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days since departure!
Scroll to the latest entry.
As my departure day draws near I will use this page to post my plans and activities.
Once on the road, I intend to post regular updates on my travels to this page. By doing this,
I hope I can keep people aware of my location and allow you to join me.
In the meantime...Did You Know?
Victoria, BC, Canada to St. John's Newfoundland, Canada is 1,464 km's (915 miles)
further than the distance from Newport, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts?
Canada is 6,292 km's wide and the US is 4,828 km's wide by the shortest
highway route between these cities.
Source "Tripmaker '99"
- May 01 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Odometer: 672 km on my pearl white 2000 Goldwing SE, and riding . . .
- Welcome to this exciting web page. We are very happy you choose to read about
our exciting millennium motorcycle tour which will take us across the US and
Canada. It has been in the planning for more than two years. Over the past 7
months of working with the folks at Infoharvest (Mark and Marilyn) on the web
site and the material for it, I have become even more impressed with the talent
and creativity of these folks. I recommend them highly should you be looking
for anything services related to the web. We have been getting a very good
response to the site and many hits.
The closer we get to the departure date the more the anticipation and excitement
rises, and we three are already very excited. The three of us doing the whole
tour are Kathryn, Doris and myself.
This is a welcome message so stay tuned as the three of us doing the full tour
from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back will be updating our schedule and
locations daily. We will be relating our overall and individual experiences and
observations as our tour progresses.
Welcome and happy and safe traveling with us as our millennium MC tour adventure
is soon to out . . .
Cliff Wulff
- May 10 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Odometer: 2178 km on the 2000 Goldwing SE and riding - 9 days to the start of theY2K C2C
tour
- To see some pictures go to the following site:
http://ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c/
Two of these first three pictures are the graphics used for our t-shirts
and the one of the '00 SE was taken in the Honda Extreme shop while
it was still 20 below zero Celsius here in Edmonton in late November '99.
Hope to see you during our tour . . .
Cliff
- May 30 Lebanon, OR
Odometer: 4095 km since leaving the house on Friday, May 19, 2000
- Day 0ne, Friday, May 19, 2000
Y2K C2C Motorcycle tour started from Edmonton as planned on May 19th. The
group of 6 met at Mr. John's in South Edmonton. The 6 were Doris, Marlene, Gail,
Bryan, Gordon and I, at 3 PM. Good friends of mine, Dave and Leslie paid us a
surprise visit and took the pictures that will be posted on our web site. Two
others left at 11:00 AM ( Dave ad Eric) so there were 8 of us who made it to
Banff that Friday evening. We went down highway 2 to Olds and west to highway
22 and south to Cochrane and west to Banff on 1 A. We stayed at Doris' daughter
and son in law and we were very grateful good place to stay.
We started off in plus 20 degrees Celsius, bright sun and a gorgeous spring day
in Alberta.
Day Two, Saturday, May 20, 2000
We (8) left Banff west and then north on the Banff Parkway (1 A) to Lake Louise.
We stopped at the International Hostel for Breakfast ($3.99 for bacon and eggs).
Very good place to stop and relax. It was very cool and cloudy but no rain.
Heading west we stopped to take a picture of 'Entering BC' and from there west
it remained cloudy and cool.
We arrived at the UMCI North Meets South Camp out , where 173 motorcyclists
gathered to have fun. There were four couples from Edmonton there already.
Delicious food (Myrna made home made bread) and great people. David was there
and he had gone across Canada and wrote articles for the UMCI newsletter - he
was full of information about places to see and we had a great discussion about
places in NFLD.
Day Three, Sunday, May 21, 2000
Dave and Gordon headed back to Edmonton for work on Tuesday. Marlene, Gail
Kathryn. Eric,.Doris and Cliff headed to Richmond, stopping at Spences Bridge
where Marlene and Gail headed for Merritt and Princeton and home via Crowsnest
pass. The C2C group headed down the Fraser Canyon where we met one of the
fiercest windstorms any of us had ridden in. From Hope we took the scenic route
down Hwy. 7 on the N. side of the Fraser to the Harrison Hot Springs turnoff
where we stopped for lunch at Giggleberry Station where it started to rain
heavily till we reached Bobs place where we were staying. We went on to
Howard's for a fabulous BBG
Kathryn's friend Leroy joined us from part way down the Fraser Canyon to near
Richmond.
Day four, Monday (Victoria Day) May 22, 2000
The C2C group rode up the sunshine coast (absolutely wonderful motorcycle road
and to have our own two local guides and with CB radios it was most enjoyable)
and after two ferries arrived at Howard's family cottage. Brother Bob had
electrical problems so he and Howard exchanged batteries every two hours of
riding for the next three days (an alternator problem). Met Howard's (Bryan)
brother and wife (Willy) who with Howard provide a gourmet meal of clams in
curry, scampi, etc. before the main meal. See picture of C2C crew at Howard's
family cottage - http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
By the way as I write this I am sitting at a 6 place table facing the west (bay)
with light waves lapping on the shore line some 300 feet away. The diffuse light
from the sun at 2:30 PM and at about 40 degrees is dancing on the water and
through the leaves of the near by trees. Eric, Doris and Kathryn are examining
the map - planning, dreaming and mostly reminiscing about rides past 'great
roads, great rides, and great friends they had gotten to know', i.e. Boulder to
Escalante. All the while the white capped mountains of Vancouver Island sparkle
in the distance some 22 miles away. To the left are the sand beaches to the
south.
We rode the few kilometers to Lund mile zero of highway #101 which goes from
Lund, BC to Chile some 15,020 kilometers to the south.
Day five, Tuesday May 23, 2000
After a tour of the town of Powell River by Howard who did not have his headset
plugged in so we heard nothing of the great description, we headed down to the
ferry. At Comox we headed north to Port McNeill where we all had a hearty lunch
and to Port Hardy. At Powell river we met the Editor (Jay Latkoczky)of the
Gazette who took some pictures of us and took some notes of our millennium MC
tour. See picture of Cliff's bike @ Port Hardy - http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
We returned to Campbell River to the Parkside Campground. A most enjoyable day.
Day six, Wednesday May 24, 2000.
Eric, Doris, Howard and I took the trip to Gold River. A great motorcycle road
even when it is very cold. We had lunch with the local folk at the Mohawk
station in Gold River we went out to the 'closed' pulp factory - a local
calamity. On the return trip I learned you need to ride with in your and your
motorcycle capabilities - no serious consequences so an easy lesson.
We the were rejoined by Kathryn and Bob (still having charging problems on his
'96 wing with approx. 50.000 km (37,000 miles). Murray (long time friend of
Kathryn's) and his friend Eric joined us for the ride to Coombs, BC. There we
had a delightful lunch and took some pictures. See picture of C2C crew at
Coombs, BC - http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
From there we were off to Bella Pacifica Campground in Tofino, BC. Another
great road for motorcycling. We took the pictures of 'We 3" and of 'Cliffy in
the Pacific' on the western end to the Trans-Canada Highway #1. See picture of
Tofino Pacific Coast Cliff @ feet in the Pacific - http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
Two wonderful young people were our neighbors (Karen and Kevin). They were
celebrating their second anniversary.
Day seven, Thursday May 25, 2000.
Up we were and off to Tofino for breakfast. Then to Ucluelet for a tour and gas
before heading to Port Alberni, BC. We saw a very large black bear on the very
edge of the road very near a SUV. We did not stop as it is very unsafe to be
that near them especially on a motorcycle. He/she was a large marvelously
coated, with a very shiny black coat.
We stopped in Chemainus, BC which is now a real tourist town with the great
murals in the buildings. It was from there that I phone a number if dealers to
see in they could service my bike the next morning. Yes was the answer from S G
Power, a Honda dealer in Victoria
We went on to Victoria and camped at Gold Stream Campground - our first night of
rain on the tents.
