Saturday, June 30 Campbellton to Amqui 104 km

Slept quite well last night and we were up around 6:30.  We had done a wash and had a clothesline hanging in the room, but unfortunately the clothing didn`t dry.  Took a bit longer to pack up everything today.  We had breakfast in the hotel and were on the road by 8:20.  The sun was shining brightly and I was wearing arm warmers and light vest.  We weren`t 3 km out of Campbellton when the terrain began to change and instead of the somewhat flat roads we had been on all week, and were able to make good speed....average kph since last Saturday was over 22 (not bad considering the weight we have on board) we were working hard to get to 20 kph.  We stopped at a beautiful `look off`just leaving and what a beautiful scene it was.  The river down below and Sugarloaf Park well beyond and on the other side the hills of Quebec along the Gaspe.  It got very warm early and we stopped several times to look at the river and to watch some of the salmon fishermen. You would have been impressed Tina.   It is a great ride along the Matepedia Valley, and smells ever so fresh.  The river is beside us the entire ride.  We took several more breaks to refuel, just to take a breather and stretch.  The sun is very warm and there is a heat in the air.  We do have a head wind which cools us somewhat, but also slows us down. I am counting `discarded `lighters and today I noticed 5 by the road edge. When I was planning this trip, I had ordered a book Quebec regarding the `Route Verte`. This is a route for bikes and sometimes follows the main route, but other times leads away from the busy traffic to side or secondary roads.  When we have cycled in Quebec before we noticed the route markers, but when they led away from the main  road we were hesitant to take them as we didn`t know where they would take us.  The book is great, as all routes are marked on a map, so I can see where we are going.  We followed the route today and were quite impressed with the great signage and markings.  The route may have been a bit longer, and some of the pavement a bit rougher but we were away from the traffic and it was peaceful with wonderful countryside.  We arrived in Amqui around 3:00 NB time and could see the thunder boomer clouds off in the distance.  We stopped at a hotel to check out the weather which called for thundershowers overnight and into the morning.  We opted not to camp as we didn`t want to pack up wet things in the morning.  It is a lovely area to camp, and is definitely warm enough......guess we are wimps.  We ventured over to the town park to check out the bridge that we had signed when we came across Canada in 2006; and again when we cycled the Gaspe in 2009 and again today.  We took pictures of our signing.  Back to the hotel to check in, shower and dig out the laundry and hang around the room with hopes of it drying.  Too bad we are on the second floor, and don`t have direct access to the outdoors otherwise we could put the clothes outside to dry.  We walked over town to find a grocery store for some supplies for on the road tomorrow and some beer for tonight.  I guess you must think we are lushes as we head to the liquor store upon arrival at each spot.  We pick up a 6 pack of beer and each enjoy 3 beer daily.  My feet are sore from walking in the hot sun.  We plan on taking a few beer to the lovely park and sit and enjoy the evening.  Today was a longer and a bit more challenging day, but it is a good way to break us in to things to come.    My odomoter is reading 692 km for the 7 days.  Tomorrow I had planned on trying to make it to Le Bic, but we will see how the day goes and may stop at the 100 km mark in Rimouski.

