Day 53 - Birch Island to South Baymouth

86.3 km - Total so far 4,613.03 km - http://ridewithgps.com/trips/5732118

We had early morning visitors 5 minutes after we had finished breakfast. They were so cute heading to the water for their own breakfast. Already off to a late start and we sat there watching them making us even later. It is so nice to be on holidays and able to relax.

All those ducks and no one sporting a beard or speaking with a southern accent

We had continued spectacular scenery to Little Current with lots of bays, still waters and low mountains as backdrop. It is easy to see why so many tourists are drawn to the area. There was a section of highway #6 lined with tall dark posts on both sides of the road (see picture below). We figure they had something to do with the yellow deer warning signs (complete with flashing yellow light). Our suspicions were confirmed as to their role as motion sensors when Hélène's wireless odometer stopped working as we passed the area. Once clear of the posts, the odometer was back in operation. What other electronic device do these things affect. What about a cyclist with a pace maker would that be an issue. It would have been a reasonable idea for the agency that installed those posts to place a warning sign.

A deer detector

Our next stop was the swing bridge at Little Current. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic for 15 minutes on the hour to allow boats to sail by. It is a very slick operation and one can be easily fascinated by this older engineering achievement that was accomplished without all the technology and regulations now in place everywhere. For the folks in Ottawa, this to me is more complicated that a pedestrian bridge over the airport parkway and I bet that it was done right the first time! Have a look at the video below to see it in operation.

Swing bridge at Little Current

Cute little green boat with owner waiving

At Little Current, we absolutely had to stop at the tourist information center. Yes it was another one of those frustrating exchanges. We had gone in looking for cycling maps and/or information and left with neither. Enough said. We headed to the grocery store to pick up a few items, including oatmeal cookies which are now a staple in our all day snacking. Next stop downtown to swing by the sports store looking for Chamois Butter. No luck there.

We sat for a coffee and planned our cycling loop for the following day, spending way too much time not pedalling. We were then off to our stop for the next two days, South Bay Resort (near the ferry).

I think I might have fallen asleep in the sun

But a small sample of the gorgeous scenery. 

We made a quick stop in Manitowaning to pick up meat and beer and were told by a gentleman that the road to South Baymouth was now mostly downhill. Yup, you guess right, this person was WRONG!!!!! He should be working at the tourist information center as he would fit right in.

Twice Hélène spotted sandhill herons, either in the middle of a large field or by the side of the road. She is becoming even better at spotting wildlife. The one's close to the road made for a much better picture and video.

One of three sandhill herons by the side of the road.

Video of sandhill herons

As we neared our campsite, we spotted another cyclist in the distance and decided that we would try to catch up to and maybe pass him/her. As we churned up the gears on the bicycles and the heart rate went up, we slowly but surely started to gain on him/her. The cyclist was slowed by a small uphill and us, strong from our 56 km detour in Saskatchewan just gained even more on him/her. This was our first time on the entire trip that we would pass another cyclist, the excitement was building. Hélène rung her bell and no reaction from the cyclist. As she passed, she noticed that he was wearing headphones and could not hear her. Our big moment ruined by headphones. BTW, this cyclist was the same one whose bicycle was seen at Dixie Lee the day before. We should have asked him about his breakfast.

Once again we have a campsite by the water. Our feathered friends are not as charming as the ones yesterday but we have internet access. Tomorrow we do an 80 km loop around Manitoulin Island. Why you might want to ask...well, because we can!

Enjoying one of the beers that was carried for 27 km

Hélène preparing another amazing home cooked meal 

A completely staged picture

BTW the substitute for Chamois Butt'r is working. :-)

53.62 miles - Total so far 2,865.78 miles