Day eight, Friday May 26, 2000.
I was off early to go to S G Power, a Honda dealer in Victoria for my 6,400 km
oil change and check up. It was a heavy rain in rush hour but I made it
virtually on time. The rest of the tour group met me and off to breakfast.
We later went the BCMA office for medical insurance, to mile zero of the Trans
Canada Highway and a picture or two http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
Then off the Sydney (still in a good downpour remember) to catch the 11:50 ferry
to San Juan Island, Friday Harbour for the Rose City MC camp out. We made the
ferry but were the last ones on.
We arrived to a drizzle and did a bit of a tour of the island prior checking in
and setting up the tents. I was disappointed to learn one group was not
arriving till the next day. In preparation for going to town for laundry I went
to change - on leaving the change room I found that the first group and many of
my friends had in fact arrived. I was elated to see so many old friends - many
hugs of joy and friendship.
We went and did laundry and later the whole 19 of us went out for a nice dinner
(Angie's Cannery House). The Canadian group of 5 agreed to purchase the
breakfast provisions but the store was already closed. Howard convinced them
that if we only took 5 minutes it would be OK.. So off the five of us went each
with some items to gather. We then met in the middle and some went running for
what was missing and the others ent for the till. All was done in less than five
minutes.
Later long and animated conversations lingered well into the night around the
camp fire.
Day nine, Saturday May 27, 2000.
We were up late 8:30 AM. Char and her crew make a scrumptious breakfast for
all. About 11:30 AM the whole group went off the Roach Harbour, English Camp,
American camp and ended up in Friday Harbour before returning to the Lake Dale
camp Eric and Matt are owed a great deal of thanks by Kathryn and out whole
group as she had a broken spark plug wire on her '84 Venture in addition to a
missing vacuum plug. No wonder she was having trouble with the idle and the
power. She was one happy girl when all that was fixed.
Car and crew did again have a great meal. The Canadians (4) did the clean up.
See picture RCMC camp out - dishwashers. http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
Not only did they do the clean up - they were the entertainment for the evening.
Great mis of people and great fun. More vast friendships across borders were
made.
In spite of the third day and night of rain my tent was dry, although everything
was very damp from being all stuck in a saddle bag.
Day ten, Sunday May 28, 2000.
We were up at 6:00 AM and were at the ferry terminal at 7:00 AM for an 8:10 AM
departure. A nice trip to Annacordes after stopping a Lopez Island (I had camped
there last year - a very nice Island). We in the rain ad cold were off tot the
next ferry - Port Townsend - we drove right on - out luck for catching ferries
was still with us. This was our sixth ferry so far on this trip - we are
becoming seasoned ferny goers. We went on to Port Angeles for lunch. It was
still cold and with rainy spells. After lunch we headed west ad south on
highway # 101 around the Olympic Park it was very low cloud, rain and cool. But
as we got to Astoria it was getting a lot better. We put up our tents in the
State Park 'Fort Stevens's' in sunshine - our luck was changing. But, not to be
as it rained most of the night. We got the last site - luckily we paid the $6.00
for the reservation as we'd have been out of luck otherwise.
Day eleven, Monday (Memorial Day) May 29, 2000.
We are still on course of our planned itinerary, although we only got to
Lebanon, OR today instead of Bend, but oh well we are only on day 11 of 46, and
besides we are on holidays. We are at the Shanico Inn in Lebanon, out first
motel night although we have had three private residence nights - much
appreciated.
As for our travels to day we were welcomed by the day with sunshine even though
this were wet from the rain. We stopped at Cannon Beach and went straight for
the Cannon Bakery - coffee and goodies to get our sugar and caffeine levels up.
We rode failry steady arriving in Newport about 1:40 PM. We went to the apponted
spot of Moe's Chowder house. There as planned we met Steve and Will who had
ridden up from Redding, CA t join us on the C2C trip for a couple of days. We
did try the chowder and the marion berry crisp. All was as good as we had been
told.
Off for gas, and then to the beach for pictures. Two are included: one of the
group less Howard who took the picture wut including Steve and Will. The second
is of me with my feet in the Pacific Ocean at Newport Oregon. http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
We seven then rode to Lebanon, OR.
Cliff
- May 30 Boise, ID
Odometer: 7713 km on the 2000 SE
- We plan to have the oil changed in Kathryn's bike at 9:00 AM and then take off
on Highway 20 east
but to do a diversion through Idaho Falls, Jackson Wyoming, into Yellowstone and
east on #20 to Cody
Please note the changes,
Cliff
- May 31 Parma, Idaho - on time as per the April 12, 2000 itinerary
Odometer: 4,703 km since leaving home in Edmonton
- Day 12, May 30, 2000
We stayed in Lebanon and were greeted with rain and very cool temperatures in
the morning
- there had been snow at higher elevations. We got gas at Sweet Home prior to
entering the Pass into Bend, Oregon.
We had a cold and wet ride and as we proceeded we got closer and close to the
clouds and soon we were riding in
them. At the summit we hit snow staying on the trees and in the ditch at the
side of the road. We rode in two groups
with Will and Steve following Cliff. At one point snow covered our windshields -
what an experience for the two Californians
accustomed to 80 degrees following the crazy Canucks over the mountain pass.
They were not prepared for the weather we
encountered. Just over the summit we stopped - Will had no protection at all so
he wrapped a garbage around each leg
to help keep him dry. Several of our group had their boots soaked through. We
stopped in Bend to change socks and
prepare for the next leg. It had at least stopped raining by this point but was
still extremely cold. As we progressed into the
desert we encountered a new phenomenon, steam coming from the road which like
driving through dense fog.
The sky brightened after all that and the wind was at our back as we rode into
Burns. Her we parted company
with Steve and Will whom we would never have met had it not been for the
Internet. A very enjoyable pair
and we were very glad for the opportunity to ride with them. We rode on to
Parma, mostly in the sunshine,
with the wind at our back, dodging massive rainstorms.
More later
Kathryn and Cliff.
- May 31 Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Odometer: 5,358 km
- We left Parma at 8:00 AM for the Snake River Yamaha shop on 2957 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID (208) 888-6565 where Kathryn
had the Venture's oil changed and the front brakes done. This a great shop who
gave great service and they have lots of accessories.
You can find them on the Web at http://www.snakeriveryamaha.com We left at
11:00 AM on I84 to Mountain Home, ID where US 20 headed
E. to Idaho Falls. While the skies were sunny the air was cold and the wind was
at our backs the majority of the time. We were rather tenuous
on some of the curves in the passes because of the gusty winds. We had the
opportunity to get up to some "interesting speeds"
on one particular open stretch. Rather than following #20 and our original
plans because of weather , etc. we decided to go E. on
#26 and headed for Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We ran into some extensive road
construction.
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES: we do not intend to go through Yellowstone but rather
continue E. on #26 where we will again rejoin
#20 at Shoshone, Wyoming and proceed to Casper, Wyoming, keeping us on time and
on course according to the April 12th schedule
posted on this website.
Kathryn and Cliff
- Jun 01 Douglas, Wyoming
Odometer: All is well and the bikes are working fine.
- Great ride in sun and cool (47 when we left 58 at noon and about 70 in Douglas
when we arrived) but great biking weather. We are about an hour east of Casper
was our destination so we are doing just great. Saw a young moose and lots of
antelope mostly singles.
It was so nice we even had a chance to was the bikes after we ate. Doing
laundry in the local KOA.
Met Spence and Marlene on a '99 Goldwing SE from Minnesota in the campground and
we had a nice visit. They have friends who bike in Winnipeg
and we hope to have a chance to met them as Winnipeg is one of our over night
destinations.
