Regina, Sk. to Manitoulin Island, ON. July 4th/17th 2009

[PaPa John]

Regina, SK to Manitoulin Islands, ON and return. July 4th, 2009 - July17, 2009.

Are you ready, sit down, grab your popcorn and whatever your favourite beverage is. The tale begins.

First off, I must warn all the grammatically correct English Majors, this tale may do harm to your inner senses since I am no writer let alone a story teller.

:D
Teaser
:D

Stay tuned. Day One is now being transcribed from keyboard to computer and will be posted shortly. Pictures, yes pictures to be included, I hope this part works.

Hee Hee Hee

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

Looking forward to this PaPa John! P^

By the way, you left out a comma in the above post! :lol2

[PaPa John]

Looking forward to this PaPa John! P^

By the way, you left out a comma in the above post! :lol2

Someone had to be the first.P^ I never knew you read articles that close. I envisioned you as a picture type person. :lol

This tale will go down in history as a classic. I am looking forward to putting this together. I made sure I read your journey first and gained valuable insite and learned from your masterpiece.

One thing for sure, I won't quit my day job.

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

Someone had to be the first.P^ I never knew you read articles that close. I envisioned you as a picture type person. :lol

This tale will go down in history as a classic. I am looking forward to putting this together. I made sure I read your journey first and gained valuable insite and learned from your masterpiece.

One thing for sure, I won't quit my day job.

John

John, I thought I'd go ahead and get that out of the way. :lol I'm a horrible story teller, that's why I posted so many pictures! :p Thankfully the folks here are very forgiving as I had towns spelled completely wrong among other things. I'm just glad I had Colleen and Ernie to help me out. P^ Ernie took detailed notes, while I just scribbled stuff down, I kept breaking my crayons! :lol

[Trailace]

:Popcorn

Man this site is slow or is it the author.:well

[PaPa John]

It's the author. I came home from a days work, sat down and started drafting my novel, in Word, so I appear to be a writer. Unexpected company arrived causing a writer's block.

Back at the keyboard and progressing nicely. Day One is nearly complete. Remember this is a classic and takes time to develop.:D

John

[PaPa John]

Day 1 – Saturday July 4th 2009 – Regina, Saskatchewan to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

The morning dawned in its entire splendor, promising a great start to my journey. Too bad I slept in and missed the sunrise. The ST1100 is packed and eager to gallop down the tarmac leaving Regina, SK. behind, but not forgotten.

Me and my 2001 Honda ST1100 packed and ready to go.

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Heading east on Hwy. #1, the city limits slowly fade into the background and ahead all I observe is sunny skies and warm temperatures all around. I felt like an eagle soaring high without a care in the world. Rolling along on the prairies in this area the blacktop is flat and straight as an arrow with the occasional lazy curve thrown in. However, one does not need to succumb to boredom as one is surrounded with the sweet aroma of crops gently waving in the breeze. The landscape is draped in a sea of yellow, gold and purple as the crops start to mature.

The Red Barn at Broadview, SK became a stopping off point for lunch. Enjoyed a leisurely lunch while chatting with a very friendly Harley rider who was heading west on his quest to British Columbia.

The terrain starts to change with trees and gently rolling hills popping up. Clouds were now rolling in signaling to me I might be in for a weather change further to the east and not for the better.

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Shortly after entering Manitoba, I had my first encounter with a cager. A nice sleek, shiny car came along side as we are on a divided highway. I looked over and to my amazement there were two mature silver haired ladies, one piloting and the other as navigator. The navigator glances my way and flips me a big thumps up, to which I return a big thumbs up. Now they are beaming with large grins from ear to ear. It was bye-bye as they kicked in the afterburners and were gone. All I could think was, Go Granny Go.

The little black cloud gremlin reared its ugly head as the skies darkened and the temperature started to drop rapidly.

