OK -- here I am, safe and sound in absotively posilutely gorgeous Kenora! Have met up with Anneke and her hubby, Ed and we are staying at the Best Western Lakeside, which is one honking huge circular tower with fabulous views of the lake -- a big splurge moneywise, but well worth it.
Met up with Anneke and Ed here about 4 pm; they had arrived earlier in the day. I had more chunks of road construction to contend with just west of town; long delays in the hot sun - not too great but at least there was a breeze of sorts. Hwy #1 is just a two-laned road after the Manitoba/Ontario border, which I hadn't really realized with few and far between passing lanes. More ICK.
However, the scenery is breathtaking, lots of little lakes and streams along the way ... and blackflies and horseflies! (Note to self: do not try to swat at flies while riding bike -- bad for your continued good health!)
Anneke and I had a great 'reunion'; we've been corresponding for sometime but this is our first in-person meet and it's as if we had known each other for years! How cool is that? And Ed is a peach (I sense in him the makings of a great Cabana Boy; he quite ably took charge of ferrying the bike luggage up to the seventh floor for me (acourse he had a trolley ... and there is an elevator, but it's the thought that counts, eh, Ed?? ;-) )
We slaked our thirst with a couple of Corona and lime in the hotel lounge (this is getting to be a habit! My treat tomorrow you two!) followed by quite a posh dinner in the hotel restaurant -- great food but the portions were huge. BURP
Have been checking the Conga email and we have a very nice offer from the Ladies of Harley in Thunder Bay to come out tomorrow to escort us into Thunder Bay when we get there, so we will be trying to hook up with them at some point to make that happen and hopefully we will have some pics at some point -- maybe Anneke and Ed can post pics.
As well, we had an email from Lise Charron who recommended we visit the Harley shop in Thunder Bay; if time permits, we certainly will - thanks, Lise!
Thanks for all your comments, friends -- much appreciated and it is SO great to know you are all following along -- as DD would say, BIG SQUISHIES to everyone!
Nitey-night!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Day 5: Wed., June 17: Regina to Carberry, MB
Well, ain't we got fun? Most of you will have noticed that this posting is a day late, due to the fact that I curtailed my ride at Carberry instead of pressing on to Winnipeg, due to the fact I was being overtaken rapidly by horrendous thunder and lightening storms.
I left Regina and was making very good time across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba, passing through Brandon well ahead of schedule and feeling very pleased with my progress. Should never have let that complacent thought cross my mind because immediately road construction reared its ugly head and I was confronted with 31 km of that horrible ridged pavement which had to be negotiated about 45-50 kmh, because the grooves were curving all over the place and it was near impossible to stay in one groove, without being pulled all over the place -- the guy who dragged that scraper musta bin stoned or bored or both LOL. The worst part is having semi-trailers backed up behind yah with no where to pull over - ACKK!!!
After getting through that, it became apparent that the storm, which looked like it was about a mile wide and I don't know how high, was rapidly bearing down; so I bailed out quickly and registered for the night at Carberry's version of the Bates Motel -- at least that's what it looked like on the outside and some of the clientele in the 'restaurant' gave me pause -- they definitely looked like they could've been related to Tony Perkins allright. Luckily, they all drifted off and I had a nice chat with an elderly lady called Margaret who turned out to be from an area in Northern Ireland I know well whose daughter used to be engaged to a fellow I'm acquainted with in Mission, my home town. How funny is that???
The food was good but the internet reception non-existent, so I texted Draggie and she kindly posted on Facebook that I was alive and kicking in Carberry. (The funny thing is after all that, the storm suddenly made a violent change in direction and passed in a different direction entirely - SHEESH!)
No pics for anyone yet, I'm afraid -- still haven't liberated that stuck disk from the computer drive SIGH.
I left Regina and was making very good time across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba, passing through Brandon well ahead of schedule and feeling very pleased with my progress. Should never have let that complacent thought cross my mind because immediately road construction reared its ugly head and I was confronted with 31 km of that horrible ridged pavement which had to be negotiated about 45-50 kmh, because the grooves were curving all over the place and it was near impossible to stay in one groove, without being pulled all over the place -- the guy who dragged that scraper musta bin stoned or bored or both LOL. The worst part is having semi-trailers backed up behind yah with no where to pull over - ACKK!!!