Doris and Cliff
- Jun 02 Moville, Iowa (just east of Sioux City, Iowa)
Odometer: 6,908 km in Douglas, WY, yesterday and 6,784 km to Moville, IA
- We had a good day on good roads (one small detour) in sunshine and in 70 degree
weather. We did we one state parol but he was busy.
The day before we must have seen about 6.
We did Nebraska (some great scenery) and into Iowa adding both these states to
my list of states in which I have ridden my
motorcycle.
We have been signing the notes by the people who have been making input.
Cliff
- Jun 03 Moville, IA
Odometer: Plans for stops - updated
- Our expected destination for tomorrow is Rockford, IL, Geneva State Park
campground.
Sunday is Femont, OH
Monday is likely a KOA in Buffalo or Niagara Falls.
Cliff
- Jun 04 Moville, IA
Odometer: 6,794
- This is 17 of 47 days.
It was a sunny day, cool with very high cirrus cloud torn to shreds and
scattered by a high speed jet stream.
We left at 7:50 AM as per our target of 8:00 AM each morning. We started out
with rolling, terraced hills of grass and corn,
which gradually gave away to rolling with more corn and eventually to quite
level farm land with corn and soybeans.
The farmsteads impressed me as they were all consistently neat and very well
kept - a sign of a good and prosperous
farming community.
We crossed the Mississippi at 4:00 PM.
We decided to see General and President Grant's house in Gelena, where we met a
very nice family with some
good family friends. We discussed the bikes and where we were going and with
all had an extremely good visit with pictures
take all around. the girls in particular wanted their picture taken with these
"Canadian Motorcyclists" One or two of the pictures will be posted at:
http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
We ended the day by camping at The Cut Rock State Park in Rockford with clouds
building in the west - yes it rained all night and the
kids (very nice family of Michael, Harley and dad "tomcat") decided to get up at
4:00 AM to leave to go fishing.
All for now
Cliff
- Jun 04 Wauseon, Ohio
Odometer: 8,048 km or 5,030 miles
- Even though it rained all night it was light showers to just cloud for most of
the day.
We received several pieces of good advice as to how to get to and through
Chicago. Some of which we took. Basically we headed
South and caught a short cut out of Rockford to US 20 east and stopped at the
Arrow Truck Stop at Hampshire, as we were warned
to keep a full tank of gas for traffic jams, construction which was every where,
etc. We were also warned to gas up
before Chicago as gas prices were higher than Hawaiiin Illinois - well they were
right and we were wrong in our timing
as we paid $1.99 US/gal the highest to date. $1.69/gallon had seemed to be the
most common price to date.
We had a very nice ride to Chicago through farming country and small towns -
only construction was because they had taken the grinder to the road
and that did not phase the 120 km/hr Doris did as our leader. We got into
Chicago and decided to continue on US 20 right to the water front and to get
onto the I 90 there which we did. We saw some wonderful areas and some
industrial areas too - all very enjoyable and a very positive experience. The I
90 a toll road ($.50)
and in another spot $.45 for a shorter distance lead us to the Indiana Dunes
Lakeshore Park (where we had originally planned to camp) where we took some
pictures - - see the at http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
We later went to Long Beach and had lunch in a wonderful Mexican restaurant, and
then driving along the SE shore of Lake Michigan among some very large and most
wonderfully landscaped homes (pardon me - cottages), then to New Buffalo in
Michigan and on east then South to Elkort, Indiana and east into Ohio to the
town of Wauseon, Ohio. New and clean motel "Chief Wauseon Motel" for $29.00
plus tax for one or two people.
As I mentioned a great day (another) and we hope to be in Niagara Falls KOA
Monday night and in Mt Kenyon campground in Lake George for the following two
nights at the "Americade".
Cliff
- Jun 11 Hilden, Nova Scotia (near Truro)
Odometer: 10,542 km's since leaving Edmonton
- Sunday, June 4 - We left Rockford at 8:15 a.m. in the rain and it was 57
degrees as we went through Chicago. We followed U.S. #20 from Rockford
through farmland and small communities and continued on U.S. 20 all the
way through Chicago to Lake Michigan. We were concerned about getting
through Chicago but this was a very positive experience in our case as
we went through some wonderful neighborhoods and light industrial areas
but overall were really impressed with what we saw. We then headed
south on I-90 which took us south and east where we spent some time in
Indiana Dune Shoreline State Park where we took a couple of pictures and
saw "Smoking Baldy", one of the larger active sand dunes. After a great
Mexican lunch, we took the shoreline drive north into Michigan where we
saw some fabulous cottages (homes). From New Buffalo we went east on
12, south on 205, to Elkart, finally coming to a motel in Wauseon, Ohio.
I knew Ohio had a lot of agriculture but the size of the farms were
considerably larger than I thought
and seemed to be fewer people and farmsteads than I expected. We saw at
least 20 horse and
buggies (both two wheel and four wheel) with Amish man and/or families
in them. All in all, a pretty
good day for the off and on rain we were riding through.
Monday, June 5 - It was raining hard when we left around 9:00 a.m. with
me in the lead doing
"moderate speeds". We went east on 20 for a time but because of the
weather and 57 degrees we
took I-90 just before we got to Cleveland and it continued to rain real
hard until we arrived in Erie, PA. We were cold and wet and decided to
take a motel which was disappointing because some
classmates from University who live in Toronto were going to meet us in
Buffalo, so regretfully, we had to cancel. Doris had her birthday today
so even though wet and cool, we went out for a little
celebration.
Tuesday, June 6 - We left Erie, PA, heading for Lake George, New York
(Americade). We continued on I-90 in the rain with lots of fog and
again cool temperatures. By late morning, we were still on I-90 but we
were out of the fog and the rain had given away to high cloud. We had
breakfast in Hamburg, New York, and because a bridge was out, we did a
detour after entering U.S. 20. By the time we arrived at Utica, New
York, we had caught up to the rain again and decided to take I-90 east
since US 20 was so slow as it went through so many small towns besides
we were getting cold and wet again. We rode east to exit 27 and took
highway 67 to I-87 which is just north of Albany, New York and south of
Lake George. By this time, several of us thought about staying the
night but we continued north on I-87 to Lake George. The heat in one of
Kathryn's glove was not working and besides they were soaked, the
connection to Doris' heated jacket had again given out so she had no
heat, so both the gals were cold. On arriving at the Holiday Inn in
Lake George, Doris decided to take a room but Kathryn and I decided to
tent even in the pouring rain. As it turned out it continued to rain
hard all night but it was not cold so were warm and the only moisture
that got in the tent was what we brought with our gear and rain suits.
Setting up the tent in heavy rain and trying to keep the cover over top
of the tent turned out to be quite a task but one that worked quite well
because we were basically dry inside. The only problem was that
Kathryn's sleeping bag was soaked along with all her other gear
including the stuff that was in her trunk as it leaked badly.
Wednesday, June 7 - We got up at 8:00 A.M. to clear skies, bright
sunshine but relatively cool
temperatures. We went to the Holiday Inn and registered for Americade,
met Doris, and spent a
marvelous day touring all of the exhibits. Great exhibition. At 5:00,
all three of us were booked for the Dunlop Lake cruise, which was a neat
experience. The sun was out and it had warmed up with wonderful food
and with more motorcyclists that you could ever meet meant that it was a
wonderful evening. We enjoyed the beautiful sunny day and the 70 degree
temperatures and went back to Mount Kenyon campground and spent a quiet
evening.
Thursday, June 8 - I left Mt. Kenyon at 7:45 AM in partial cloud.