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The weather continued to deteriorate as the clouds blackened and the temperature plummeted. An inner voice in me kept crying out, don’t camp tonight, don’t even consider it. So I obeyed this little tiny voice and took a motel at Portage La Prairie, MB. Just after checking in two HD riders pulled in to hunker down. They told us that about 20 kms. west a tornado went through. Someone was looking out for us riders. The manager of the motel allowed us to leave our motorcycles sheltered under the canopy.

So ends day one. In all it was a grand day to be on the road.

Distance traveled: 519.2 kms. (321.9 mi.)

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

Great start! P^ :Popcorn

[PaPa John]

Day 2 – Sunday July 5th 2009 – Portage La Prairie, Manitoba to Rushing River Provincial Park, ON

After a stormy night in Portage La Prairie, I rose in anticipation of an early start. Upon meandering outside, I was greeted with this:

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An early start was not to happen, thus I settled down to a nice leisurely breakfast consisting of good strong coffee, a large order of bacon and eggs and more coffee while waiting for the fog to burn off. Today was the luxury of starting at a later time since the ride today is not that long. Plans for this second day would take me as far as Rushing River Provincial Park and overnight tow nights.

After traveling for 20 kms there was a motorcycle collision in the westbound lanes. A motorcycle was in the median and from the emergency blankets, a stopped semi unit and the RCMP it didn’t look good. Later I learned that two motorcycles were traveling together when they proceeded to pass the semi unit in a construction zone. The first bike passed successfully however, the second one went out of control and into the median. A 54 year old female passenger lost her life in the incident.

East of Winnipeg, MB the divided highway was reduced to two way travel on the westbound lanes since the eastbound lanes were being completed torn up and redone. The next 26 kms were reduced to speeds between 60 and 80 km/h before returning to divided.

Entering into Ontario road construction again made its presence felt, but there was no actual roadwork this time and one could travel along at a sustained speed, however, the shoulders were not conducive to pulling over for photo ops. Just outside of Kenora, ON. I did manage to snap a copy of photos.

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I promise pictures will get better as this trip progresses.

Once leaving the town of Kenora behind, take Hwy. 71 south to Rushing River Provincial Park.

Rushing River Provincial Park Sign

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Park Entrance

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Campsite welcoming committee:

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Campsite for the next two days:

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After setting up it was time to stretch my legs and scout out the Park. Here are a few photos as I wandered around.

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One can even sit and have a picnic right along the edge of the rapids.

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Swimming area

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The campground is located on Dogtooth Lake. The campsites varied from the type that I was in to ones that are quite rugged and backing onto the lake. If camping here check out the sites if you are on a motorcycle as some are not suitable for navigating a bike in.

Distance traveled: 374 kms. (231.88 mi.)

John

[PaPa John]

Day 3 –Monday July 6th 2009 –Rushing River Provincial Park, ON

It dawned bright, sunny and warm which would fit right into the days plan, a short ride to inhale the scenery, but the big scheme was to be lounge around and enjoy the park by muscular power. Photos will take up the majority of this entry.

The morning was kicked off with a huge breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, toast and strong coffee to tie me over until supper hour.

Little Joe Lake

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Hike through Lower Rapids Trail

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Walking the Lower Rapids Trail was both relaxing and refreshing. One must take their time to enjoy this trail as there is so much to see. The smell of trees, wild flowers and the sound of the rushing rapids as they crashed over the rocks, made the adventure peaceful and serene.

Sunset

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So ends another glorious day. Tomorrow travel day to Kakabeka Falls just outside of Thunder Bay, ON.

Distance Travelled : 146.5 kms. (91.02 mi.)


John

[PaPa John]

Day 4 –Tuesday July 7th 2009 –Rushing River Provincial Park, ON to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, ON

Travel day to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park via Highways 71, 11 and 17. Kakabeka Falls is west of Thunder Bay on Highway 17 (TransCanada).

Taking this route one avoids a lot of towns and is mostly scenery. The weather once again co-operated.

