pee which leaves a big wet stain on the road. Unfortunately we did not see any moose on our ride to Wild Cove where Amy lives. On arrival we unloaded our gear and bikes and placed them in the basement. I got Amy to find the Network Key on her laptop and was able to setup a Wi-Fi connection on my Notebook. We checked our e-mail/Gmail and FB, etc. I changed into my PJs after having a shower. After Amy put the kids to bed we sat around and chatted before going off to bed at 11:00 PM.
Exploit's River Motel, Bishop's Falls, NL
We were up at 6:00 AM and had Greek yogurt, banana and a carrot muffin for breakfast. We were ready to leave at 7:45 AM but met a lady from Ann Arbour, Michigan in the parking lot. We stopped and chatted about our trips. she was travelling alone in a VW camper with her mountain bike strapped on the back rack. We left at 7:55 AM. It was a very nice day in spite of being overcast. We had a clean, smooth paved shoulder all the way plus a decent tail wind. We stopped after 43 kms at a service station restaurant and went in for a pastry and W/C break. We stopped on the highway at 11:30 AM for lunch which was a "lunchable" pack. I had salami, cheese, crackers and a mini KitKat bar which turned out to be a bit soft because of the heat. We arrived at the Baie Verte Junction convenience store at 12:30 PM where we were to meet Amy. We went in for a cold drink. Bev asked for iced tea but there was none. I asked for a diet coke and Bev ordered a Ginger Ale. The waitress brought a Pepsi and Mountain Dew. Bev made her go back and get a Diet Coke for me and said she had ordered a Ginger Ale by the Mountain Dew would Do! Bev also asked the waitress if there was another restaurant nearby. She replied "We're the best restaurant!" We cycled to the nearby chip wagon, where there used to be an Irving station, and had an ice cream cone. We met several people there including a young couple from Ottawa and a family that were on their way to Barachois Pond Provincial Park where we had just recently camped for a night. We cycled back to the restaurant and sat outside on a narrow bench for 1/2 an hour just killing time while waiting for Amy to arrive at 5:30 PM. Bev did some reading while I updated my journal. We went inside for a cold drink and met a local who lives in a cabin nearby. He told us all about "iceberg alley" and how they would shoot chunks of ice off the icebergs when he was a youngster. They used the ice in there drinks and would ponder the fact that they were drinking 10,000 year old water. We went outside and waited some more. At 4:45 PM we went back in and ordered dinner. I had the cheese burger platter and diet coke. Bev had soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Finally, just as we finished eating, Amy, Mark (her husband) and two sons Liam and Alex arrived along with Grandma and Grandpa in a separate car. Mark was flying out of Deer Lake to Fort McMurray, where he works, and Grandma was flying out to New Brunswick to visit family and Grandpa was driving them to the airport in Deer Lake. We loaded our bikes and bags in Amy's pickup truck and set off for Wild Cove. It started spitting out!!! We stopped at the Flat Lake campground, where Amy and Mark have a trailer so Amy could pickup some laundry and perishables. We also stopped for bread on the way home in Baie Verte. We saw several signs of Moose piss on the road. Amy says the moose come out on the road and because of their hooves slipping and sliding on the pavement they get nervous and pee which leaves a big wet stain on the road. Unfortunately we did not see any moose on our ride to Wild Cove where Amy lives. On arrival we unloaded our gear and bikes and placed them in the basement. I got Amy to find the Network Key on her laptop and was able to setup a Wi-Fi connection on my Notebook. We checked our e-mail/Gmail and FB, etc. I changed into my PJs after having a shower. After Amy put the kids to bed we sat around and chatted before going off to bed at 11:00 PM.