After traveling south on I-87 to Troy, New York, east on #2 to #7 and
north into Mass., I went east after entering Vermont. Great roads, fun
to ride on but with mixed weather, mostly sunny. I stopped in
Battledore, VT for breakfast at the Royal Chelsa diner, they made a
great omelet. I continued east on #9 to Dover on good curvy roads with
very little traffic with some 10% grades as the temperature gradually
rose to 75 degrees by 3:30 p.m. Stopped at Beswick and a young man gave
me directions to the beach following 386 to 91 and on to hwy #1. I was
on the beach in 20 minutes and took a picture of York Beach Harbour and
York Beach itself. I traveled north on 1-A through towns and along the
beach and from Portland, Maine, I took the freeway (cost me $2.25 in
tolls) to Bangor, Maine from there I continued on 1-A to the Bar
Harbour/Nova Scotia ferry terminal. While Bar Harbour appears to be a
wealthy community, I was able to find a motel for $20.00. Stopped for a
nice haddock dinner at the Chart Room Restaurant which I would highly
recommend. It is right on the beach so it has good food and a good
view.
Friday, June 9 - I was up at 5:45 a.m. and on the ferry "The Cat" at
7:30 a.m. What a wonderful ferry ride but it was a bit dear at $98.00
US. The Cat is a catamaran that travels at 42 knots (55 miles per
hour). It was a bit rough with 3+ meter swells and they will not run
when over 4 meters.
Two best of buddies, Jim and Ed, from Middleton were on their way back
from Americade on their
Harleys and I spent a very interesting and enjoyable morning with the
two of them. Also met Patrick
and his wife from Minnesota, who were going over and right back the same
day. They like many aboard were feeling nauseous and seasick. I
thought it was a relatively smooth crossing, but apparently not as many
aboard were seasick. The ferry was traveling with the wind, and
while there were many white caps, the bikes never moved, as the lower
deck was very stable. Upon arriving in Yarmouth, I started checking for
Honda Motorcycle shops as I needed to get my 12,000 km's check-up.
Procycle in Dartmouth couldn't service my bike until Thursday but they
suggested a good Honda dealer in Comeau, N.S. I called them at 12:15
and at 1:00 p.m., my bike was in their shop. Alain did the work and he
was very nice, very thorough and seemingly very confident. He was very
helpful and did a number of extra things. I proceeded north and made
several stops at Wolfville and Grand Pre, where I took a picture of
Evangeline. When you see the picture, "do you see a young or old
Evangeline?" I went on to Halifax, got my moutil oil and later
proceeded to Hilden to see my very good friends, the Maynards. Of
course, we didn't stay up late, or have any drinks, or tell many stories
as you would expect when good friends get together after not having seen
each other for a number of years.
Saturday, June 10 - Was very pleased to be asked to take their son,
Stephen, and Helene for a
motorcycle ride and, of course, we found some wonderful Nova Scotia
roads. Both were great
passengers and it was indeed a pleasure to offer Stephen his first ride
on a motorcycle. This was after Helene served us a fantastic breakfast
with pancakes, sausages, toast, fruit and "real" maple syrup
.
Ernie and I changed the oil in the bike, put it in the garage as I am
off on business for four days
returning later in the evening of Tuesday, the 13th.
Update on the other tour members: The gals, Kathryn and Doris, both
spent Thursday at Americade, will do the east coast near Boston, Cape
Cod and explore other wonderful experiences during my absence. It is
intended that we will meet in Hilden on Tuesday the 13th and perhaps
take a day tour on Wednesday in this area proceeding to PEI on Thursday.
In the meantime, I will be posting some pictures which won't be up for a
day or two that relate to all the travel in this note. You can see them
at http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
This note was prepared with great assistance from my very good friend
Helene
Cliff
- Jun 13 Hilden, NS (but really Edmonton - my bike is in Hilden)
Odometer: Wanting to get riding
- We three are delayed on day in arriving in PEI. We will not be arriving
Wednesday, June 14, 2000 but will not be arriving on Thursday June 15,
2000.
We still plan to spend two full days on the Island which will now be
Friday June 16 and Sunday June 17, 2000.
Doris and Kathryn will be meeting up with me tonight on my return to
NS. Apparently they are having a great time. "K" is going to have her
bike serviced in Dartmouth today. Mine was fully serviced before I left
for my meetings in Calgary, Alberta.
Cliff
- Jun 19 Bra d'Or, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Odometer: 12,456
- Sorry folks for not having updated recently.
We stayed in Nova Scotia, after my return from Calgary, and the gals getting to
Nova Scotia, till the 15th when we went via the NS east shore of NS and on to
Charlottetown, PEI, where we did Anne of Green Gables, Province House, the
Harbour, North Cape, West Point and East Point. Great weather and on day it was
28 degrees Celsius.
Left yesterday and went over the Confederation Bridge - neat experience and
reasonable $14.50 for bike and rider - along the north shore of New Brunswick
back into Nova Scotia and on to Cape Breton. We catch the ferry to Newfoundland
at 11:30 this morning.
Cliff
- Jun 21 Gander, Nfld.
Odometer: 13,579 km since leaving Edmonton, AB
- All is well and we are right on time - well almost. We took an extra day in
Nova Scotia so when we left PEI we came directly to Nfld. by passing the Cabot
Trail, which we plan to do on the 25th of June on return from Nfld. Thus please
note that the total balance of the trip will be delayed by one day. So for
instance those BMW fellows in NB expecting us at the biker campground in
Sheffield, we will not be there a day later than planned and similarly for
Ottawa.
June 14, 2000, the day after I got back from Calgary, we went to Helene's office
and convinced Greg to lead "we 3" on a day ride on some of his favorite roads.
Greg said he rode a '75 Honda. We never thought much of it till we saw the bike
and realized it was really the first "GoldWing" He lead us west from Truro on
#2 to Adrian's for the BEST ever clams lunch. On to Passboro where we saw the
beach (and where the tide reaches up to 50 feet) , we also saw the museum with
Mr. E George who discovered the smallest dinosaur tracks, etc. a very
interesting fellow - a museum of knowledge in his own right. We went through
miles of blueberry fields - no wonder this area is known as the blueberry
capital of North America. They only grow about foot high, are very small and
DELICIOUS. Kathryn tried to take off the arm of the toll booth on the highway
back to Truro - good thing it was made of foam. Wonderful sunny and warm day in
the mid 20's Celsius
On June 15, 2000 we left our dear friends in Hilden and went to the east shore
of Nova Scotia, to Sheet Harbour, Spry Harbour and New Glasgow, and on to the
ferry to PEI where we arrived at 5:45 PM. We visited with long time friends
Marion and Wendal before making our way to Clarke and Louise place where we
stayed the next three nights - fantastic hosts under very difficult
circumstances as Louise had just lost a brother.
June 16, 2000 we did some errands in Charlottetown, saw the Harbour, Lt.
Governor residence, Province House where the Fathers of Confederation had their
first meeting in 1864 and where in 1969 I had an office for a short time. This
is the Legislative Assembly for PEI and when I lived in PEI I spent a number of
occasions on the floor of the legislature in "Committee of the Whole" - the only
provincial legislature in Canada where civil servants can sit on the floor and
even answer opposition questions at the pleasure of the Minister and the
Speaker. We then proceeded to Anne of Green Gables in Cavendish From there to
the very north point on PEI, North Cape on # 12, on to West Point on # 14 (when
through Skinners Pond where Stompn' Tom Connors come from - another big load of
potatoes) back to New Glasgow on # 2 where we when to the St. Ann church lobster
supper. We were back to the house about 10:00 PM. Temperature was great as we
got to 28 degrees Celsius in bright sun.