Bridge at Sioux Narrow

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Norlund Chapel – Emo, ON

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This one picture is what the terrain is like from Fort Frances, ON to the Junction of Highway 11 and 17 where one makes a right turn and heads to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.

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Kakabeka Falls

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So ends this day. Not much to report as this stretch of highway from Fort Frances east to the junction of Highway 17 is relatively quiet and void of towns. One can easily soak in the scenery and not have to worry about traffic. Basically I had the highway all to myself with the occasional vehicle being encountered.

Every ride day is a good day.

Distance Traveled: 524.2 kms. (325 mi.)

Day 5 is now going to press. Stay tuned.

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

Hurry up every chance you get! :p Great pictures by the way! P^

[PaPa John]

Day 5 –Wednesday July 8th 2009 – Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, ON to Wawa, ON

Upon leaving the small town of Kakabeka Falls, the first hurtles had to be overcome. Looking ahead, all I could see was a wall of thick black smoke siding from the highway. Traffic was stopped and backing up because of the smoke. Turned out there was a major collision and fire erupted. The highway was totally blocked and closed for who knows how long. Traffic was diverted down a gravel road and onto an old paved road to get around the scene.

Today was just a nice leisurely ride, soaking up the sun and scenery. To bad, I became so caught up in the beauty of things I neglected to take a lot of photos. Oh well I can’t bore all of you with pictures, pictures and more pictures.

The highway was in excellent condition and framed with trees on both sides.

At Marathon, ON, road construction was occurring along the right shoulder of the highway. It was just the right time to make a pit stop, fueled up the bike and some fuel for me. Apparently traffic was being held up as much as an hour as they blasted the walls of rock and on the edge of the road. During the refreshing break, I had time to chat with a fellow rider (of course he was on a Harley), but none the less very friendly. So we hooked up and rode together to Wawa, ON. Pulling out from the service station, there was no delay in waiting. We timed that just right.

Some photos from the day:

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A small Canada Goose at Wawa, ON

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Another day is finished and another day looming ahead.

Distance Traveled: 515.4 kms (319.55 mi.)

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

+1 Grandpa, I think Pa Pa John was pulling our leg when he said he wasn't a good story teller!

Great stuff John, keep it coming! P^

[PaPa John]

Day 6 –Thursday July 9th 2009 –Wawa, ON to Manitoulin Island, ON

Rain went through overnight, however, by morning the ground was dry with the exception of pot holes. Blue sky and sunshine greeted me predicting one fantastic day weather wise. Oh the feeling to be free on two wheels with the wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth. Just kidding, I wear full riding gear including a full face helmet, but one can dream.

The first order of business was to take a snapshot of the great white Canada Goose that use to adorn the highway, but has migrated into town.

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An old fire truck

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Young’s General Store

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These three photos grace the main drag of Wawa, ON.

As my steed and I romp down the tarmac trail along the east side of Lake Superior, we encounter just the right mixture of curves, straight stretches and hills. Off to the left road is lined with a sea of green from the trees and outcrops of rocky cliffs, and off to my right is Whitefish Bay, more trees and rocky terrain. Beware of falling rocks in this area. The ride through Lake Superior Provincial Park is breathtaking and a must do at a slow leisurely pace. I encounter numerous other motorcyclists and waves are exchanged. Not one rider is in a rush, but just moping along drinking in the scenery. Can it get any better, you bet, but that surprise is yet to come.

Time to stop stretch my legs for a few minutes to take in the beauty that surrounds me and a photo opportunity.

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I travel along to my next stop, Pancake Bay, where it is time to fuel the bike and the surprise is to fuel myself with a nice large maple walnut ice cream cone. They have more variety that I care to try. An excellent place to fuel up as is the only fuel stop between Wawa and Sault Ste Marie is 224 kms.
(138 mi.).

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Tim Hortons awaits me at Espanola for my last fast joint fix. On the island there are to Tim’s DQ’s, Starbuck’s, etc. Really a laid back atmosphere

The highway from Espanola to Manitoulin Island is one roller coaster of a ride. So take you time, curves can be deceiving and the highway is a narrow two lane road.