Friday (I think?) June 29. Bathurst to Campbellton, 110 km

Enjoyed our evening in Bathurst, but I will admit that I really don't like that town/city, layout???  Seems to be disjointed and scrambled all over.  The room was nice and comfortable, providing a good sleep.  I did get up after 6:15 but could have slept longer.  We really can travel at our leisure, however, if we want to keep dry we have to follow the weather forecast and plan accordingly.  The weather for Bathurst called for sunshine, increasing cloudiness and change of thundershowers as the morning progressed.  Weather for Campbellton called for isolated thundershowers, all day, providing up to 25 mm of rain in the isolated areas.  I figured we were heading right for the system.  We had breakfast and packed up and were on the bikes and heading out of Bathurst at 8:10.  We travelled through Beresford, Nigadoo and small communities all along that just seemed to run into each other.  At about the 15 km mark we noticed the looming cloud so stopped at a bike shop to don our rain coats.  The bike mechanic had just arrived so we had a nice chat with him.  We headed off in the rain, but it didn't amount to much although was a steadyish rain for about 15 minutes.  Then the sun came out so we stopped to take off rain jackets.....then continued to breeze along.  Although I ate and do eat a good amount for breakfast by about 10:00 my stomach is rumbling and grumbling and I am hungry. We are travelling through vastness of nothing, although the view of the ocean (Bay of Chaleur?) is vast and we can see across to the Gaspe area....very magnificant and scenic.  I notice a sign for "Pizza Hut" and race along hoping that it will appear out of the nothingness.  Finally in  Jacquet River we notice a  restaurant that I think may have been the Pizza Hut at one time.  It was newish and had the inside decor of Pizza Hut but it was a restaurant now.  I ordered a western sandwich and Bob had the full breakfast deal.  It hit the spot.  From then it was a good pace into Charlo where we stopped at a roadside lookoff,  and sat and enjoyed the ocean and the scenic views of Carleton Sur Mer across on the Gaspe.   We could see the rolling large hills and the windmills off in the distance.  At this stop we ran into a motorcyclist, hauling a little trailor.  He and wife were from Ontario and had been touring the Maritimes.  We had a lovely chat as they had been around the Cabot Trail and in Lunenburg, which they loved.  I told them that my mom lived there.  They also had their 9 year old minature poodle, Pam, with them.  She lay tucked in his arms.  She has her own spot on the motorcycle, with her own windshield!!!  She is tethered in so can't fall out and appears to love the bike.  As far as the long stretches of road with the beautiful vista the one thing that you don't see is GARBAGE by the side of the road due to the lack of "drive throughs" etc.  It is nice to see nature and beauty unspoiled.  We see many flickers and lots of finches today.  There were several offspray nests too.  From the look off in Charlo we head into Dalhousie, using #134.  I was thinking that this is the route we used when we did the cross Canada tour in 2006, but nothing looks familiar.  We must have traveled #11 then?  Well the #134 into Dalhousie was a treat!!  First a lovely area crossing Eel River, but then came the climb.  A 13% grade up.....guess we should get familiar with this sort of thing for when we enter the Charlevoix area in Quebec.    We get into Dalhousie only to have to descend down a very steep hill....following #134, only to cycle briefly through Main street and then have to climb another hill on the other side to get out!!  One thing that NB is terrible for is the lack of road signs, telling where you are, or how far it is to any destination.  Sucks!!  We had planned on camping once in Campbellton, but as we arrive along the street we notice cloud banks off.  The fair is in town, as it is Salmon Festival days.  We picked a great weekend to arrive here.  We stopped at the Visitor information centre to check out the weather for the night.  94% chance of thundershowers.  That did it.  We booked a room a the Super 8.  Great location as a stone's throw to the down town.  Next door is Sobeys.  We had just checked in and I was famished.  Bob went to the liquor store while I went to Sobeys.  We both arrived back at the same time.  I had macaroni and cheese which had just come out of the oven, some cherry tomatoes, some genoa salomi and crackers.  He had the more necessary items, beer and wine (;-0    I was famished so we had our snack.  Then donned bathing suits and hit the hot tub and the pool.  We are relaxing and plan on heading down to take in some of the salmon festivities.  It is pouring right now and I can hear the thunder booming.  Nice to be indoors.  We may hit Sobeys later for some frozen food which we can cook in the microwave.  Tomorrow we head off to Amqui.  I don't know how close I will be to internet access, so it may be a few days before I can blog again.  Itinery is Amqui, then the next day to Le Bic and then on to Riveriere du Loup where we will cross the ferry to Saint Simeon and cycle the Charlevoix region to Quebec.

June 27, Tracadie Sheila to Bathurst 108 km

Bob and I cooked a great meal last night in the room....lasagne, from Superstore and on special for 3.99  (which we cooked in the mircowave) and a salad mix for 2.99 .  Our snacks of cheese, crackers, tomatoes, and Brother's pepperoni cost more.  Speaking of the pepperoni, now in "hind" site eating 18 inches was a mistake...ouch this morning!!  After dinner we walked to the back shore, overlooking the bay.  I noticed some houses far off that seemed to be just sitting on the water, as you couldn't see the land below.  Bob took some photos, but they just don't show it in great detail.  We sat on the front deck watching the clouds roll in.  I was asleep by 10.  Rested quite comfortablly.  Up around 6  ish but dozed until after 7 and we got dressed.  I was wearing the shorts that my friend Barb gave me and they are a tad large.  I feel like Steve Urkle as I can pull them right up to my arm pits, but the shammy is quite comfy and that is what counts.  We had a great breakfast and were on the road by 8:30.  It was greyish and the pavement drying from the overnight rain.  I was wearing my rain jacket. I notice all the garbage by the side of the road.  Mainly discarded coffee and drink containers, followed by liquor bottles, and the third most noted discard is disposible lighters.   We hit Caraquet and stopped for coffee.  Leaving we followed a lovely bike route for 10 km until it ended.  We stopped for a little snack around 11:10 at a lovely restaurante Resto Chez Isa.  The rain came while we were inside.  We waited for a bit and drove behind the system.  About 10 km further up the road Bob sees me pulling in and I point to the system in front of me, heading towards us.  Luckily I had found a great shelter and we were enclosed by 3 sides and were able to pull our bikes inside with us.  We knew it was going to pour for a while, so we unpacked the folding chairs (thanks Bev for telling us about them, as they worked super) and sat a played cards for about 35 minutes.  Then we had our lunch.  By now an hour has passed and the rain is relentless.  Pounding off the pavement.  Bob decides to call ahead to the motel we had booked in Bathurst and is informed that it is raining, and has been all day; sometimes heavy and then lets up and starts again.  We are parked besides a rural motel in Grand Anse and Bob runs over to check it out.  It is almost 2 now.  In the 3 minutes since he has left, I peek outside and through the low ceiling, a hole actually appears and I can see the sun smiling down at me.  I let out a big laugh, and figured, yea, right!!  It was like it was teasing me.  I venture next door as I am NOT eager to stay here and figure I can endure the rain if need be and plod on to Bathurst.  I told Bob that I wanted to proceed onward, to which he replied that it had gotton soaked in the short walk from our shelter to next door.  The proprietor got off the phone and I asked her "how far to Bathurst", to which she replies "about 30 minutes by car".  Well, that is no answer......30 minutes can be a big difference providing "who" is driving??  A 93 year old grandpa or a cocky 23 year old.  I asked how many km?? and she didn't know...she went on to say it would take 4 hours by bike.  I told her that I didn't think so, seeing we had already travelled 50 km.  I asked for a map, which she couldn't find.  Then I noticed a whole bookshelf full of glossy NB Summer Venture guides and asked if I could look at one.  Inside I found a map and pointed out to her that there are maps inside these books.  I am wondering if the NB tax payer is paying for all these glossy brochures, which go unnoticed and untouched at such establishments??  Anyhow,  she told me again that it would take 4 hours by bike and again I told her that I didn't think so, unless I was using my grand-daughter's tricycle!!  Bob and I headed off at around 2:15 and bombed along, legs aching, hoping to outrun any rain.  The sun actually came out and the pavement dried.  We had a bit of headwind and decided to stay on #11 when we came to the intersection of the #134 coastal route.  We flew into Bathurst arriving around 4:20 and it was 56 km from the spot where the hotel owner was.  So it didn't take 4 hours, but only 2....mind you, in her defense I was thinking it was 35 km and not the 56 that it proved to be.  We were able to retain our room at the Lakeview Inns and Suites, settled the bikes into their storeage, shower and headed off to dinner.  Then to the Superstore for a few munchies and of course the liquor store and this time it is Kaluha and some 5% cream.  My stomach seems to want dairy tonight.