June 17, 2000 we set out for East Point of PEI, via Murray Harbour, St. Peter's
(tried to get to see the new national park but it was closed for construction
and environmental review), to Ship Wreak Harbour where we had our picture taken,
and on to East point where of course we took some more pictures. Cable Head
Beach, where the sand "squeaks" or sings, which was a very special stop for me
as it was one of our favorite beaches when we lived in PEI from 1969 to late
1974. We had a lovely lunch at Souris "Blue Fin" restaurant. We then "after
missing the turn off to Montaque and Georgetown" made our way back to
Charlottetown where we washed the bikes and spent a nice evening with a
fantastic meal with Clarke, Loiuse, and Bradley - see picture. I spend a couple
of hours too with a very good friend from my work time in PEI, Elizabeth.
Another great warm and sunny day - we are starting to get accustom to this.
June 18, 2000 found us leaving Charlottetown traveling west - wrong it was not
the start of the trip home nor the wrong direction - we were on a quest of going
over the Confederation Bridge (14 km or 9 miles). $14.50 for bike and rider.
See some pictures. Great as on the se big bikes we could see over the
barricades. We then traveled east along the north shore of NB and back into NS
to New Glasgow where we continued east on #1 into Cape Breton, from where we
sent the last short message.
June 19, 2000 found us of the M.V. Caribou ferry to Nfld. $51.00 for bike and
rider one way. The smoothest 6.5 hour ferry ride in history, I'd say. We made
it to Stephenville, Nfld. before stopping. So many people warned us about the
Nfld. speed bumps - moose. Very nice scenery as we came up the trans-canada #1
but we were surprised t see so much snow still in so many places on the upper
areas of the mountains "very large hills". We stayed at the Zenville camp
ground ($11.50) and had a very good night sleep - the tents dried out as we had
rain in Cape Breton over night.
June 20 found us going north found us in Cornerbrook where Kathryn had her kick
stand switch disconnected as it was cutting out on her - very dangerous, so she
was feeling better. We met three fellows from Virginia one on a '99 wing,
another on a '91 Harley Classic and the other on a 350cc trail bike.
Interesting crew. We saw them three more time before we headed east and they
back south - two had CB's so we talked with them each time we met. We went on
to Steady Brook where Ken and Cheryl live - they were away but I took a picture
anyhow - their house is right on the Humber River (famous if not the most famous
Atlantic Salmon river anywhere). We went to the restaurant across the street
at the base of Marble Mountain ski downhill area and met Sherri and Perry -
both bikers, Perry owns the complex in which the restaurant is located. When on
to Gros Morane National Park and stayed at the Berry Hill National Park
Campground ($15.00 for the two tents) with about a million "no see-um's" little
black flies who take a hunk right out of you. We dined at the restaurant in
Rocky Harbour which is right on the Harbour.
June 21, 2000 found us traveling north to Cow Harbour where we had bkfst at the
Shallow Bay Motel - our table looked over the ocean. We had been warned of the
moose (11 per square mile in the park - established by survey) but had not seen
one till we left town and were at the stop sign turning on to the high way - a
yearling cow but still big enough to cause major damage - thank goodness the
only moose we have see to this writing. We continued north then to Portland
Creek stopping at the "Arches Provincial Park" An interesting stop but not
really spectacular. From there we dead headed back to Deer Lake and on to
Gander, Nfld. We stopped at Beaver Junction and the six folks in there with us
were all very interesting - a long distance truck driver with a local of crab
for the main land, two bus company staff, and two local who wanted to sell Doris
a retirement home - 100 ft by 200 feet lot on a lake, with a 30 by 50 house for
$12,000, and the other fellow had a lot on a lake for $5,000. We continued on
in the sun and 20 degree Celsius temps to Gander where we are now in the Country
Inn RV and motel, camping - one site for the tents for $16.10 tax included. Gas
is a bit high as it is 91.9 cents for regular unleaded. We plan to be in St.
John's by mid afternoon tomorrow, spending the next day there too (or in the
area), catching the ferry to Cape Breton on Saturday 8:00 AM June 24th. We
plan to do Cape Breton on the 25th. Hope to go via Rita McNiels tea house, at
Big Pond, Cape Breton, NS.
All is very good, weather is great, and we are on 34 day of 46.
all for now and happy as a clam.
Cliff
- Jun 23 St. John's, Nfld.
Odometer: 13,999 km since leaving home
- We had a wonderful day on the Trans-Canada from Gander to St. John's. First we
stopped at Clarenville for breakfast, and ask about a place to get my hair cut -
the one advertised and the response was "Oh my, you do not want to go there.".
The one at the end of the strip mall was recommended so as Doris went to the
post office Kathryn and I went to the hair cut place. We both had wonderful
cuts for $10.15 tax in. The attractive young gal who cut my hair recommended we
go out to Random Island a few km's to see whales. Of course we agreed and off
we went to a great ride, good views of the Harbour, nice little villages, when
we came to Random Harbour near the end of the road (had to return the same way
as we came in). We stopped took some pictures, watched the unloading of cod and
crab, while keeping an eye on the bay for ice burgs and whales. The water was,
one of the fellows told us, was warning up - it was now 4 degrees Celsius - the
bay is 700 feet deep and at 60 feet is one degree.. Enroute to St. John's we had
a stretch of high wind, ten miles of construction which was very dusty and a
seeming "rain storm of bugs". They were like suicide dive bombers, you could see
them coming from 20 feet, those that cleared the wind screen came whizzing by
some hitting the helmets. When it came time to clean the screen I found out
these we in fact "special" bugs - I was 30 minutes getting them off - each spot
had to be scrubbed and rescubbed. Reminded me of the may flies at Klamath Falls
Oregon - where the truckers have to stop to clean the windows as the wipers and
spray would not touch the bug debris
We went on #231 a bit further to Petty Harbour, toured a museum and talked to
the dad of the fellow we'd met earlier - wealth if information.
Then we were off back over the 27 km to Clarenville for gas and the 162 km to
St. John's. We did not stop at Terre Nova National park. We arrived in the
center of St. John's to a wonderful park and campground "Petty Campground".
After getting settled $16.10 for each of he two sites Doris called some friends,
who she had not met. She called Marie who is the sister of her sister's (Flo's)
boy friend Pat. Fred (Marie's husband) came and picked us up. He is very
knowledgeable about the city as he acted as a PR person for a cab/Limo company
during the Cabot 500 celebrations in '97. We toured the downtown, the Harbour,
Signal Hill, saw the French versus English battles and tactical areas, the
Harbour from far above from Signal Hill, the former US air force base, and some
various residential areas. Then, off to the house and a great "home made" steak
dinner. Then off to me Kathryn's author friend and toured "George Street". To
bed at about 1:00 AM.
This morning we were picked up by Fred, fed a fantastic bkfst, got our laundry
done and will have a personal tour of St. John's, mile zero of the Trans-Canada
Spear Point, and etc. etc. etc. - there is so much to see and learn about we
contemplated staying longer but the choice of riding back the length of the
"Rock" or staying for three more days to get the Argentia ferry, caused us to
decide to leave in the morning on the Argentia ferry as planned. We will have
to be up so we can leave at 5:00 AM however - - the choices in life . . . .
Cliff
- Jun 25 Near Antiginish Nova Scotia
Odometer: 14,667 since leaving home in Edmonton.
- Yesterday we left at 6:00 AM for the ferry at Argentia which is a 90 minute
drive to catch the 8:00 AM. We were very worried about missing the ferry and
having to ride the 928 km back across to the other end of the "rock". We were
the last of 6 vehicles on board - then to relax..