Exploit's River Motel, Bishop's Falls, NL
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
CCCT Part II - Corner Brook to Deer Lake
.Sunday, July 14, 2013 - Day 31
I was up at 7:15 AM, showered and trimmed my beard while Bev had a lie in. It was cereal, a banana, toast with peanut butter and jam and O.J. for breakfast. We packed our bags and loaded them in Marilyn's Toyota RAV4. Max helped me get the bikes out of the "store". We cycled to the TCH from 48 Shamrock (9 kms) where we met Max and Marilyn who were waiting there with our bags. We loaded our bags on our bikes, said our goodbyes, took a couple of photos and set off for Deer Lake at 10:00 AM. We stopped at Marble Mountain, a local ski resort, and went into Tim's to use W/C. We arrived in Deer Lake at 12:30 PM. Other than a few kilometers of roadworks as we were leaving Corner Brook it was smooth sailing on the TCH with a nice paved shoulder and a tail wind to boot. We went into Tim's for our lunch of Chicken Noodle soup, donuts and chocolate milk. There was a VIC nearby so we went in to ask about facilities along the TCH to Baie Verte Junction. We were told there were no camping facilities, just 2 service stations. We checked into the Deer Lake Motel at 2:00 PM at $109 plus taxes. Bev had called ahead to make a reservation and asked for a ground floor room. There were none available but luckily by the time we arrived one had become available. It's always so much easier to unpack and store our bikes if we have access to our room from the parking lot. After unloading our bags and storing our bikes in our room we went over to the Irving station for cold beers, drinks, carrot muffins and Gatorade. We returned to our room and tried the Wi-Fi. It was hopeless. I had to go to the reception and was able to use their PC to check my e-mail and FB. I got some ice to take back to our room and finished my left over Gatorade which tasted so much better once it was chilled. Bev also went to the reception to use the PC there to check her Gmail and FB. I lay down and had a nap while Bev watched TV. I got up at 6:30 PM, showered and we went over to the motel restaurant for dinner. I had fish 'n chips and a diet Pepsi while Bev had a wrap and sweet potato fries. I was charged $1.00 extra for gravy on the side which I really didn't want in the first place. We checked Bev's Gmail and FB at the reception PC before returning to our room. We packed up most of our gear and watched TV 'til 10:00 PM. I set my watch alarm for 6:00 AM in order to get an early start and hopefully avoid the afternoon heat and humidity. The forecast was for a high of 34C. We were off to bed at 10:15 PM. The room was a bit to cool for my liking, than to warm as the A/C cycled ON and OFF! Bev talked to Amy (Marilyn of Orleans daughter) on her cell phone. Amy agreed to pick us up at Baie Verte Junction at 5:30 PM on her way to drop her husband off at the Deer Lake Airport tomorrow.
Chez Amy and Mark Ivany's - Wild Cove, Baie Verte, NL
I was up at 7:15 AM, showered and trimmed my beard while Bev had a lie in. It was cereal, a banana, toast with peanut butter and jam and O.J. for breakfast. We packed our bags and loaded them in Marilyn's Toyota RAV4. Max helped me get the bikes out of the "store". We cycled to the TCH from 48 Shamrock (9 kms) where we met Max and Marilyn who were waiting there with our bags. We loaded our bags on our bikes, said our goodbyes, took a couple of photos and set off for Deer Lake at 10:00 AM. We stopped at Marble Mountain, a local ski resort, and went into Tim's to use W/C. We arrived in Deer Lake at 12:30 PM. Other than a few kilometers of roadworks as we were leaving Corner Brook it was smooth sailing on the TCH with a nice paved shoulder and a tail wind to boot. We went into Tim's for our lunch of Chicken Noodle soup, donuts and chocolate milk. There was a VIC nearby so we went in to ask about facilities along the TCH to Baie Verte Junction. We were told there were no camping facilities, just 2 service stations. We checked into the Deer Lake Motel at 2:00 PM at $109 plus taxes. Bev had called ahead to make a reservation and asked for a ground floor room. There were none available but luckily by the time we arrived one had become available. It's always so much easier to unpack and store our bikes if we have access to our room from the parking lot. After unloading our bags and storing our bikes in our room we went over to the Irving station for cold beers, drinks, carrot muffins and Gatorade. We returned to our room and tried the Wi-Fi. It was hopeless. I had to go to the reception and was able to use their PC to check my e-mail and FB. I got some ice to take back to our room and finished my left over Gatorade which tasted so much better once it was chilled. Bev also went to the reception to use the PC there to check her Gmail and FB. I lay down and had a nap while Bev watched TV. I got up at 6:30 PM, showered and we went over to the motel restaurant for dinner. I had fish 'n chips and a diet Pepsi while Bev had a wrap and sweet potato fries. I was charged $1.00 extra for gravy on the side which I really didn't want in the first place. We checked Bev's Gmail and FB at the reception PC before returning to our room. We packed up most of our gear and watched TV 'til 10:00 PM. I set my watch alarm for 6:00 AM in order to get an early start and hopefully avoid the afternoon heat and humidity. The forecast was for a high of 34C. We were off to bed at 10:15 PM. The room was a bit to cool for my liking, than to warm as the A/C cycled ON and OFF! Bev talked to Amy (Marilyn of Orleans daughter) on her cell phone. Amy agreed to pick us up at Baie Verte Junction at 5:30 PM on her way to drop her husband off at the Deer Lake Airport tomorrow.