After getting through that, it became apparent that the storm, which looked like it was about a mile wide and I don't know how high, was rapidly bearing down; so I bailed out quickly and registered for the night at Carberry's version of the Bates Motel -- at least that's what it looked like on the outside and some of the clientele in the 'restaurant' gave me pause -- they definitely looked like they could've been related to Tony Perkins allright
The food was good but the internet reception non-existent, so I texted Draggie and she kindly posted on Facebook that I was alive and kicking in Carberry. (The funny thing is after all that, the storm suddenly made a violent change in direction and passed in a different direction entirely - SHEESH!)
No pics for anyone yet, I'm afraid -- still haven't liberated that stuck disk from the computer drive SIGH.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Day 4: Tues., June 16: Medicine Hat to Regina
Well, I dunno why everyone sez driving across the Trans-Canada Hwy (#1) on the prairies in boring -- I thought it was fabulous! It wasn't totally flat, there were some rolling hills (well, 'bumps', really ;-) ), but it was nice to see all the fields. The sky and clouds were fabulous -- in fact, it inspired me so much I burst into 'Oklahoma' while roaring along at 110 km/hr (70 mph for our American friends). (I theenk the semi-driver I was passing at the time thought I looked a little bonkers, but hey, what the heck LOL)
Most of the pavement along the way was good, but there were some really broken up areas which I found a bit nerve-wracking; not sure which is worse -- the gigantic potholes or the tar snakes used to fill the cracks in the road ...
So far, the drivers seem amazingly courteous -- semi's actually slow and move a bit to the right when I pass them so they don't such me into oblivion -- not something we see on the west coast very often, I'd say.
I see there is a Future Shop across the hwy from my hotel here in Regina, so I will try to visit them tomorrow to see if I can get a drive adaptor so I can upload some pics soon (I have yet to deal with the memory card that is currently STUCK in the computer drive ... GRRR).
Anyway, safe and sound in Regina and off to Winnipeg area tomorrow. Cheers!
Most of the pavement along the way was good, but there were some really broken up areas which I found a bit nerve-wracking; not sure which is worse -- the gigantic potholes or the tar snakes used to fill the cracks in the road ...
So far, the drivers seem amazingly courteous -- semi's actually slow and move a bit to the right when I pass them so they don't such me into oblivion -- not something we see on the west coast very often, I'd say.
I see there is a Future Shop across the hwy from my hotel here in Regina, so I will try to visit them tomorrow to see if I can get a drive adaptor so I can upload some pics soon (I have yet to deal with the memory card that is currently STUCK in the computer drive ... GRRR).
Anyway, safe and sound in Regina and off to Winnipeg area tomorrow. Cheers!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Day 3: Mon., June 15: Cranbrook to Medicine Hat
(Don't you love that title? Where else but Canada would have places like Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat, Buffalo Head Smashed In??? LOL)
First -- the really bad news: the port on my computer which should accept my camera memory card is not functioning, so no pics will be posted - I'll try to find a Staples somewhere along the way and get an adaptor drive -- sorree folks!
Anyway, I set off this morning from Cranbrook in a bit of a tizz because some careless soul had apparent knocked my helmet off the bike while I was back-and-forth to my room bringing stuff down and at first it appeared as if the visor was broken off -- however, luckily it had just come loose from its moorings and I was able to fix it -- although there are some terminal scratches on it now :-(
That fixed, I headed out of Cranbrook (sprinkled with a bit of rain) on Hwy #3; the scenery is fabulous along the way, particularly through the Crows Nest Pass and the Frank Slide area. Amazing. If you've never ridden it, try to get the opportunity - gawjus!