A fabulous time on Nfld. was held by all but what a great trip across back to
Nova Scotia. Leaving at 8:00 AM and arriving at 11:15 PM meant there needed to
be something to do besides watching the whales and porpoises as we departed the
Harbour. Well there was - -the two guys who called themselves "Shanty" -
provided fantastic entertainment in the lounge. Besides that we were sitting
with Paul, Gerald, Marjorie and Paula - all Newfoundlanders and what a great
group to get to know and to befriend. Like long lost really good friends - - we
learned a few new expressions and practiced out accents.
We motelled it at Bras d'Or, near where we camped on the way over to Nfld.
This morning we had bkfst at the next door "Country Classic" restaurant again
and it is always great. Then we went of to do the Cabot Trail. We went to
Englishtown and crossed a 200 metre ferry for $3.00 but what an interesting time
again today. We stopped at Ingonish and took a picture of the spot a friend
(Muriel and I - our spouses would not come in for a swim) swam at in 1967 as we
toured the east after Expo in Montreal. The Keltic Lodge is still a gorgeous as
I remembered. Proceeding on around the Cabot Trail in 25 degree Celsius with
bright blue sky got us to believe that this was probably the best road to date
on the tour. On returning to Baddeck we headed back to Sydney as I had to go
the Big Pond to have tea at "Ritia's" Rita McNiel that is - -and all three of
us were glad we did.
We are now some where between Port Hawkesberry and Antiginish both in Nova
Scotia at the Hyclass Campground - recommended to us by several people - -they
have been so kind as to lend me a phone line for a few minutes.
Tomorrow it is our plan to meet so New Brunswick bikers at the River Valley
Campground, #2435 Rte 2, Sheffield, NB.
We are running one day late so if you are checking our itinerary on the web just
add one day for the total balance of our motorcycle Tour.
Cliff
- Jun 28 Auberge Motel, St-John-Port-Joli, Quebec
Odometer: 16,556 km and riding (total on the bike is 19,566 km
- What a fabulous day.
I started by riding east in bright sunshine and warm temperatures after a night
of rain. Soon the road turned northward and then over a rise there it was,
Perce Rock with the very well noted hole. Very overwhelming to see it in person
and so close. After a few pictures at various locations I lavished over a
breakfast on a balcony of the Surcouf Cafe opposite the shore and looking at the
"the rock", in sunny 20 + degrees Celsius. What a thrill to be here in person
to see the fishing boats coming in with there haul, the tourist boats going out
to the bird sanctuary, and the number of tourists who stopped to talk.
Then north and west on #132 on what I can only call a "bikers road." Up and
downs, curves, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the right, with wind whipping up
numerous white caps. The road goes up and down the large hills, then back on
along the beach, etc. etc. Later on (several hours) the road virtually becomes
part of the St. Lawrence as it is built on the break water. Watch for falling
rocks from the huge hills on the left and watch for the waves washing over you
(see pic.) http//www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
As #132 goes on to St. Anne Monts the landscape continues to change - - as I
rode the 701 km today I kept imaging which is the best road - - the Cabot Trail
or the Gaspe of Quebec?????? The Cabot trail is shorter and is an easy day.
The #132 around the Gaspe is a much longer ride and one gets at least twice as
much "Cabot Tail" like roads and scenery. So which is best - well they are
different and BOTH are absolutely great and are "a must."
Tonight I am in St-John-Port-Joli, Quebec. This one of the target locations for
the tour and is an absolutely and every interesting and enchanting town on the
St. Lawrence river.
Cliff
PS: I have not gotten into my e-mail for at least the last two weeks - sorry
for any inconvenience this may have caused - - hope to have the problem
rectified by the 30th.
- Jun 28 Grande-Riviere, Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec
Odometer: 15,855 and riding
- Be sure to look up pictures of our adventures by clicking on
http://www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
JUNE 25 - After I signed off on this date, Edgar came to visit us at the Hyclass
Campground in Havre Bouch, Nova Scotia. Edgar is a fellow biker that
Doris and we met on the MV Smallwood Ferry enroute back to Nova Scotia.
As it turned out this campground was the one Edgar recommended and from
our tents we could see his house and his very large yard (acres) across
the lake. We had a good night and in spite of some rain the tents were
dry in the morning.
June 26 - We headed for the "Bikers Campground" at Sheffield, New Brunswick
(NB), which was recommended to us by the members of the NB BMW club. It
is about 50 km east of Fredericton on the Trans-Canada. We had a great
ride in bright sunshine with 19 degrees Celsius at the start and 29 by the
time we arrived at the campground. In spite of the heat the mosquito's
were large, plentiful and hungry. We booked in and called Bob the
President of the BMW club. Richard a member too, had e-mailed us. We had
expected to see one both or more but unfortunately something happened and
we did not see any of them, so we did not get to meet any of them. Really
to bad as we had been anticipating a get together for some very long time
now. Not sure of what happened? The camp ground folks were great - Lewis
and Brenda (owners) and Gary and Linda all came over for a visit and we
very much enjoyed them all. Lewis (Harley with over 100,000 km on it) and
Gary (Honda Ace) ride together a lot. I got talking with Lewis about the
Gaspe Peninsula and how to Perce (please excuse the lack of accents on the
French words) and how on route @ 8, on to #11 and on #132 on PQ, which
Lewis said gets you from Fredericton to Perce in about 6 hours. This is a
route I had never been on even though I had lived in PEI for almost 6
years and had been through NB and PQ many times. Lewis has done it and
found it a great ride. Discussed it with the gals and they decided not to
ride it - see notes below.
Changed plans:
The gals - Doris and Kathryn both decided to ride together and to continue
to head for Quebec City today the 27th of June and to probably spend a
second day in the area. Doris will likely start heading home to Edmonton
from there and to take the Yellowhead highway #5 from Winnipeg. She needs
to be in Edmonton on time to prepare for a family reunion and an upcoming
International Women in the Wind tour later in the summer. Doris will
likely arrive in Edmonton on July 2 or 3, 2000. Kathryn has some very
dear friends in Toronto and is planning to "dead head" (8 hour ride with
no stops) it from Quebec City to Toronto. We'll stay in touch via a
common friend in Ottawa and will try to meet up in Sault Saint Marie on
July 2nd (another 8 hours for Toronto) at one of the campgrounds listed in
the "Nights and Sights" on the web page. My plans are to ride the Gaspe
arriving in Quebec City (or near too) probably on the 28th, to spend the
29th in the area arriving in Ottawa on the 30th, spending July 1st,
Canada's birthday, in our nations capital, leaving for Sault Saint Marie
on July 2nd, and home to Edmonton from there.
June 27 - Be sure to look up pictures of our adventures by clicking on
http:/www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c for instance the Cape Breton, Cabot Trail
pictures and we three at breakfast this morning.
I left Fredericton at 10:00 AM and arrived at Grande-Riviere at about 6:15
PM. Had the oil changed in the bike at SportsBG in New Richmond, PQ.
Steeve the service manager and Alain to fellow who did the work could not
have been better to deal with, so I recommend these folks to you all -
(418) 392-5017. Interesting on a long and continuos ride where you get
the bike serviced - had the bike serviced in Edmonton before I left, in
Victoria, BC, Commeauville, Nova Scotia, and New Richmond on the Gaspe of
Quebec. You will note that as it worked out all of these locations are in
Canada - WHY - Honda USA and Honda Canada do NOT honour each other s
warranty. - STRANGE, eh!!!!