Chez Amy and Mark Ivany's - Wild Cove, Baie Verte, NL
CCCT Part II - Cornerbrook, NL
Thursday-Saturday, July 11, 12, 13, 2013 - Days 28, 29 & 30
Rest Day 1
I was up at 6:45 unable to sleep any longer. Updated my journal and did some reading while waiting for others to get up at 8:00. After breakfast Marilyn took us shopping for groceries at WalMart and Coleman's. Bev also wanted to get a new "spare" tube but we didn't have the size she needed. Bev treated me to a new chain for my Medic Alert tag at WalMart. Marilyn gave us a quick tour of corner Brook. It was very windy and traffic was quite heavy. A bit on the cool side to go walk about so we just rode around in the vehicle. When we got back home we took out the tent and fly sheet and let them flap around in the wind and sun for 10-15 minutes to let them dry out. I posted Day 25 on my blog then lay down for a nap until dinner was ready. Bev prepared a salmon, noodle, mushroom soup casserole. Earlier I had helped Marilyn pick out 2 bottles of wine for the 103 year old lady that she helps look after and a bottle of Italian Merlot for us. I did some reading after dinner and we were off to bed at 11:00.
Rest Day 2
I managed to sleep in until 8:20. I got up and did some reading while waiting for the others to get up. It wasn't long. Marilyn prepared bacon, eggs, toast and juice for breakfast. I sorted through my clean laundry which Bev had done yesterday. Afterwards I went out to the "store" with Max and he helped me find some needle nose pliers so I could replace the chain on my Medic Alert tag. I was able to post Day 26 on my blog. Isn't it wonderful when you have a solid Wi-Fi connection? Mike sent a reply with photo that Pearl took of Bev and I and our bikes as we were preparing to leave Robinsons. I had another piece of "Jesus" cake. Apparently when Bev used to work at WalMart one of the girls brought in a cake that her mother had baked. Someone had put the cake aside and when Bev came in for her break she asked "Where's the "Jesus" cake?" and so it became known as the "Jesus" cake to this day. I went out with Bev and Marilyn to get a tube for Bev, etc. We went into a Sports Equipment shop and asked for a 27 x 1 3/8 tube. both clerks didn't have a clue what we were looking for. I asked for a 700 mm x 32-35 tube and the male clerk went in the back room and came back with the correct Schraeder tube at $5.99 plus taxes. We also bought some fig biscuits and a T-Shirt for me at the Dollar Store. I had to go looking for Marilyn. She was in the Dollar Store. We went over to Tim's for coffee where Bev put another $40 on her Tim card. It was quite cold inside because of the A/C so we drove back home at 4:00 PM. I was able to post Day 27 on my blog. I lay down for a nap but first of all I wanted to lower the blind as it was a sunny bright day. I couldn't get the blind to lower and neither could Bev or Marilyn. We had to take it down and with the help of Max were able to get the catch to release. Once the blind was back up I was able to get some "rest". Marilyn had to go to work so Bev prepared fried bologna, etc for dinner. We had a couple small cupcakes for dessert and a Bubble chocolate bar and diet coke. Bev had several calls from Brian, her nephew, who came by later. He lived nearby and he was dropping off one of his kids who was visiting a friend nearby. Bev went out to wait for him, Max disappeared and the Nicky, the dog, started to hyperventilate. I tried my best to ignore him. Did some reading and watched the "Tour de France". Marilyn returned home at 11:00. It was off to bed at 11:30 for me.
Rest Day 3
Once again I was up before everyone else at 8:15. I went online and checked my bank account which still had a healthy balance in spite of the large VISA payment due to all our accommodation expenses. Bev and Max were both up at 8:30 and went back to bed. Marilyn got up at 9:00. I had cheerios, a banana, O.J. and toasts with peanut butter and jam and tea for breakfast. I went out to the "store" and patched Bev's tube. Missed the puncture on the first attempt!!! While looking in my trunk bag for my patch kit I discovered that I didn't have a 2nd spare tube as I had thought. I had used up my spare tube in Robinsons and had been cycling without a spare. I called the Sports Shop where we had bought Bev's spare tube yesterday and they confirmed they had a 700 x 28-35 Presta tube for me. We checked Bev's Gmail and FB re news from Amy in Baie Verte where we planned to visit for a couple days. Marilyn prepared hot dogs for lunch with a cinnamon roll for dessert. We drove to the Sports Shop and got my spare tube. Afterwards we went to WalMart and got a couple snack packs and looked for a better NL map - one that indicated camp grounds. No luck. We walked over to Canadian Tire and found a NL map but camp grounds were not indicated. An elderly gentleman who happened to see us studying the map offered to mark in the camp grounds for us!!! We then walked over to the PC grocery store and got some bananas and grapefruit. Once again I had to go look for Marilyn who was driving around looking for us. She thought we were still at the Canadian Tire. We drove back home at 2:00. Bev called Brian to coordinate a visit. He was at Canadian Tire picking up some supplies. We discussed leaving on Monday instead of Sunday so that Bev could have a proper visit with Brian and family. I agreed and went to lay down for a nap at 2:30. Brian called. Bev came in and asked if I wanted to go for a visit. I chose to continue napping so she went over on her own. I broke my new chain while taking it off over my head. I was able to fix it using my tweezers and a pair of pointy scissors. I finished reading "Dark Horse" by Tami Hoag a real thriller about the sleazy side of horse breeding, etc. Marilyn and Max prepared a delicious dinner of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas and corn. I opened the bottle of Merlot but no one else was drinking wine. Bev preferred to have a beer. Watched TV after dinner while Bev and Marilyn went out to Tims for coffee and tea. Since Bev had been able to visit with Brian plans had changed and we were now leaving Sunday morning. I was off to bed at 10:30.
