Saturday, July 18, 2015

Day 56 - Lion's Head to Wiarton

43 km - Total so far 4,714.03 kmhttp://ridewithgps.com/trips/5764679


We spent a lovely evening in the municipal campground and found that they had the best appointed shower facilities we have seen in any of the campgrounds we stayed at. They had Kleenex, a fan, large clean showers and heat in the ladies showers. The men's facilities were just as nice but no heat. What more can one ask for. 

We behaved like tourists this morning. We got up late and eventually after breakfast and packing up we wandered over to the Lion's Head Farmers' market. It was a pretty busy place with quite a few stands and live music. One of the musicians came over and chatted with us. After the farmers' market, we walked over to the marina to check out the water and the sailboats. We seem to have have picked up another interest, sailboats. As expected, the water was extremely clear and a nice shade of turquoise. After wandering the docks amongst the sail boats, we went back to the market for a coffee and a quick bite to eat. We had another chat with a young couple and their 4 month old daughter. The husband expressed his interest in doing cyclo-camping and we gave him a travel card. We warned the young couple to be careful as this activity is addictive.
Lion's Head Farmers' Market

Lighthouse Lion's Head
The colour and clarity of the water is incredible
At about noon we finally got on the road to Wiarton, 33 km away. Since we have been cycling for six days now, we decided that we would spend two nights in Wiarton, the home of the famous Wiarton Willie. Bruce County road 9 was quiet with little traffic and like much of the Bruce Peninsula somewhat hilly. We took our time getting here and were happily surprised to find that Wiarton is a nice little town with lots of older buildings, a large marina, waterfront park and a great view of the bay.
Flower of the day. We have yet to see a 'Trillium' the provincial flower

Hélène's bike taking a well deserved break in Colpoy's Bay
There was a warning concerning the high heat and we made a point of stocking up on plenty of fluids as we headed out of town to the motel. After a quick Internet check, I found out that I was carrying 11.8 lbs of beer (5.4 kg) in my front saddle bags. I know it is a lot of weight but one must ensure that all fluids are replaced. 
A well stocked hydration first aid kit augmented with Cheezies to provide the salt

We were somewhat surprised by the actual location of our motel vice what is shown on Google maps. Google puts our motel in the middle of Wiarton while the motel is actually some distance SOUTH of Wiarton. This is not the first time that Google has produced erroneous data. You have to independently check what Google tells you and that goes for everything.
A scooter we spotted at Tim Horton's

A memorial to all past Wiarton Willie. Willie is the one on the left
More Paris exercise equipment provided this time by the Nuclear Waste Management Corporation
Wiarton Marina
A bunch of black birds just hanging around
We are staying in a nice little motel for the next two nights. The decor is somewhat dated but everything is nice and clean and since it is out of town the price is very reasonable. We were lucky to get a motel room as everything in and around Wiarton has no vacancies. We have once again been caught off guard by the fact that we don't usually know or care what day of the week it is. We operate on numbered days i.e., today is Day 56. Anyway we will learn eventually. 

Tomorrow the plan is to relax, visit a cave and generally take it easy.   

We are almost done but not done yet our cycling adventure but as you can see in the video below, Hélène is already getting a head start on the ski season. 




26.72 miles - Total so far 2,929.16 miles

4 comments:

  1. Vous ne verrez pas de trilles "trillium". Ce sont des fleurs qui sortent en mai.
    Pauline

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  2. Glad the municipal campground worked out so well for you after the rotten experience at the cottage/hotel.

    Glad Pauline was able to clarify the times you would spot trilliums. Next May, cycle through Gatineau Park if you want to see some lovely displays of trilliums.

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  3. Beautiful water, I hope that you can get some swimming done also. I like the ski machine, it's genial

    Sylvie

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  4. Your flower of the day appears to be sweet peas. Very lovely, wonder if they're naturalized or if someone planted them.

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