Wandering Retirees

Wawa, ON to Blind River, ON to Midland, ON

Traveling days through beautiful Ontario, Canada. Have to admit that there’s not so much “wow!” as it is serene and verdant beauty. We stopped a number of times along the road over the top of Lake Superior to take in the views. We found the views wonderful, of course. But we encountered a number of folks who stopped for the same reason. And wonderful introductions and conversations ensued. To give you an idea, it should have taken us about 5 hours riding to travel from Wawa to Blind River – it took us almost 9. From Blind River to Midland, ON should have taken 4 hours but took 8 instead. Talkative, friendly, enthusiastic people have been the primary order of both days.  
We met Mike, Mike and Not-Mike at a stop overlooking a series of beautiful islands of Lake Superior yesterday. (“Not Mike” is named Scott.) They hail from around Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and often ride together. One Mike is a veteran who has embarked on an Honor Tour, a nationally organized though self-directed tour to memorials and monuments in the US honoring those who served. He was with friends Mike and Not-Mike (Scott) on the way home from a road trip to Thunder Bay for the week. Then Mike and Lawrence, acquaintances who met on the road heading for Vancouver, BC joined in. We spent an hour with Mike, Mike, Not-Mike, Mike and Lawrence sharing tales of the road and things not-to-be-missed. With such a backdrop as Lake Superior, it was a wonderful time.  

In Blind River, we met Jules and Betsy from … drum roll please, Bridgeton, NJ who were on a cross Canada tour. They have ridden in all 50 states and Mexico and were traversing the provinces of Canada. Canada is celebrating their sesquicentennial this year, so it’s kind of special even for Yanks. They are farmers in South Jersey who talked their daughters into looking after their nursery for a couple of months so they could ride. Jules says he was asked for his wish for his 60t birthday. He answered that he wanted 60 days behind bars – handle bars, that is. Wonderful people! And we made arrangements to share some rides into Bucks County after we’re all back home. Oh, another hour or so added to the day. And then there was Leo, manager of the motel. He and I talked about fishing in the early hours of the day, hockey (he’s Canadian, eh?) and the pleasures and challenges of fatherhood and grand children. Another happy hour, but too early for drinks. And so it goes. At every stop for a break we met fabulous people with whom we shared stories and good cheer. We have truly enjoyed these past couple of days.  

Oh, and the riding has been a joy. And we passed 12,000 miles today and Trixy is still going strong. We’ll spend tomorrow here in Midland, ON looking at the sights and enjoying the day off the road. We’re at a wonderful “no frills” motel that features a great host, “Jaz” and his family, and some crazy bikers from the Toronto area. Good and fun people.  

So that’s our story and we’re sticking to it. Be well.

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Beautiful Lake Superior (especially when the sun is shining).

Mike, Mike and Not Mike from Michigan.

A typical evening on the road …