Chez Amy and Mark Ivany, Wild Cove, Baie Verte, NL
Rest Day 1
I was up at 6:45 unable to sleep any longer. Updated my journal and did some reading while waiting for others to get up at 8:00. After breakfast Marilyn took us shopping for groceries at WalMart and Coleman's. Bev also wanted to get a new "spare" tube but we didn't have the size she needed. Bev treated me to a new chain for my Medic Alert tag at WalMart. Marilyn gave us a quick tour of corner Brook. It was very windy and traffic was quite heavy. A bit on the cool side to go walk about so we just rode around in the vehicle. When we got back home we took out the tent and fly sheet and let them flap around in the wind and sun for 10-15 minutes to let them dry out. I posted Day 25 on my blog then lay down for a nap until dinner was ready. Bev prepared a salmon, noodle, mushroom soup casserole. Earlier I had helped Marilyn pick out 2 bottles of wine for the 103 year old lady that she helps look after and a bottle of Italian Merlot for us. I did some reading after dinner and we were off to bed at 11:00.
Rest Day 2
I managed to sleep in until 8:20. I got up and did some reading while waiting for the others to get up. It wasn't long. Marilyn prepared bacon, eggs, toast and juice for breakfast. I sorted through my clean laundry which Bev had done yesterday. Afterwards I went out to the "store" with Max and he helped me find some needle nose pliers so I could replace the chain on my Medic Alert tag. I was able to post Day 26 on my blog. Isn't it wonderful when you have a solid Wi-Fi connection? Mike sent a reply with photo that Pearl took of Bev and I and our bikes as we were preparing to leave Robinsons. I had another piece of "Jesus" cake. Apparently when Bev used to work at WalMart one of the girls brought in a cake that her mother had baked. Someone had put the cake aside and when Bev came in for her break she asked "Where's the "Jesus" cake?" and so it became known as the "Jesus" cake to this day. I went out with Bev and Marilyn to get a tube for Bev, etc. We went into a Sports Equipment shop and asked for a 27 x 1 3/8 tube. both clerks didn't have a clue what we were looking for. I asked for a 700 mm x 32-35 tube and the male clerk went in the back room and came back with the correct Schraeder tube at $5.99 plus taxes. We also bought some fig biscuits and a T-Shirt for me at the Dollar Store. I had to go looking for Marilyn. She was in the Dollar Store. We went over to Tim's for coffee where Bev put another $40 on her Tim card. It was quite cold inside because of the A/C so we drove back home at 4:00 PM. I was able to post Day 27 on my blog. I lay down for a nap but first of all I wanted to lower the blind as it was a sunny bright day. I couldn't get the blind to lower and neither could Bev or Marilyn. We had to take it down and with the help of Max were able to get the catch to release. Once the blind was back up I was able to get some "rest". Marilyn had to go to work so Bev prepared fried bologna, etc for dinner. We had a couple small cupcakes for dessert and a Bubble chocolate bar and diet coke. Bev had several calls from Brian, her nephew, who came by later. He lived nearby and he was dropping off one of his kids who was visiting a friend nearby. Bev went out to wait for him, Max disappeared and the Nicky, the dog, started to hyperventilate. I tried my best to ignore him. Did some reading and watched the "Tour de France". Marilyn returned home at 11:00. It was off to bed at 11:30 for me.