The entrance to the island is controlled by a one lane swinging bridge controlled by lights. The bridge swings open on the hour to allow boats through.

I finally roll into my home for the next few days – Batman’s Cottage, Tent and Trailer Park which is on Sheguiandah Bay. Pitch the tent and settle in, just in time to walk the campsite and snap some sunset pictures.

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The day ends as the sun goes down. Once quiet time hours arrive, it is quiet and serene. Campers still enjoy the grounds but are respectful or other campers who turn in early.

Distance Traveled: 537.5 kms. (333.25 mi)

John

[PaPa John]

Day 7 –Friday July 10th 2009 – Manitoulin Island, ON To No Where - Day at the beach

Today is a rest and relation day. Muscular power utilized all day. Time spent lounging around the campsite and lake all day soaking up the scenery.

One must be careful strolling this beach for hideous creatures lie in waiting for the unsuspecting. Be careful or you just might wind up being the main course.

I think there are gaters and big fish in this bay, as these were sunning themselves

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Also one mean little beached fishy

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Medieval castles grace the waterline to protect the beach goers, but me thinks the gater and fish will overrun the castles in a matter of time.

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The Office and General Store for you daily needs.

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Tubing down the bay.

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That’s a wrap for today.

John

[PaPa John]

Day 8 –Saturday July 11th 2009 – Manitoulin Island, ON – Part One - The Night before the Ride

Today is being broken into two parts for your entertainment.

Part One - The Night Before The Ride.

Part Two - Day of the Ride.

I settled down around 10 pm on Friday night (July10) to enjoy a peaceful sleep all snug in my home away from home complete with comfy sleeping bag. Saturday is going to be an adventure around a section of the island. All I can say is, yeah right, peaceful. :sleep1: When all of a sudden at eleven bells (and not all is well), as the golden silence is shattered with a what appeared to be a ground shaking clap of thunder, immediately followed by a bolt of lightning that lit up the sky. Again and again this continued. Campers are scurrying around like headless chickens putting things under shelter, in anticipation of the big storm. :storm1:

This storm raged on for an hour and not a drop of rain, disappearing to the east over the water. Lucky us, we dodged the bullet. Now all can settle down for a peaceful night knowing the storm is gone. So I settled down in my warm comfy sleeping bag to dream of biking down the tarmac trail drinking in the scenery and sweet smells.

But alas, one o’clock (a.m) rolled around, mother nature decided that what occurred earlier was only the appetizer, she now unleashes the full course meal. Yes, volcanic size thunder explosions immediately followed by blinding flashes of lighting turns darkness into daylight. Then the rain started, not just gently raindrops doing their pitter patter on the tent, but the sky opens up and a torrential monsoon gully washer begins. The storm eventually abated at five in the morning. There was so much rain and water I envisioned frogs wearing lifejackets floating by on their lily pad life rafts.

The storm is gone and the sun is out drying up the water. Many stories spread around from trailers maroon in a sea of water, tents flooded and I was lucking stayed warm and dry, just a little in one area but it may have just condensation. It also helped being up a little higher so water couldn’t pool around the tent. The owners of the campground informed us they have never seen a storm this vicious as usually they roll in, hammer the area and roll out in about 20 minutes.

Stay tuned for: Part Two – Day of The Ride

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

:Popcorn

[PaPa John]

Day 8 –Saturday July 11th 2009 – Manitoulin Island, ON – Part Two - The Ride

Today’s trip will take me from Batmans campground, through Little Current to Meldrum Bay where I stopped for coffee and pie…then return.

During this trip one will traverse through a varied landscape consisting of prime farmland, glacier scoured limestone adorned with junipers and stretches of woodland. Highway 540 (paved) is a smorgasborg of curves, and straight stretches that are not demanding or taxing, however make for a leisurely ride to soak in the sights. There is plenty of gorgeous scenery and towns to visit.

I will let the pictures tell the story.