June 27, Nappan to Tracadie Sheila, 94 km

We had a wonderful stay at Flora and Gregès to the point that I feel that we oosted them out of their own home!  Flora worked non stop, cooking, baking.  They gave up their bedrooms for us and she, Greg and their children Andrew, Hunter and Christina had a big sleepover in their great room.  I am so grateful for their wonderful hospitality.  Bob and I were awake just after 6 and checked the skies.  Things were looking good, so we packed up.  Had a great breakfast, again thanks to Flora...and Ricki who was at the table decided to come and do a ride with us.  Geoff had decided last night that they were abandoning the ride due to the weather net work and Bev,s brother was coming to pick them up in Nappan.  Ricki was looking at the skies and I think wishing that he was continuing along with Bob and I.  Just as we were saying goodbyes to Flora, Greg and family, Pam arrives and wanted to join Ricki to do a bit of a ride with us.  We all departed around 7:45 and we said our farewells to those two when we reached the bridge to cross over into Miramichi.  That ride across the bridge was a treat!!   NOT.  Freaking scarey.  No shoulder on the bridge so we had to cycle in the footpath which was about 4 feet wide.  Bridge span on one side and a drop of 15 inches to the pavement on the other.  Problem being the footpath was in rough shape and shadows from the span made concentration awkward....and the bridge was about half a km long.  Well as I came done the other side my depth perception was clouded and I hit a hollow which dislodged one of my panniers and it flew off....luckily not on the road side, and luckily the span prevented it from flying over into the river.  But it did not  knock me from my bike, which I will be eternally thankful for!!  I will admit that it is the second scariest moment of my cycling events ever!!  When Bob stopped to retreive my pannier and caught up to me he even commented on how frightening that was.  From there it was clear sailing.  We stopped about 25 km down the road for a banana and then at about 55 km for coffee and a muffin at a restaurant.  While inside we had a sunshower, but we didn,t get wet.  We continued on through little villages and great highway with a wide shoulder.  Bob and I were able to ride side by side for most of the trip today.  We arrived in Tracadie Sheila at 12:40 having made great time.  Our average speed thus far for the entire trip is 21.5  and that ainèt too shabby considering what we are hauling!!  We are staying at a lovely hotel L Auberge Centre-Ville.  It is situated on the water and we look across at the downtown.  The wind is blowing, and I have wash hanging on my bike to dry.  Our room is well equipped with fridge and microwave so we are going to the grocery store to bring back supper to cook, nuke or whatever.  I am sorry that Geoff and gang gave in to the weather as they would have enjoyed the day.  Geoff planned on this motel for the stop, so we are thankful that he picked a great place.  I will miss the others but it is nice to cycle with Bob as we both seem quite content on the bikes and enjoy the scenery and the places we visit.  He is sitting with a gin and tonic and I think I may go and join him.  During the ride this morning I was thinking about a quilt pattern for Mitziès quilt....  I have several ideas, but when I get home and put idea to hands and machines sometimes they donèt work as well as envisioned.  Excuse all typos as using french keyboard.