Rest Day 3
Once again I was up before everyone else at 8:15. I went online and checked my bank account which still had a healthy balance in spite of the large VISA payment due to all our accommodation expenses. Bev and Max were both up at 8:30 and went back to bed. Marilyn got up at 9:00. I had cheerios, a banana, O.J. and toasts with peanut butter and jam and tea for breakfast. I went out to the "store" and patched Bev's tube. Missed the puncture on the first attempt!!! While looking in my trunk bag for my patch kit I discovered that I didn't have a 2nd spare tube as I had thought. I had used up my spare tube in Robinsons and had been cycling without a spare. I called the Sports Shop where we had bought Bev's spare tube yesterday and they confirmed they had a 700 x 28-35 Presta tube for me. We checked Bev's Gmail and FB re news from Amy in Baie Verte where we planned to visit for a couple days. Marilyn prepared hot dogs for lunch with a cinnamon roll for dessert. We drove to the Sports Shop and got my spare tube. Afterwards we went to WalMart and got a couple snack packs and looked for a better NL map - one that indicated camp grounds. No luck. We walked over to Canadian Tire and found a NL map but camp grounds were not indicated. An elderly gentleman who happened to see us studying the map offered to mark in the camp grounds for us!!! We then walked over to the PC grocery store and got some bananas and grapefruit. Once again I had to go look for Marilyn who was driving around looking for us. She thought we were still at the Canadian Tire. We drove back home at 2:00. Bev called Brian to coordinate a visit. He was at Canadian Tire picking up some supplies. We discussed leaving on Monday instead of Sunday so that Bev could have a proper visit with Brian and family. I agreed and went to lay down for a nap at 2:30. Brian called. Bev came in and asked if I wanted to go for a visit. I chose to continue napping so she went over on her own. I broke my new chain while taking it off over my head. I was able to fix it using my tweezers and a pair of pointy scissors. I finished reading "Dark Horse" by Tami Hoag a real thriller about the sleazy side of horse breeding, etc. Marilyn and Max prepared a delicious dinner of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas and corn. I opened the bottle of Merlot but no one else was drinking wine. Bev preferred to have a beer. Watched TV after dinner while Bev and Marilyn went out to Tims for coffee and tea. Since Bev had been able to visit with Brian plans had changed and we were now leaving Sunday morning. I was off to bed at 10:30.
Chez Amy and Mark Ivany, Wild Cove, Baie Verte, NL
Friday, July 12, 2013
CCCT Part II - Barachois Pond Provincial Park to Corner Brook, NL
Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - Day 27
We were awakened at 4:00 AM by some YAHOOS who had returned from a night out on the town with car stereo blasting, car doors slamming, shouting, etc. Someone told them to pipe down and they soon thankfully passed out. I had set my alarm for 7:00 AM but we both didn't hear it go off. I must have had my arm burried inside my sleeping bag. I woke up at 7:30 AM. We quickly went to the W/C and had a breakfast of an orange, a banana and a Danish pastry. the crew came around at 8:15 AM collecting garbage. I asked if they could drive us and our bikes and our gear up to the highway. They said they would be back at 8:50 AM. We quickly finished packing up and were ready and waiting for their return. We loaded our gear in the back of the pickup truck with the garbage and climbed aboard for the trip up the hill. We were ever so thankful that we didn't have to cycle up that hill. One of the crew had been to Orangeville to visit his daughter who is not far from where Bev's son lives in Belwood. we set off for Corner Brook after loading our bags back on our bikes at 9:20 AM. The morning started off quite cool but sunny and calm. It was a difficult ride with hill after hill and no shade. The scenery was mostly pine forest dotted with "ponds" and rivers and surrounded by hills. There were no Convenience Stores or other facilities along the highway but for one called the "Pinchgut Restaurant" about 18 kms from Corner Brook where we stopped at 1:30 PM to get a cold drink, some Pecan Butter Tarts and to use the W/C. When going down a hill, near the St. Teresa turnoff, Bev saw a black bear run across the highway just after I had passed going around 50 kph. I was disappointed at not seeing the bear but relieved I hadn't come into contact with it!!! We arrived in Corner Brook at 2:00 PM. I set my GPS for Marilyn and Max's address which told us to take the 1st exit #4 to route 450 then to turn right at 4 kms on Wheeler Street. A new road had just been built which my GPS maps were not aware of. I missed the left turn for Wheeler Street and went flying down a long hill. Bev, who was following behind me, saw the street and yelled at me to stop. But by this time I was to far away and didn't hear her probably because of the wind noise rushing past my ears. When I got down to the bottom of the hill my GPS told me to "Make a U-Turn when possible". I stopped and waited for Bev to catch up. She had to come down and get me it was such a long hill. Needless to say she was not