I made my merry way through Fernie (my favourite A & W was shut down - ACK!), Fort MacLeod, Pincher Creek and finally (very late and very hot due to road work everywhere) to Lethbridge, where I met up with Joan, the VP of the local WITW (Women in the Wind) chapter - just enough time to have a brief chat and blast off eastwards to meet up with Cindy (the Pres of the chapter), a brief hug and chat, a short ride, then she off to work and me heading for Medicine Hat about an hour down the road.
The sign for access to the Best Western from Hwy #3 in Medicine Hat led me to a cemetery (which had me worried for a sec LOL) until I spotted the familiar sign nearby. They have a H.O.G. washing station out front and I was really excited - I could wash all the gooey remains of all those huge Alberta bugs off Delilah - until I discovered yah had to be a card-carrying member of H.O.G to use it (bah, humbug I say!).
So, I cleaned up the bike with my trusty Pledge wipes, showered and tidied up and headed off to (1) slake my thirst(with a nice cold lager) and (2) feed my tummy, which I accomplished in style at a Grill and Wine Bar next to the hotel -- highly recommended :-)
And now, here I am blogging -- what an exciting life, you say! LOL As is becoming the norm, I'm bushed so I'll be doing a bit of email, doing some domestics and heading off for beddy-byes.
Till tomorrow ... somewhere around Regina ...
Edited to add photo link: Day 3 Cranbrook to Medicine Hat
First -- the really bad news: the port on my computer which should accept my camera memory card is not functioning, so no pics will be posted - I'll try to find a Staples somewhere along the way and get an adaptor drive -- sorree folks!
Anyway, I set off this morning from Cranbrook in a bit of a tizz because some careless soul had apparent knocked my helmet off the bike while I was back-and-forth to my room bringing stuff down and at first it appeared as if the visor was broken off -- however, luckily it had just come loose from its moorings and I was able to fix it -- although there are some terminal scratches on it now :-(
That fixed, I headed out of Cranbrook (sprinkled with a bit of rain) on Hwy #3; the scenery is fabulous along the way, particularly through the Crows Nest Pass and the Frank Slide area. Amazing. If you've never ridden it, try to get the opportunity - gawjus!
I made my merry way through Fernie (my favourite A & W was shut down - ACK!), Fort MacLeod, Pincher Creek and finally (very late and very hot due to road work everywhere) to Lethbridge, where I met up with Joan, the VP of the local WITW (Women in the Wind) chapter - just enough time to have a brief chat and blast off eastwards to meet up with Cindy (the Pres of the chapter), a brief hug and chat, a short ride, then she off to work and me heading for Medicine Hat about an hour down the road.
The sign for access to the Best Western from Hwy #3 in Medicine Hat led me to a cemetery (which had me worried for a sec LOL) until I spotted the familiar sign nearby. They have a H.O.G. washing station out front and I was really excited - I could wash all the gooey remains of all those huge Alberta bugs off Delilah - until I discovered yah had to be a card-carrying member of H.O.G to use it (bah, humbug I say!).
So, I cleaned up the bike with my trusty Pledge wipes, showered and tidied up and headed off to (1) slake my thirst(with a nice cold lager) and (2) feed my tummy, which I accomplished in style at a Grill and Wine Bar next to the hotel -- highly recommended :-)
And now, here I am blogging -- what an exciting life, you say! LOL As is becoming the norm, I'm bushed so I'll be doing a bit of email, doing some domestics and heading off for beddy-byes.
Till tomorrow ... somewhere around Regina ...
Edited to add photo link: Day 3 Cranbrook to Medicine Hat
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Day 2: Sun., June 14: Olalla to Cranbrook, BC
WHOOSH - what a great day! Woken to the smell of fresh, strong coffee at B & B's place in Olalla -- yum - followed by a fab breakie; then off to Keremeos to meet up with some of their friends - Greg and his good friends and next-door neighbours, Don and Gaylene (sp) -- very gracious and fun folks - longtime bikers. Signed their 'garage wall', as everyone does (does that make me famous??? LOL) Then, we all went off on a ride to Rock Creek -- picking up another friend of the Keremeos gang, Mitch, in Osoyoos. So, then we were two trikes and two bikes, with Don leading. Great stop at the viewpoint overlooking Osoyoos, meeting up with some other folks riding from points East. Gaylene met up with another Quebecois there, so they had a good ole chinwag.
