Last night we checked into the Econolodge because of its location, close to the beginning of the 105 for this morning. After a continental breakfast at the motel, we hit the road shortly after 8 AM to find our warmup for the day was a hill, which we were not ready for. The day was warm and sunny, and what little wind there was came from our backs- good show. The trees are busy showing their new-growth green and the lupines are busy lining the road sides. It is incredible how well the lupines grow here. Just before 11 AM we arrived at the small settlement of Whycocomagh, and pulled into a restaurant. We decided to try having a hearty brunch to see how well it would hold us. I had steak, eggs, toast, hash browns and coffee, while Susie had scrambled eggs and toast. The experiment showed that more is better later in the day. While passing through Baddeck, Susie became low on energy and enthusiasm and wanted to stop for a rest. I couldn’t find a rest stop that she liked so, we finally just stopped and had some food. This did wonders as Susie’s energy returned for the most part, and we continued on our way. A while later, we saw a sign that read “Kelley’s Mountain- you will go up 240 metres in the next 7 km”. This was the major bump that shows up in the TCH graph. It was long but certainly tolerable, and it provided us with some great views on each side of the mountain. The ride down the other side was fun but too short. Crossing the bridge over the entrance to Bras D’Or Lakes was interesting because of the cross winds and the hill that it presented us. After arriving at the ferry terminal, we waited in line with the freight trucks forever it seemed. Eventually we got our chance to put it on our plastic. The system for collecting fees seemed overly bureaucratic because the computer was slow, and required way too much information like our names, sex, address, etc and the attendant had to enter the credit card information by hand. We left our bikes in a lane and left the ferry area for the town and found a Subway at which we had the best meatball subs ever. The server really loaded the veggies on and did so happily; it was a great supper. We had a nice chat with one of the other servers who wanted to know about the route we use to get from NS to Ontario.
After returning to the line, we started chatting with fellow from the area because he was a triathlete and was interested in our biking across the country. He had lots to tell me about racing triathlons and bicycles; it turned out to be a good lesson for me about the strategy involved in bike races. I was able to impress him with saying that Simon Whitfield had visited our house as a pre-Olympian teenager. After getting quite cool, this fellow invited Susie to sit in the car were it was warmer. Eventually the loading attendants took pity on us and loaded us so that we could get warm. The ship was really nice with reclining seats and lots of TV; the hockey game was on and NJ was winning 2-1 in the third. They looked like they might make a series of it. Susie fell asleep while the ship was still docked, and I dozed for a bit. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. I wanted to send a message to Nicole but couldn’t get internet access. Eventually I got up and walked around because I wasn't sleeping, and found a public terminal at which I could send a message.
The night on the ferry was pleasant in the sense that we met some nice people, but it was not restful for me; Susie managed to sleep reasonably well. We could have had breakfast on the ferry at 6 AM but were still full so we decided to stop for breakfast along the way. That was a mistake because after leaving Port aux Basques the next restaurant was at 100 km. Coming off the ferry the wind was blowing the flags straight out, which was a sign of things to come all day. In the late morning we came to a convenience store and picked up some coffee and sandwiches which really helped. The day was sunny on and off and warm and did I say windy; the wind was in our face pretty well all day after we the first few turns coming out of PB. In the afternoon, I saw a wolf on an access road, and call for Susie to stop. The wolf just stood there looking at me giving Susie a chance to return and see it. No moose yet but this was our treat of the day. At about 100 km we arrived at the Irving gas station and had lunch/supper. It was a good thing that we didn’t depend on the restaurant that was listed as being nearby the motel because it was still not opened for the season. We checked into the motel at 110 km, washed a few clothes and turned on the TV. After only a couple of hours of sleep on the ferry, I slept really well and woke up refreshed and rested.
Day 5 Corner Brook 650 km
We got an early start and rode the 29 km to the restaurant, which was perfect timing. I had there hearty breakfast of 3 eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, potatoes and toast, while Susie had just bacon and eggs plus one of my sausages. While having breakfast we had a nice chat with the waitress and a couple from here who were returning to retire after several years of work in Alberta. Everywhere we turn, we end up in a good conversations with nice people; it makes it fun to travel like this. I’m trying not to lose weight by eating more at breakfast this trip; by convincing Susie to eat a sausage from my plate trying to maintain her energy. By the time we got to Corner Brook we had eaten up everything that I was carrying except for the beef jerky. The day was sunny and warm, even hot at times; I had to get down to just a shirt under my safety vest.
On arriving in CB we stopped at the information office for advice. We talked about motels and B & B and decided on the latter. Another couple were on the phone to the B & B, and passed the phone to us after they made their booking. Then it was a quick ride down the hill just a block off the main street and next to the hospital. After checking in and getting cleaned up a bit, Sean, the proprietors brother, gave us a ride to the bike shop where I picked up a set of peddles for Susie’s bike because they have been squeaking. I was concerned that they might soon seize up and cause more trouble Then it was off to the bank, Sobey’s for food, a couple of drug stores and the liquour store for can of beer. Tonight we had a huge salad and home cooked hamburgers because we had access to a full kitchen- a very good meal of the type that we have at home. Around 9, Sean drove us up to a view point overlooking the town, where we were able to see the sun set over Bay of Islands; on way the to and back he gave us full tour of the town complete with social history. This was a company town with Bowater being the employer. He showed us the upscale area where the management used to live. Now three of the big homes belong to the bishops of the main churches. Talk about nice people and so helpful. This B & B is isn’t extraordinarily elegant but is very clean and well equipped. Making dinner in their kitchen was easy and all the dirty dishes went into the dish washer. In the morning, it’s was self-catered breakfast with evervthing that we wantedl. We planned to bike just to Deer Lake today because there is no convenient accommodation at about 100 km; Sean confirmed this from his personal experience and from the internet. At any rate just over 50 km be good for our bodies.
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