Tuesday June 26 Richibucto to Nappan outside Miramichi 62 km

Didn't sleep really well as I was afraid of oversleeping and we were planning on a 6:00 am departure.  Finally got up around 5:20 and tried to use the ipod in the room, but I was having trouble with the internet cutting in and out.  We packed up and loaded bikes.  Michel, friend of Bev's, had joined us for dinner last night and he arrived with muffins, nuts and juice.  We were very appreciative of that  seeing there were no restaurants open for breakfast.  With the threat of rain we wanted to be in the Miramichi by 11 before the scheduled rain.  We followed the #134 til it joined the #11 (originally we were to follow the #134 all around the coast, but with the threat of rain we opted for the straight drive down the #11)  We found a convenience store around the 20 km mark and had muffins and coffee.  Ricki, the health food person, had a packaged sausage, egg breakfast sandwich, which was heated in the microwave.  While he was eating it, we read the package and discovered that it was processed in Illinois, and God knows when!!  We had a great laugh over that.  From then we pacelined again, at a great pace of around 28-32..... Bob hit a pothole which dislodged his load and caused the screw to pull out of the rack.  We stopped for a quick repair, but unfortunately we didn't have a screw that would fit the threads in the missing spot.  After contemplating, and Bob and I switching some bags so that now I am carrying one of the heavier ones,  Geoff came along and hooked up a bungie, which seems to work great.  We proceeded enroute, pacelining, and arrived at the Esso City Limits convenience where there was a restaurant.  We stopped for breakfast where MaryAnne says they "have the biggest plate of food on earth".  Bob had  a homemade fish cake that was 6 inches in diameter and 3 inches wide, along with egges, toast.  I had bacon and eggs....craved some grease.  We were only 6 km from out destination and arrived in Nappan at the home of Greg and Flora, friends of Bev and Geoff's.  They actually were retrieving their mail at the end of the driveway when we came along.  Luckily, as the rain was just beginning.  They have a new large barn outback where we parked the bikes and ourselves, and sat out of the rain, actually watching the enslaught of rain and enjoying a brewsky.  The weather for the next few days looks like more wet weather, but not the deluge that just fell here.  We are enjoying a family day with Greg and Flora and 4 year old twin boys and a 7 year old daughter.  It is very gracious of them to house us for the night!!  I think most are retreating to our assigned rooms to nap, seeing we had such an early start to the day.

Moncton to Richibucto, June 25 92 km

Had a large room to sleep in and were able to repack bags and organize before hitting the road.  I  had slept off and on and found the restful sleep came when it was time to get up!!  I could hear movement overhead where Peter was cooking breakfast for everyone.  Thanks Peter.  He had toast, coffee, eggs, ham and juice.  We all had our fill.  Packed bags and were on road by 9:40 or so to lovely sunny skies.  Only got about 2 km when Geoff's phone rang.  Discovered that he had packed some of Peter's clothing with his own.  We waited for Pete to come and retrieve them.  Then it was enroute following the road to the airport and then onward to Scoudouc to meet the #134.  Tail wind was amazing and we made great time.  Stopped at a local market for fresh strawberries.  Then on to Grande Digue where we stopped for lunch.  Had a yummy lobster roll, but it could have had more lobster and it really wasn't that filling.  From there we decided to do a paceline and we were able to draft along at 28 km per hour.  That is incredible considering the amount of load that Bob and I are carrying.  Traffic was good, and road decent.  When we are pacelining it distracts from being able to sight see as you are concentrating on the wheel in front of you, plus the road for potholes etc.  We rolled into Richibucto around 3:30...stopped at the Co-Op and liquor store before heading on the the VN Star motel for the night.  We went to the attached restaurant for dinner and back to rooms for a game of cards.  Geoff went to bed early, knowing that we had organized an early start for the morning.  The rest of us were in bed by 10.

Sunday..poley to Dieppe, 94 km

Slept well at Geoff and Bev' chalet in Sussex. Woke to dreary skies and drizzle. Bob put on coffee. The other's stumbled upstairs for breakfast. MaryAnne and Pam arrived for breakfast. They will be joining us now. Jamie and Lynn left for home last night after the jam session. There was much debate and discussions regarding the weather with all eyes glued to The Weather Network which happened to be broadcasting the worst of the worst. I continued to pack my gear while the discussion over riding in rain

Or going back to saint John and leaving another day..... This wasn't an option for Bob and I as we were committed to ride rain or shine. Finally everyone decided to chance it and we left Poley around 10:15. We were lucky for the entire day and although we had drizzle now and then,

We never had heavy rain. We used the old Trans Canada to Penobsquis and got on the four lane to Petticodiac where we stopped fo lunch. On through Salisbury to Moncton where we got on the biking trails to get throug the city. Quite a great system and scenic along the muddy river.