Well what about the ride to the Gaspe region of Quebec? Fantastic!!!! I
rode in warm temperatures of mid 20's Celsius, from bright sunshine to
overcast to some threatening of rain - but it never did, so great riding
weather. Very good roads mostly which have been recently redone and
because of this I encountered only two short stretches of construction. A
very beautiful ride in Quebec mostly right along the shore so great
scenery, many lovely small French communities all of which are very well
done and obviously very proudly kept up and maintained Kathryn wanted to
stick to the original plan and agreed to head on the Trans-Canada for
Quebec City arriving today June 27) and staying a second day (28th). I
decided to do the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec route so am writing this from
Grande-Riviere, Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec. Doris needed to be home to
prepare for a family reunion and an International Women in the /Wind bike
tour so will essentially leave to go directly to Edmonton from Ottawa
probably taking the Yellow Head (route #5 from Winnipeg). Doris will
likely arrive Edmonton on July 2 or 3 as planned. Kathryn has some very
dear friends in Toronto and is planning to go direct to Toronto from
Quebec City. We will stay in touch via a common friend in Ottawa and may
meet at Sault Saint Marie, ON, on July 2nd at one or other of the camp
sites on the "Nights and Sites" posted on this web site. As for me I will
continue around the Gaspe to Quebec City on route #132 hopefully arriving
there some time later today. I plan to spend a day in the area and going
on to Ottawa on June 30, spending July 1, 2000 in the Capital of Canada,
leaving for Sault Saint Marie on July 2nd.
- Jun 30 Grande-Riviere, Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec
Odometer: 15,855 and riding
- Be sure to look up pictures of our adventures by clicking on
http:/www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
JUNE 25 - After I signed off on this date, Edgar came to visit us at the Hyclass
Campground in Havre Bouch, Nova Scotia. Edgar is a fellow biker that
Doris and we met on the MV Smallwood Ferry enroute back to Nova Scotia.
As it turned out this campground was the one Edgar recommended and from
our tents we could see his house and his very large yard (acres) across
the lake. We had a good night and in spite of some rain the tents were
dry in the morning.
June 26 - We headed for the "Bikers Campground" at Sheffield, New Brunswick
(NB), which was recommended to us by the members of the NB BMW club. It
is about 50 km east of Fredericton on the Trans-Canada. We had a great
ride in bright sunshine with 19 degrees Celsius at the start and 29 by the
time we arrived at the campground. In spite of the heat the mosquito's
were large, plentiful and hungry. We booked in and called Bob the
President of the BMW club. Richard a member too, had e-mailed us. We had
expected to see one both or more but unfortunately something happened and
we did not see any of them, so we did not get to meet any of them. Really
to bad as we had been anticipating a get together for some very long time
now. Not sure of what happened? The camp ground folks were great - Lewis
and Brenda (owners) and Gary and Linda all came over for a visit and we
very much enjoyed them all. Lewis (Harley with over 100,000 km on it) and
Gary (Honda Ace) ride together a lot. I got talking with Lewis about the
Gaspe Peninsula and how to Perce (please excuse the lack of accents on the
French words) and how on route @ 8, on to #11 and on #132 on PQ, which
Lewis said gets you from Fredericton to Perce in about 6 hours. This is a
route I had never been on even though I had lived in PEI for almost 6
years and had been through NB and PQ many times. Lewis has done it and
found it a great ride. Discussed it with the gals and they decided not to
ride it - see notes below.
Changed plans:
The gals - Doris and Kathryn both decided to ride together and to continue
to head for Quebec City today the 27th of June and to probably spend a
second day in the area. Doris will likely start heading home to Edmonton
from there and to take the Yellowhead highway #5 from Winnipeg. She needs
to be in Edmonton on time to prepare for a family reunion and an upcoming
International Women in the Wind tour later in the summer. Doris will
likely arrive in Edmonton on July 2 or 3, 2000. Kathryn has some very
dear friends in Toronto and is planning to "dead head" (8 hour ride with
no stops) it from Quebec City to Toronto. We'll stay in touch via a
common friend in Ottawa and will try to meet up in Sault Saint Marie on
July 2nd (another 8 hours for Toronto) at one of the campgrounds listed in
the "Nights and Sights" on the web page. My plans are to ride the Gaspe
arriving in Quebec City (or near too) probably on the 28th, to spend the
29th in the area arriving in Ottawa on the 30th, spending July 1st,
Canada's birthday, in our nations capital, leaving for Sault Saint Marie
on July 2nd, and home to Edmonton from there.
June 27 - Be sure to look up pictures of our adventures by clicking on
http:/www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c for instance the Cape Breton, Cabot Trail
pictures and we three at breakfast this morning.
I left Fredericton at 10:00 AM and arrived at Grande-Riviere at about 6:15
PM. Had the oil changed in the bike at SportsBG in New Richmond, PQ.
Steeve the service manager and Alain to fellow who did the work could not
have been better to deal with, so I recommend these folks to you all -
(418) 392-5017. Interesting on a long and continuos ride where you get
the bike serviced - had the bike serviced in Edmonton before I left, in
Victoria, BC, Commeauville, Nova Scotia, and New Richmond on the Gaspe of
Quebec. You will note that as it worked out all of these locations are in
Canada - WHY - Honda USA and Honda Canada do NOT honour each other s
warranty. - STRANGE, eh!!!!
Well what about the ride to the Gaspe region of Quebec? Fantastic!!!! I
rode in warm temperatures of mid 20's Celsius, from bright sunshine to
overcast to some threatening of rain - but it never did, so great riding
weather. Very good roads mostly which have been recently redone and
because of this I encountered only two short stretches of construction. A
very beautiful ride in Quebec mostly right along the shore so great
scenery, many lovely small French communities all of which are very well
done and obviously very proudly kept up and maintained Kathryn wanted to
stick to the original plan and agreed to head on the Trans-Canada for
Quebec City arriving today June 27) and staying a second day (28th). I
decided to do the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec route so am writing this from
Grande-Riviere, Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec. Doris needed to be home to
prepare for a family reunion and an International Women in the /Wind bike
tour so will essentially leave to go directly to Edmonton from Ottawa
probably taking the Yellow Head (route #5 from Winnipeg). Doris will
likely arrive Edmonton on July 2 or 3 as planned. Kathryn has some very
dear friends in Toronto and is planning to go direct to Toronto from
Quebec City. We will stay in touch via a common friend in Ottawa and may
meet at Sault Saint Marie, ON, on July 2nd at one or other of the camp
sites on the "Nights and Sites" posted on this web site. As for me I will
continue around the Gaspe to Quebec City on route #132 hopefully arriving
there some time later today. I plan to spend a day in the area and going
on to Ottawa on June 30, spending July 1, 2000 in the Capital of Canada,
leaving for Sault Saint Marie on July 2nd.
- Jun 30 Auberge Motel, St-John-Port-Joli, Quebec
Odometer: 16,556 km and riding (total on the bike is 19,566 km
- What a fabulous day.
I started by riding east in bright sunshine and warm temperatures after a night
of rain. Soon the road turned northward and then over a rise there it was,
Perce Rock with the very well noted hole. Very overwhelming to see it in person
and so close. After a few pictures at various locations I lavished over a
breakfast on a balcony of the Surcouf Cafe opposite the shore and looking at the
"the rock", in sunny 20 + degrees Celsius. What a thrill to be here in person
to see the fishing boats coming in with there haul, the tourist boats going out
to the bird sanctuary, and the number of tourists who stopped to talk.
Then north and west on #132 on what I can only call a "bikers road." Up and
downs, curves, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the right, with wind whipping up
numerous white caps. The road goes up and down the large hills, then back on
along the beach, etc. etc. Later on (several hours) the road virtually becomes
part of the St. Lawrence as it is built on the break water. Watch for falling
rocks from the huge hills on the left and watch for the waves washing over you
(see pic.) http//www.ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
As #132 goes on to St. Anne Monts the landscape continues to change - - as I
rode the 701 km today I kept imaging which is the best road - - the Cabot Trail
or the Gaspe of Quebec?????? The Cabot trail is shorter and is an easy day.