very pleased and neither was I that we had to go back up the f...ing hill. It was a long slow hot climb. Once we were back at the top my GPS was still confused about which way to go. We went down Wheeler a short ways and it was indicating we should go back to the 450. We stopped and asked a lady who was out for a smoke for directions. She confirmed we had to go back on the 450 and continue on for about another 4 kms to the "Surplus" store where we should turn right, etc. Wouldn't you know it was another f...ing hill. We had to get off and walk several hundred meters due to heat and exhaustion. The GPS re-calculated and finally gave us the right directions. We arrived at M and Ms at 3:00 PM. Max was home and showed us where to park our bikes around the side of the house. We went inside and met Nicky a King George Spaniel who became very agitated and kept on panting for the rest of the evening. Marilyn arrived home from work at 4:00 PM. While I was talking to Max, Bev brought in our bags. after a most refreshing shower I lay down for a nap until 6:30 PM when it was time for dinner. Max had BBQd delicious steaks which we had with baked potatoes, salad, garlic bread and wine. After dinner I was able to connect to the Wi-Fi once I learned the Network Key by going into Control Panel, etc and clicking on the box "show characters". Bev and Marilyn went out to do some shopping while Max was helping his son with an outdoor "bridge" building project. (I later learned that a "Bridge" is Newfie speak for a porch/stairs from the 2nd story of the house.) I was left alone to keep the hyperventilating Nicky company. I updated my journal and sent an e-mail to Mike and Pearl to let them know that we had arrived safely in Corner Brook. I went off to bed at 11:00 PM and did some reading while waiting for Bev to come to bed at midnight.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke, Corner Brook, NL
We were awakened at 4:00 AM by some YAHOOS who had returned from a night out on the town with car stereo blasting, car doors slamming, shouting, etc. Someone told them to pipe down and they soon thankfully passed out. I had set my alarm for 7:00 AM but we both didn't hear it go off. I must have had my arm burried inside my sleeping bag. I woke up at 7:30 AM. We quickly went to the W/C and had a breakfast of an orange, a banana and a Danish pastry. the crew came around at 8:15 AM collecting garbage. I asked if they could drive us and our bikes and our gear up to the highway. They said they would be back at 8:50 AM. We quickly finished packing up and were ready and waiting for their return. We loaded our gear in the back of the pickup truck with the garbage and climbed aboard for the trip up the hill. We were ever so thankful that we didn't have to cycle up that hill. One of the crew had been to Orangeville to visit his daughter who is not far from where Bev's son lives in Belwood. we set off for Corner Brook after loading our bags back on our bikes at 9:20 AM. The morning started off quite cool but sunny and calm. It was a difficult ride with hill after hill and no shade. The scenery was mostly pine forest dotted with "ponds" and rivers and surrounded by hills. There were no Convenience Stores or other facilities along the highway but for one called the "Pinchgut Restaurant" about 18 kms from Corner Brook where we stopped at 1:30 PM to get a cold drink, some Pecan Butter Tarts and to use the W/C. When going down a hill, near the St. Teresa turnoff, Bev saw a black bear run across the highway just after I had passed going around 50 kph. I was disappointed at not seeing the bear but relieved I hadn't come into contact with it!!! We arrived in Corner Brook at 2:00 PM. I set my GPS for Marilyn and Max's address which told us to take the 1st exit #4 to route 450 then to turn right at 4 kms on Wheeler Street. A new road had just been built which my GPS maps were not aware of. I missed the left turn for Wheeler Street and went flying down a long hill. Bev, who was following behind me, saw the street and yelled at me to stop. But by this time I was to far away and didn't hear her probably because of the wind noise rushing past my ears. When I got down to the bottom of the hill my GPS told me to "Make a U-Turn when possible". I stopped and waited for Bev to catch up. She had to come down and get me it was such a long hill. Needless to say she was not very pleased and neither was I that we had to go back up the f...ing hill. It was a long slow hot climb. Once we were back at the top my GPS was still confused about which way to go. We went down Wheeler a short ways and it was indicating we should go back to the 450. We stopped and asked a lady who was out for a smoke for directions. She confirmed we had to go back on the 450 and continue on for about another 4 kms to the "Surplus" store where we should turn right, etc. Wouldn't you know it was another f...ing hill. We had to get off and walk several hundred meters due to heat and exhaustion. The GPS re-calculated and finally gave us the right directions. We arrived at M and Ms at 3:00 PM. Max was home and showed us where to park our bikes around the side of the house. We went inside and met Nicky a King George Spaniel who became very agitated and kept on panting for the rest of the