On to Peter LeBlanc's for the night. We made the liqour store before closing and ordered pizza for dinner. Managed to do communial laundry and then a challenging game of Trivial Pursuit where the gals whoomped the guys!! It was very competative. Bob had to change a tube in his front tire as ot had slow leak. I stayed up to get laundry out of dryer. Most were in bed by 10:30. Fun day

Saturday, sunday and monday

We finally hit the road on Saturday around 2:15. We were on the Vincwnt Road when Bob discovered he didn't have his cell phone. Back home for that and after searching all over with no sucess in finding it, he rembered he had packed it in his top bag. Back on road to Hammond River to connect with others. Geoff, Bev, Jamie, Lynn and newbie Pete arrived about 20 minutes late. Ricki was heading out from Millidgeville and was caught in heavy rain in East Riverside. Geoff suggested that Bev call Ricki to verify his location. Bev goes to the edge of the road and hollers "R i c k i i i i". I can see that the next few days with this crew are going to be entertaining! We decided to start off as the drizzle was coming. By the time I got to the UltraMart in Nawagewauk I was drenched. I did meet up with Ricki there and eventually Bob. The rain pounded off the pavement making visibility poor and my eyes were stinging. We all met up in Hampton and continued on to Bloomfield where we stopped at Jim Bowland's farm. He and his partner, Melanie, showed us through the barn ckecking out all the animals. There wete 4 baby horses whuch were fun to see. As it was now 5 pm and pouring we got Jim to hitch up the horse trsilor and load our bikes. Bob and I are carrying a MUCH heavier load than the others. When it came time to load my bike onto the trailor I said " I can't lift it". I think jim's 15 year old son , Jr, must have figured I was a weakling so hastily went to help me. It was so funny to see him pick up the front end and then bog down trying to lift the back!!! Was quite a shock for him!! Bukes and people loaded we were driven to Bev ans Geoff's placw at Poley. First stop the liqour store. It was nice not to ne in the heavy rain and warm! we chnged into dry clothes putting all wet stuff in dryer. Ricki made an amazing spaghetti dinner and MaraAnne arrived with a salad. After dinner and clean up ricki started with the guitar and we had a great jam session. Geoff and Bev had invited other people in the community and there were 5 other guitarists and 20 people in attendance. Lots of fun and laughs and we were in bed by 12:30. Rushing to get this done as kitchen closes in 20 min. Will hope to post later about Sunday and today. Have been without internet for the past 2 days.

Departure day

Well today is the day.... And it is pouring rain!!! Hopefully it will let up before noon?? Panniers are fully loaded and the appropriate water proof shield is covering them. I am carrying 40 +pounds and Bob is carrying 45 pounds. We know this is accurate because we weighed them! To be truthful, Bob is actually hauling my panniers and I his because my load is 5 pounds heavier. I didn't think the bit of clothing I am taking weighed that much!! Wish I could cycle today in my flip flops as I hate the thoughts of my new biking shoes getting wet! They take forever to dry. The phone just rang...it was the ride organizer Geoff to say that the plan has changed due to the heavy rain. As we were only headed to Poley the first day they will trailor us all...I'm not overly disapointed as there is no need to be soaked when you don't have to be! Should the rain fall during the trip we are prepared to ride regardless. Now I have the better part of the day to relax. First I will have to unload pannier to swap out cycling clothes with what I will be wearing for the evening!

The phone rang again at 11, and it was Geoff to say that we would be riding and meeting at the Hammond River Cafe at 3......so, here comes the adventure...bring it on!!

Ipod 101

Still trying to navigate the blog using this iddy biddy ancient ipod. Please excuse all typos and spelling errors as the screen I am using to create blog is 3 inches by 2 inches. The blog page looks so different on this device, mainly because it is so small!!

One more sleep

This week has flown by and daily I go through the "list" of things we feel necessary to bring with us on the trip.  The list is almost comlete with checkmarks. 0nTuesday I took Kuan to be shaved. It was quite an ordeal and now at aged 14+ I don't think I will causes added stress with future "groomings". Yesterday  I had to take both she and Buddy to the Vet for some vaccinations. I tried to sneak to the basement for the cat carrier but Kuan must have sensed something was going to happen so conveniently hid under the bed in the spare room. Bob and I took the carrier to the room and Bob crawled half under the bed and  managed to haul her out.  She actually went into the cage quite well.  I went to Diane's to  borrow the second carrier for Buddy and we also got him inside with little fanfare.  Thank God the vet is only 2 km away as Buddy yowled constantly. Then when we get inside the vet he cowered in  the carrier and we had to literally dump him out only to discover he ha relieved himself inside the carrier!! Not the best manners to introduce him to a new vet! Once needles and pill given he raced back iside carrier ...no problem there getting him back inside!!  Then we had  to go through the same routine with Kuan. Both  were quite happy to return home. I bought Kuan one of her favourite mice while leaving the Vetand she has been playing with it ever since. We went to Bev and Peter's for diner.... Surf and turf which was amazing. Bev is better than Martha Stewart, so her meals are always super. I did asparagus, So did contribute a little something. We all had too much wine but did get over to our back yard for campfire later on. It was a beautiful night. I discovered this morning that my daughter in law's father passed away in Montreal. He had suffered a stroke a few weeks ago. My sympathies are with her and her family.  On the cycling note, Geoff called this morning to discuss a meeting place for departure tomorrow. We have decided to connect at the Polish restaurant in Hammond River around 1. The weather for tomorrow is calling for periods of heavy rain!! Not an ideal way to begin our cycling adventure but we can't control the weather, so best learn to make the best of the situation.  We are heading to Bev and Geoff's second home in Poley, outside of Sussex.  One of the cyclists is a musician, Ricky Watters.....and he requested that there be a guitar waiting at the end of the day.  Jam session, bring it on!!!  I know that Geoff and Bev extended a welcome to anyone in the area who wanted to drop by, the one condition that thy wanted to be in bed before midnight, yea right???!!  Like that will happen.