Sample of the scenery you will drive through

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Twin Bluffs Restaurant in Gore Bay

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Gore Bay Marina

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While in Gore Bay it was time to stock up on some grub for the next couple of days.

Dukes of Meldrum

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Meldrum Bay Inn

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Bikes at the Inn – Appears to be a very popular place

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Lake view

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Some of the interesting property decorations

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Vidal Veil Falls

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Cold Springs Outpost

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Batmans Sawmill

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Another sunset

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Distance Traveled: 301.7 kms. (187.05 mi)

So ends another fantastic day riding the Island.

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

Great pictures John! P^ I really like the pics of the old bike and the falls.

[PaPa John]

Day 9 –Saturday July 11th 2009 – Manitoulin Island, ON To South Baymouth and return

I started the morning off with a light breakfast consisting of orange juice, coffee and cereal. Breakfast had to be light as I needed to save room for lunch at South Baymouth.

As I rolled along Highway 6 on the Panorama Drive circuit, the sun is out, the temperature is climbing, soaking in the sights and aroma of the countryside. Traffic is extremely light. I ride along without a care in the world, until my first stop at Ten Mile Point. So it is going to be a great day to ride

Ten Mile Point outlook overlooks the entrance to Baie Fine, top of Frazer Point and the Wikwenikong Peninsula . Manitowaning Bay stretches out in the foreground.

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The highway is just the right mixture of curves, straight stretches and gently rolling. The flow of the road allows to relaxing in areas to enjoy the scenery, yet other areas will keep you on your toes.

The next section is called the Heritage Crossroads which takes one to the villages of Manitowaning, Wikwemitong Village, South Bay, etc, but no time to do all. I do take time to pull into the Manitowaning. The Village On the Bay. Headed down to the waterfront and took in the Manitoulin Roller Mill, a former Grist Mill and is filled with agricultural displays and Burns Wharf, once a warehouse but is now a delightful theatre complete with musical performances during the summer. Also docked is the SS Norisle, which is on of the original steam powered Great Lakes Ship. According to the caretaker of the wharf, there is a committee that is trying to raise funds to restore the seaworthiness of this ship for cruises in the area.

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Carol and Earl’s eatery was the stop for lunch. The requirement for eating here, one, bring and huge appetite and second, cash as this location does not take debit/credit cards, did I mention just cash. Walked in the door and was greeted with a small display of pie.

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I quivered with the anticipation of having a huge slice of pie a la mode after my meal. So, I ordered a plate of fish and chips. Low and behold, coffee was brought along with a large tossed salad. Then came the fish and chips adorned with coleslaw.

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The owner came and enquired what type of pie I would like, but I have to beg out as no room after the meal.

Carol and Earl's Restaurant

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For enquiring minds, no photo, but along side of the pie rack was a rack of equal size laid out with assorted cakes, tarts, etc. What a delight for a sweet tooth if I ever saw one.

Meandered down to the dock to watch the big canoe come in and depart. Numerous motorcycles parked at the front waiting to board for the trip to Tobermory. With departure of the loaded ferry.

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It was time to saddle up and head to Mindemoya which is a beautiful ride on gentle rolling hills and curves. For I have sinned, as I enjoyed the ride so much, the camera stayed buried in the left pocket.

Did manage to snap a shot of the bike in front of the Sandfield General Store.

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The stone Anglican Church in Mindemoya

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While touring the town, came across some antique cars on display. Well all I can say is this cut into the rest of the riding day.

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Headed back to the campsite and settled in for the evening. Relaxed and took in the sunset.

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Distance travelled today – 162.1 kms (100.5 mi.)

The new riding season is upon us. While some have been riding all year, others have been in hibernation. So be careful out there. Ride safe, yet have fun.

John

[Ironheadziggy76]

What, no pie? :well Good looking old cars, reminds me of several of the old cars my Dad had.

[Black and Blue]

Good reading.P^ Thanks for the report. Oh, and nice pics.P^