I was snug all night in my little tent and awoke to bright sun but a very chilly strong wind. No need to wonder the direction; in my face of course. Erin and Dave (folks with the permanent trailer) invited me over for coffee and toast with peanut butter and honey. I really appreciated their hospitality. I headed towards Kingston at about 9 along hwy 2. It's a nice ride, good paved shoulder and light Saturday morning traffic. The scenery was predominately farmlands.
As I passed though the northern part of Kingston on a good bike route with bike lanes I remembered how pleasant it was down by the water waiting for the wolf island ferry on a previous bike trip around lake ontario. I had a sub in Kingston and was feeling the effect of the headwind; both physically and psychologically. The route to Gananoque was a good bike route and I saw lots of cyclists coming the other way returning from a day trip.
Rideau canal
It seemed a long way to Gananoque. In spite of nice roads and scenery and I arrived feeling kind of beaten down by the wind.
I had a break at timmys, texted and talked to friends, and headed out a bit unenthusiastic about the next 50 klm to my destination. I was in for a great surprise.
What you see over my left shoulder is a 2 lane, paved bike trail. On my right is a glimpse of the Thousand Islands. This continued for the full 40 klm of the Thousands Island Hwy. There were no more thoughts of stopping early. Even the wind died down.
Bridge to USA.
How the other half live.
Wild flox (in the pic) and black locust scented the air along the fantatic 40 klm of this trail.
It was only a few more klm along hwy 2 before I arrived at my campground in Brockville. It's perfect. 132 klm roday. I'm now at a pub about a klm down the road having dinner, watching the hockey game and writing my blog. For Christmas my mom gave me a plate that I hung on my wall. The plate had the words "call your mom, she worries". She called as I was writing this. I feel both guilty and loved.
In case you are interested in what it is like camping; this is what awaits me when I get back to my tent. Klein Nahani is keeping guard.
Love your stories and your pictures are great, too. The trails sound a little rough - guess most are not well used - maybe in the winter by snow mobiles - can't believe you really had to walk a hill - it must have been something. We did the Waterdown Hills and Dales today, they were a lot of fun. The Thousand Island Trail sounds perfect - maybe I will get to do it one day. Nice to hear that there is food and camping within a days ride of each other but that is 100-140km. Yikes! Always proud to hear about the friendly people you meet along the way - and as you move East they will just get better, I bet! You'll be wishing you had a guitar - Hey I've got a mandolin for you to try and its easy to carry with you.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Klien Nahani is with you !! I love that part next to the St. Lawrence river. I drove the route you are biking and when I saw that paved path next to the water, it went on my bucket list, as well as Route Verte :) Irene
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