Tuesday June 19

Last night I was on the computer, copying email addresses to the ipod.  It was after 10:30 and I heard the sound of feet on the deck.  I hollered out to Bob that "there are deer on the deck!"....and then Trevor walked in the back door.  Tamara's dad suffered a stroke about 2 weeks ago and at that time they went to Montreal (where he lives) to help out.  They thought things were slightly improving and Trev and Tam had to return to their jobs in Halifax.  I guess things took a turn for the worse yesterday so Trev dropped Jordyn and Tamara at the airport in Halifax enroute to Montreal and he was driving.  He stopped in  for a quick nap and was on the road again at 2 am.  We didn't hear him leave but I know he wanted to hit Montreal just after the morning traffic.
Kuan had a "shaving" this morning.  It was extremely stressful for her.  This is the fourth time that I have taken her and the worst that she has ever behaved.   Perhaps she is just getting tooo old now.  She doesn't seem to mind the noise of the clippers and on certain parts of her body I think she feels it is like a massage.  I guess it is the moving of her around for the groomer to get her in position that she minds the most.  Today she was growling and hissing non stop, she had to have her paws taped so she wouldn't scratch Amanda and she was muzzled to avoid biting.  She certainly was fiesty.  When I got her home and in the house she got into a fight with Buddy......she was just showing everyone how "annoyed" she was.  I tried to suck up to her for much of the day, as I would stop by to pat her and tell her how "pretty" she was, only to be given the evil eye and to be growled at.   Tonight she seemed to come back to her "normal" self and came up on the couch besides me to have her ears and neck massaged.  No growling.
I found some bike tubes the proper size for my tires, so I purchased 4.  Last night I spent over an hour hauling out clothes and deciding on what to pack.....very minimal.  Let me put it this way, wardrobe changes will be almost non existant..... Tomorrow is supposed to rain, so I will do some baking so Aaron will have some snacks for his lunches as he is staying at the house while we will be away.  I am also busy finalizing the list....and the bike needs some TLC and a good cleaning......  only 4 more sleeps.

Monday June 18

Woke to beautiful sunshine which makes everything seem so bright and cheery. Spent some time on this ipod (ancient rig, but works.. sometimes?) tryong to send a message from the "notebook" app. Finally after numerous attempts I must jave configured it correctly because I received the message on my home computer where I had sent it. Horray! Then I called the dentist and managed to get in later thos morning. I went to the sewing room andaged to get a customer's quilt on frame and did a passon the machine. Borrowed Aaron's car but had to stop for gas before heading to the dentist. Had my cleaning and then Dr. Chase checked the crown that he did two weeks ago. All seems well. He also wrote a perscription fo an antibiotic should Bob or I encounter any problems while we are on the road. Next tp Blue Cross for re-imbursement for the dental visit. Next to Walmart to return the bike bells which didn't fit. On to Value Village for a thin microfleece top. Successful with that, but noticing that prices seem to be a tad high. Then out yo Darling's Island to the bike store. Did pick up a computer to replace the run over one and two tubes for Bob. Bill didn't have the size I wanted for my tires. One last stop at Dollerama and I found these cute little camping stools that fold up, a bonus at 2.00 each! Picked up some "wet ones", lighters (for campstove) a tarp and a deck of cards. Was testing the "stools" when Bob got home and what did he have with him???? A stool from the Scout shop..... Almost identical to the ones I picked up. Biggest difference was the price with his costing almost $14.00. Guess which one is going back? Bob is busy cleaning his bike now and adjusting some gears. I am taking a few days off cycling to finish sime long overdue things around the house. I desperately need to do some baking.... For Bob's lunch but also a treat for Aaron who will be house ans cat sitting while we are away. Tomorrow Kuan gets shaved...better go and sneak up the cat carrier from the basement