evening. Marilyn arrived home from work at 4:00 PM. While I was talking to Max, Bev brought in our bags. after a most refreshing shower I lay down for a nap until 6:30 PM when it was time for dinner. Max had BBQd delicious steaks which we had with baked potatoes, salad, garlic bread and wine. After dinner I was able to connect to the Wi-Fi once I learned the Network Key by going into Control Panel, etc and clicking on the box "show characters". Bev and Marilyn went out to do some shopping while Max was helping his son with an outdoor "bridge" building project. (I later learned that a "Bridge" is Newfie speak for a porch/stairs from the 2nd story of the house.) I was left alone to keep the hyperventilating Nicky company. I updated my journal and sent an e-mail to Mike and Pearl to let them know that we had arrived safely in Corner Brook. I went off to bed at 11:00 PM and did some reading while waiting for Bev to come to bed at midnight.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke, Corner Brook, NL
CCCT Part II - Robinsons to Barachois Pond Provincial Park
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - Day 26
After a good night's sleep we were up at 7:30 AM. Mike and Pearl were already up at 7:00 AM. We had scrambled eggs, toast, peanut butter, jam and decaf coffee for breakfast. Afterwards I helped Mike move the 2x6x8' studs and the 2x6x18' headers/footers while Mike figured out how much he had to cut off each stud before he started putting the walls together. I went in and posted 3 days of my journal on my blog. Bev and Pearl went for a walk. Bev was amazed at the variety of wild flowers and the abundance of Pitcher flowers, the National Flower of NL. We had left over "Moose Soup" and garlic bread and scones for lunch. I checked the tire pressure on our bikes and used Bev's pump to inflate them. While doing my rear tire I managed to bend the Presta valve stem. It started leaking!!! I had to replace my tube. I also adjusted Bev's kickstand. Finally we were all packed, bags loaded on our bikes and ready to leave at 2:30 PM for Barachois Pond Provincial Park where we planned to camp for the night. Pearl took a photo of us and our bikes. Mike gave me a cycling cap that he had gotten when he ran the NY marathon in 2000. We cycled up to the TCH stopping at a local bakery for date squares and bread rolls. There were none. We got some Graham Wafer squares with walnuts and chocolate. They turned out to be very tasty. We had only gone 10 kms when i heard those dreaded words that every cyclists fears "Roly, I've got a flat". Bev's rear tire had flatted. In spite of the heat and being on the TCH we managed to put a new tube in her rear wheel and set off again. We arrived at the Barachois Pond campground after a very bumpy 2 km downhill descent. On arriving at the ranger station Bev declared there was no way she was going to cycle back up that hill in the morning. She would canvas the entire campsite until she found someone with a truck to take us up the hill the the TCH. The ranger said we should come to the gate at 8:00 AM and one of the crew would drop us off. We were assigned to #14 site by the "Pond" and once we found it we quickly set up our tent as it was now going on 8:00 PM. We warmed up the tins of spaghetti and meat balls and polished that off with the bread rolls and had lemon pudding for dessert. we walked over to the W/C to brush our teeth after cleaning up. We were both to tired to bother with having a shower. It was now 9:30 PM and getting quite dark. The kids were all in bed and the adults were busy splitting wood for their evening fires. It was off to La-La Land for us at 10:00 PM.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke's, Corner Brook, NL
After a good night's sleep we were up at 7:30 AM. Mike and Pearl were already up at 7:00 AM. We had scrambled eggs, toast, peanut butter, jam and decaf coffee for breakfast. Afterwards I helped Mike move the 2x6x8' studs and the 2x6x18' headers/footers while Mike figured out how much he had to cut off each stud before he started putting the walls together. I went in and posted 3 days of my journal on my blog. Bev and Pearl went for a walk. Bev was amazed at the variety of wild flowers and the abundance of Pitcher flowers, the National Flower of NL. We had left over "Moose Soup" and garlic bread and scones for lunch. I checked the tire pressure on our bikes and used Bev's pump to inflate them. While doing my rear tire I managed to bend the Presta valve stem. It started leaking!!! I had to replace my tube. I also adjusted Bev's kickstand. Finally we were all packed, bags loaded on our bikes and ready to leave at 2:30 PM for Barachois Pond Provincial Park where we planned to camp for the night. Pearl took a photo of us and our bikes. Mike gave me a cycling cap that he had gotten when he ran the NY marathon in 2000. We cycled up to the TCH stopping at a local bakery for date squares and bread rolls. There were none. We got some Graham Wafer squares with walnuts and chocolate. They turned out to be very tasty. We had only gone 10 kms when i heard those dreaded words that every cyclists fears "Roly, I've got a flat". Bev's rear tire had flatted. In spite of the heat and being on the TCH we managed to put a new tube in her rear wheel and set