We parted company in Rock Creek, after a fine cuisine lunch of dog of the hot variety, and I arrived here in Cranbrook about 7:00 pm PDT (now resetting my watch an hour later). Dined in my hotel and (hic) had a libation (or 2) and now getting ready for a well-earned snoozie :-)
Hopefully, will be able to post some of the great pics I've taken so far ...
Tomorrow, off to Lethbridge to meet up with the WITW gals ...
Nitey-night!
Edited to add photo link: Day 2 Olalla to Cranbrook
We parted company in Rock Creek, after a fine cuisine lunch of dog of the hot variety, and I arrived here in Cranbrook about 7:00 pm PDT (now resetting my watch an hour later). Dined in my hotel and (hic) had a libation (or 2) and now getting ready for a well-earned snoozie :-)
Hopefully, will be able to post some of the great pics I've taken so far ...
Tomorrow, off to Lethbridge to meet up with the WITW gals ...
Nitey-night!
Edited to add photo link: Day 2 Olalla to Cranbrook
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Day 1: Sat., June 13: Mission to Olalla
Well, here I am in beautiful Olalla, at Bee & Bryan's, replete after a fabulous BBQ and a couple of ice-cold beers, followed by great dessert and vintage port. Pooped right out, but what a great day I had - some torrential rain in and around Manning Park, but lovely sunshine most of the way. Bee met me in Keremeos and led me back to the their place and the 'driveway from hell' (LOL).
Just got off Bry's webcam, chatting to Bear for awhile - he gave me strict orders to get Bloggin', so here I am!
It's off to Osoyoos tomorrow and points east on Hwy 3;Bee & Bry will Conga to Osoyoos too; hopefully will be posting pics tomorrow, so stay tuned.
WHOO-HOO -- we's on our way!
PS: Indie -- I got your phone msg last night but it was too late to call back -- thanks for your good wishes! It's great to know you are thinkin' 'bout ol' Willi
Edited to add photo link: Day 1 Mission to Olalla
Just got off Bry's webcam, chatting to Bear for awhile - he gave me strict orders to get Bloggin', so here I am!
It's off to Osoyoos tomorrow and points east on Hwy 3;Bee & Bry will Conga to Osoyoos too; hopefully will be posting pics tomorrow, so stay tuned.
WHOO-HOO -- we's on our way!
PS: Indie -- I got your phone msg last night but it was too late to call back -- thanks for your good wishes! It's great to know you are thinkin' 'bout ol' Willi
Edited to add photo link: Day 1 Mission to Olalla
Friday, June 12, 2009
One More Sleep!!!
OMG OMG - the ride starts tomorrow and I'm just flyin' around here tryin' to get organized. LOTS of last-minute changes (to the route, etc. - please see the calendar and there are now an eastbound map and a westbound map) plus domestic issues like company coming TONIGHT to stay unexpectedly and a friend hospitalized. Sheesh - never rains but it pours!
Anyway, I'm ready to go, and will be rolling in to Olalla sometime tomorrow afternoon to hook up with Bee and Bryan. I will hope to post from there later in the evening, if Telus cooperates, of course.
Ain't we got fun!
PS:
Those of you who have ordered CC Conga shirts, please take a photo and email it to me so I can add it to the slideshow.
PPS:
Anyone who plans to ride and has not provided contact details, please email them to me for adding to our list, which will be distributed to all riders. Remember to add your cell #'s please!
Anyway, I'm ready to go, and will be rolling in to Olalla sometime tomorrow afternoon to hook up with Bee and Bryan. I will hope to post from there later in the evening, if Telus cooperates, of course.
Ain't we got fun!
PS:
Those of you who have ordered CC Conga shirts, please take a photo and email it to me so I can add it to the slideshow.
PPS:
Anyone who plans to ride and has not provided contact details, please email them to me for adding to our list, which will be distributed to all riders. Remember to add your cell #'s please!
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