Saturday and Sunday June 16,17

Saturday was supposed to be sunny and hot, but when we got up, it was sort of coolish and cloudy.  We spent a leisurley morning, assembling gear and gadgets to the bikes, packing gear etc.  Finally at noon we were ready to set off with bicycles fully adorned with our gear.  Each of us toting two panniers and about 25  pounds of gear each.  The hardest part was getting on the bikes!!  We headed over to the peninsula enroute for the Washdamoek Lake, MacDonald's point to be exact, to set up camp and use all the equipment etc that we will be using on the upcoming trip.   By the time I got to the Kingston Market,  only 10 km away, I was starving so we had to stop for a bite to eat.  I found a waffle with fresh fruit to hit the spot.  Bob found a Vietnemese vendor with some concoction of beef on a stick.  I decided at that point that I didn't want ride behind him....  We headed off and at Erb's Cove we ran into Margret who was heading off in her boat with a few friends.  Because we started the ride later in the day, it seemed to be a long ride.. and we eventually arrived at Bev and Peter's around 4.  I was starving and Bev (aka Martha Stewart) had made fresh bread earlier in the morning!!  Imagine, on vacation, at your cottage and baking bread!!  She had her son, daughter and there blended families visiting.  She went from being a grandma of one, to inheriting 5 other grand children this past year. There were 4 girls aged 9,7,and two who are 5, and a boy who was celebrating his 6th birtday.  They were great kids, lots of energy and ran and raced, but got along very well with each other.  No fights at all!!! Bob and I set up the tent, put away our gear and got organized on how things will be during the trip.
 Bev had made a humungous spaghetti and caesar salad.  How yummy.  Then there was chocolate cake for dessert.  I ate so much that I had to lie down for a nap.  Missed out on dish clean up.  How convenient!!~ (;-0  We had campfire, fireworks and lots of fun.  The kids settled down in their tent around 10:30 and Bob and I were in a tent beside them and bedded down not long after.   Around 5 this mornng, I could hear someone singing "Happy Birthday" to himself.  It was Connor.  He had woken up the other 3 girls and they were chattering up a storm.  Grammy Bev hollered out for them to be quiet  to no luck.  She tried again a few minutes later, still to no luck.  Finally she came and took Connor to his parent's trailor and her son and his partner who were sleeping on the beach were sent back to the tent to settle the girls down.  Everyone went back to bed until 8 in the morning.
As for our gear, everything worked out sooooo well.   The tent is spacious for us and our gear.  I have a large VIA Rail bag that the bikes fit inside, the cookstove worked great as I made porridge this morning.  It takes a few minutes to pack up the stuff, as we have to be organized, but it works (;-0   We headed for home around 1.  The ride today seemed effortless and pleasant.  Bob took me on a  "shortcut" or so he thought, through Kars.  All was well until we came to "Grave hill road".....  and the grave doesn't mean graveyard.  It was a tad steep and at one point I felt that I was going to roll backwards down.  Thanks Bob.   The only other problem of the day was when I blew my back tire getting off the Belleisle Ferry.  Of course you have to unload all the panniers and gear to fix it.  It actually blew the tire and tube right off!!  There is a 12f rip in the old tube.  Thank God it didn't happen going down one of the steep hills that we were booting down.
We are home, fed, gear put away and heading off to campfire.  Hopefull space station will be visible.  As for the weekend, it was ace.  I am not getting more excited for the upcoming adventure.

Friday and found computer

Friday afternoon I cycled to the Saint John/KV border and met Margret who battled a terrible head wind from Millidgeville.  As we were headed to the Kingston Peninsula, we had to head back into the wind for the next 35 km.  Great fun.  We stopped at a parcel of land that I would love to purchase...... and then continued on to her recently acquired cottage.  Well, it is a home, not a cottage and situated on the other side of the road from the water, overlooking a vast area.  How beautiful.  I am so envious, but so happy for her and her family.  She showed me through the place and we sat on the beautiful deck in the hot sun, sipping a few beer.  I called Bob and planned to meet him back at Reed's diner for supper.  I was a few minutes late from our arranged time, but he was enjoying a beer.  We had dinner and as he had left the car on the other side of the river, he walked back to the ferry and I cycled.   The last time we had been at the diner was the previous week when Bob and I did a quick cycle around.  We had a pitcher of beer and were feeling a bit "tipsy" heading off for the ferry...I recollect hopping on the bike and trying to get it under control as we went down the steep dirt road from the diner to the ferry.  The next time we went to go for a bike ride I couldn't find my bike computer.....I usually leave it on the bike, but Bob has a tendancy to "tidy things up" and bring it inside.  I have found him on other occasions with MY computer instead of his own, which is a different model!!  A bike computer is a little gadget about 2 1/2 inches square that sits on the handle bars and is programmed to tell speed, distance traveled, time, etc.    I yanged at him all week, wondering what he had done with my computer.   Anhow, when we were leaving the diner on Friday night I decided to check out the steep him going down....and low and behold, what did I find???  My smashed, run  over computer.  I picked it up the remains of it , along with the several broken mangled pieces and when Bob came up beside me I said  "I owe you an apology" and handed him the remains of my computer.  As much as I am annoyed for losing it, I am pleased to know that we won't be searching the house wondering where it is!!!  Now to pick up a new one for the trip.  I need to know "distance traveled" each day to help with the planning.