off again. We arrived at the Barachois Pond campground after a very bumpy 2 km downhill descent. On arriving at the ranger station Bev declared there was no way she was going to cycle back up that hill in the morning. She would canvas the entire campsite until she found someone with a truck to take us up the hill the the TCH. The ranger said we should come to the gate at 8:00 AM and one of the crew would drop us off. We were assigned to #14 site by the "Pond" and once we found it we quickly set up our tent as it was now going on 8:00 PM. We warmed up the tins of spaghetti and meat balls and polished that off with the bread rolls and had lemon pudding for dessert. we walked over to the W/C to brush our teeth after cleaning up. We were both to tired to bother with having a shower. It was now 9:30 PM and getting quite dark. The kids were all in bed and the adults were busy splitting wood for their evening fires. It was off to La-La Land for us at 10:00 PM.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke's, Corner Brook, NL
CCCT Part II - Doyles to Robinsons, NL
Monday, July 8, 2013 - Day 25
We were up at 6:15 AM and after a quick breakfast of oatmeal, 1/2 a banana and chocolate milk we were off to Robinsons. The tent fly sheet was still damp from the morning dew when we packed up. We left at 7:45 on a day that promised to be sunny but cool with no wind at all. we made good time for the first 50 kms or so then we ran into a strong head wind for the last 20 kms. We arrived at the Irving station just before the turnoff to the 404 that would take us to Robinsons. We stopped for lunch and both had a grilled cheese sandwich (mine with bacon) and a diet coke. We arrived at Mike and Pearl's home at 1:30 PM after stopping at the Credit Union so Bev could get some cash. Mike was busy working on the sun room he is attaching to their "mini home". we unloaded our bags and put our bikes in the back shed. I helped Mike shift soffit and vinyl siding material, that he had removed from the side of the house, to the old cottage. Bev and Pearl set off for a walk. Mike stopped to talk to a neighbour about getting a window made for the sun room. We walked down to the "beach" which was all rocks and boulders. The tide was out otherwise, according to Mike, we would have seen salmon jumping about. There was no sign of the girls. Mike was having problems with his foot that he had broken while out jogging several weeks ago. we sat at a picnic table and chatted while Mike rested his foot before returning to the house. Pearl had prepared "Moose Soup" for dinner. We had tea and scones with Partridge Berry & Raspberry jams earlier. There was still some left over for dessert. after dinner I connected to Mike's Wi-Fi and we were able to check our e-mail and FB. Mike insisted we all go out to the store for groceries and ice cream. Bev treated us and we also got some tins of spaghetti and meat balls for tomorrow's dinner. After a quick tour we were back home and soon off to bed at 10:30. Mike promised to put me to work helping him with the 6 x 2 x 8 studs for framing the walls for the sun room.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke's, Corner Brook, NL
We were up at 6:15 AM and after a quick breakfast of oatmeal, 1/2 a banana and chocolate milk we were off to Robinsons. The tent fly sheet was still damp from the morning dew when we packed up. We left at 7:45 on a day that promised to be sunny but cool with no wind at all. we made good time for the first 50 kms or so then we ran into a strong head wind for the last 20 kms. We arrived at the Irving station just before the turnoff to the 404 that would take us to Robinsons. We stopped for lunch and both had a grilled cheese sandwich (mine with bacon) and a diet coke. We arrived at Mike and Pearl's home at 1:30 PM after stopping at the Credit Union so Bev could get some cash. Mike was busy working on the sun room he is attaching to their "mini home". we unloaded our bags and put our bikes in the back shed. I helped Mike shift soffit and vinyl siding material, that he had removed from the side of the house, to the old cottage. Bev and Pearl set off for a walk. Mike stopped to talk to a neighbour about getting a window made for the sun room. We walked down to the "beach" which was all rocks and boulders. The tide was out otherwise, according to Mike, we would have seen salmon jumping about. There was no sign of the girls. Mike was having problems with his foot that he had broken while out jogging several weeks ago. we sat at a picnic table and chatted while Mike rested his foot before returning to the house. Pearl had prepared "Moose Soup" for dinner. We had tea and scones with Partridge Berry & Raspberry jams earlier. There was still some left over for dessert. after dinner I connected to Mike's Wi-Fi and we were able to check our e-mail and FB. Mike insisted we all go out to the store for groceries and ice cream. Bev treated us and we also got some tins of spaghetti and meat balls for tomorrow's dinner. After a quick tour we were back home and soon off to bed at 10:30. Mike promised to put me to work helping him with the 6 x 2 x 8 studs for framing the walls for the sun room.
Chez Marilyn and Max Dyke's, Corner Brook, NL
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