Sat June 16

Bob and I are "gearing up" loading bikes and cycling off to Washdemoek to set up tent. We will use cook stove etc., just trying out the gear to see how it will work out for our upcoming trip. Am attemting this on the ipod, finiky... But when we return tomorrow I will post about an adventure from yesterday (;-)

Friday June 15

Yesterday was a somewhat successful day in finding some more "bike gadgets" for the trip.....two new bells, which are a necessity when cycling the trails in Montreal; and a new mirror for Bob.  We have handlebar end mirrors on our road bikes which are great, however, the touring bikes have a different set up and when we have our panniers on back they block the view.  I also returned the cleats and picked up the proper ones.  Poor Bob, he felt they were the wrong cleats to begin with, however he did proceed to attach them to the new shoes...and that involved much swearing (unusal for Bob) and on several occasions I could hear the shoes being flung across the room.  I did fid the cleats attached to both shoes in the morning......only to hop on the bike and discover they didn't fit in the pedals!!!  It only took 35 seconds to remove them (after all his hard work the previous night) and I exchanged for the proper ones.  They are yet to be attached to the new shoes, perhaps tonight?  I decided not to go with the front handlebar type bag as it interfered with my shifters and also with the bike computer and bell.  I had my bike up on the repair stand which I situated on the back deck, in the heat, whiile I was making dinner.  All of a sudden I heard a "swoooooooiiiiiish" sound and thought "it can't be the dinner on the bbq as I didn't have anything on that would sound like grease sputtering" and then I realized that the noise was the sound of air deflating from a tire tube.  The front tire had gone flat!!  Bob was busy in the yard beginning the chore of stacking the 3 cord of wood that arrived a few weeks ago.  I sat on the deck changing the tire, and could see him out of the corner of my eye, inspecting me as I changed the tire.  Certainly took me much longer than he, but I managed the task quite well.  On our trip across Canada he was the "tire changing guru".....could change a tire in under 3 minutes!!  This afternoon I will test my new tire as I cycle across to the peninusula with my old cycling buddy, Margret.  This morning I will return to my quilt "studio" to finish a quilt that is on the frame for a customer.  Then tackle some housework before I set off to meet her.  Friday night is mountain biking at Rockwood Park, which I love.  However, I don't intend to rush my ride this afternoon and if I get back in time to go, I will.  Tomorrow  Bob and I set out for a "dry run" on the bikes, carrying all the gear that we will be for the trip.  We will head up to Bev and Peter's camp on the Washdamoek.....should be fun.  Weather is supposed to be great, sunny and HOT!!  Bring it on!!
I am thinking that I could link this blog with the KV Quilting blog for the members of the guild to read??(;-0  Afterall, I do mention quilting now and again........
I just typed in the date in the heading and realized that 2 years ago today my father died.  I love you dad and miss you sooo much.!!!

Ipod

Attempting to use thi iddy, iddy biddy sreen to post blogs during our upcoming adventure

preparing for another cycling adventure

It has been 6 years since Bob and I cycled Canada.  Man, where does the time go????  I also haven't contined with the blog since November of that year.   Well,  Bob and I are preparing to spend a few weeks on the road, cycling and I thought I would  share our journey once again with you.  Originally, we were going to celebrate my "60th" birthday and our "40th" anniversary with a cycling trip to Alaska.  For several months I studied maps, books etc.......and then the logistics became too overwhelming, not to mention some resistance from family members about "us being in such a remote area by ourselves", hence the project came to a halt.
 Every June we take a little trip with 6-8 other biking buddies and it just happened that this year the timing worked out perfectly to coincide with "our scaled down" adventure.  We will leave here on June 23 with our buddies, enroute to Campbellton with the following itinery:

 SJ to Poley via Quispamsis  85km  o/n at cottage

Sunday June 22 day 2  Poley to Moncton  100km

Monday June 25 day 3  Moncton to Richibucto  approx 100km

Tuesday June 26 day 4  richibucto to mirimichi  105 km

Wednesday June 27  day 5  mirimichi to tracadie  75 km

Thursday  June 28  day 6 tracadie to Bathurst  78km

Friday  June 29  day 7 Bathurst to Campbell ton  110km  (very scenic along coast)

Saturday June 30  day 8  Campbellton to Moncton via Via  

 

.....however Bob and I will not be returning to Moncton  with the others, as we will continue on to Montreal (;-0.  That is the journey  I will be blogging about.  Imagine, beginning our camping life at age 62 and 60!!  Not to mention carrying all the equipment on our bikes!!! 

Currently we are busy loading the bikes with new gadgets for the trip.  This coming weekend we hope to do a "dry run" up to Cambridge Narrows and spend the night in the tent to try out all equipment....little cook stove etc.  I will keep you posted of the progress (;-0