The #132 around the Gaspe is a much longer ride and one gets at least twice as
much "Cabot Tail" like roads and scenery. So which is best - well they are
different and BOTH are absolutely great and are "a must."
Tonight I am in St-John-Port-Joli, Quebec. This one of the target locations for
the tour and is an absolutely and every interesting and enchanting town on the
St. Lawrence river.
Cliff
PS: I have not gotten into my e-mail for at least the last two weeks - sorry
for any inconvenience this may have caused - - hope to have the problem
rectified by the 30th.
- Jun 30 Ottawa
Odometer: 17,089 km to date
- I left St-Jean-Port-Jolie after visiting with 8 bikers from Quebec - - various
bikes, with 6 of the 8 being Quebec police (active and retired). They are
returning home after 10 days in the Maritimes. They had a great tip too and we
had covered a number of the same places. After swapping stories - tough with my
very limited french - - but a very good visit in any case.
I rode for a time to a village by the name of Beaumont same name as a village 10
km from my house in Edmonton) - where I had truly a great Quebec bkfst. - two
eggs, four slices of bacon, a sausage, potatoes, toast, tomato and bit of
lettuce, pork pate, meat pie, and coffee all for just over $5.00 Cdn. Had to
leave a $2.00 tip.
Went on to Quebec City - where I actually bought some cheaper gas $.749/litre -
have been paying over $.809/litre. An older fellow - 80's+ was using the pump
as I arrived, he had a problem finding the pump handle, getting it to the car,
getting it to start, finding the step to the station, etc., so when he left the
station and turned left I was quite relieved as I was heading east or right. I
did not wish to be to close to him - however he was very friendly and uttered
several sentences to me in french, which I am sorry to say I did not understand.
When on to Vieux (Old) Quebec City and to the Chateau Frontenac - grand old
castle hotel - I have actually stayed in it years ago - and on to the boardwalk
- yes it is actually boards and is a fantastic view of the St. Lawrence River,
Levee, the city on the south shore, etc. The great view had nothing to with the
fantastic good looking young french people strolling on the boardwalk. A great
place to spend several hours. Also, this part of Quebec city had been largely
restored and is a fantastic place for shops, small friendly bars, food, arts and
crafts, and all kinds of cultural experiences etc. See pictures at
http://ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c
On I went to Montreal, passing through at about 3:30 PM, and though traffic was
stop and go through the tunnel and to the Ottawa/Hull turn off, it was an
uneventful trip. The thing that impressed me as I approached Montreal was the
skyscrapers with My. Royal as a back drop. If you are ever in the area of
Montreal, as with Quebec City, you owe it to your self to spend "some time" as
they are my two favorite Canadian cities, and rank in my mind ahead of San
Francisco, CA. I have been in each, all three, on at least 3 or 4 occasions.
Stayed in Ottawa (arrived in a bit of a shower) and will be here for the next
two, attending a party with some university class mates, and attending part of
the July 1, 2000 Canada Day celebrations. Then off to Sault Saint Marie on July
2nd.
Cliff (excited and having a great motorcycle tour)
- Jul 03 Sault Saint Marie, Ontario
Odometer: over 18,000 km to date
- For the pictures from Ottawa on June 30 and on Canada Day (Canada's birthday on
July 1, 2000) see the site
http://ecn.ab.ca/y2kc2c/
The last day of June found me doing domestic things in the morning
like laundry,
washing the bike but most of the
time was doing my 141 e-mails (I could not get into my personal
e-mails for over
two weeks).
Later in the afternoon in high 20 degree Celsius weather we met at a
class mates
(University of Alberta) cottage at
Constance Bay on the Ottawa river NW of Ottawa. Fantastic spot. We visited,
swapped stories, had a BBQ, and drank
some home made wine and beer. We even celebrated Gerry's retirement - we
actually thought he was never going to stop working.
On Canada's birthday it is quite something to be in the nations capital for the
celebration - "ground zero for the celebrations" - great
entertainers on the stage in front of the Parliament Buildings, and may other
festivities on the street - many, many people are
dressed in the flag, or have painted faces (etc.). Loads of people
and lots of
festivities. it was hot but cooled with a thunder shower
late in the afternoon but cleared for the evening show. In the afternoon the
Prime Minister spoke as did the Governor General. The snow birds,
our acrobatic jet flyers, flew by three times. I found it to be
quite emotional
and good fun - lots of people however.
Today I left in the sun but soon found my self in clouds, then rain.
All in all
a good trip to Sault Saint Marie.
Since I have not heard from Kathryn (she is either still in Toronto
or she "dead
headed" it to Alberta with Doris), I'll likely go via the US
(south from here and west on Highway #28) on the way home picking up the states
of Wisconsin and Minnesota that we flew by
on the way across he US, coming back up into Manitoba and then home.
Cliff
- Jul 03 Grand Rapids, MN
Odometer: After a day from Sault Ste. Marie to Grand Rapids, MN of 806 km, for a total of
18,851 km to date
- Left Sault Ste. Marie in the sunshine at 14 degrees Celsius I headed across the
bridge into Michigan and soon turned right
onto #M28 and headed our. Beautiful route that I had never been on before.
Cool day however with the high being 68 degrees F.
Saw lots of Michigan State Troopers (as many as OPP I saw in Ontario west of
Sudbury). Some deer even in the day time - one doe and fawn - nice to see -
however I hated to see the pair on the side of the road as a traffic casualty.
First stop was at Marquette, MI for gas and a break. Second stop was in
Ashland, WI.
Had a great talk with a Goldwing 1200 owner - no helmet - he has relatives in
Alberta and did trucking to and from Winnipeg - very nice visit but I forgot to
give him a business card with the web address.
Third stop was in Grand Rapids, MN. Two "Venture" riders from Ottawa, ON were
checking into the same motel. Both are very enthusiastic "Yamaha Venture" owners
- '84 and a '99.
Tomorrow I will head west on #2, north on #75 into Manitoba, Canada
All for now - no new pictures from today - although there is excellent scenery
along the south shore of Lake Superior and I especially liked Superior/Duluth.
Cliff
- Jul 04 Killarney, Manitoba
Odometer: 19,485 km (12,178 miles) and 1700 km to go
- Another great day.
Happy Independence Day to all of you in the US, enjoy . . .
I left Grand Rapids, MN under the weather threat of that big low and storm
coming east into North Dakota and into Manitoba - if one listens to the
weather channel on TV one would never venture out - there are always
"things" happening . . . After the sun burned off the fog I realized
there was very little cloud and the weather was very quickly warming from
the 47 degrees F. to 79 degrees F. (26 degrees Celsius) by 2:30 PM, which
put me in Manitoba, heading west on highway 201.
I was impressed with the way the landscape changed. The glaciated area around
Grand Rapids and the whole NE of Minnesota is all rock, trees, muskeg, and
lakes. It gives away to a very flat and rich agricultural prairie, which
is also as a result of glaciation - - it is an old clay lake bottom -
making it a high management but very productive agriculture area. As the
trees disappeared familiar crops appeared, as sugar beets, beans (pulses),
barley, and canola - a very important and high quality edible oil source
(one area was a mass of the yellow flower of the canola in full bloom, on
an area that had to exceed 160 acres (one square mile).
I had stopped in Fossen, MN at the Palubicki's grocery and deli and had one of
the best omelets I have ever enjoyed. At the next stop in Warren, MN (I
went west on #3 and had turned north on # 75 - again thanks to the fellow
in Asland for suggesting # 75), I met a couple of fellows and friends on
two Harley's. Very nice visit and they were very intrigued with my 47 day
venture. They promised that they will be in touch via e-mail. I would
have trouble riding in a tank top and without a helmet, as they were -
must be my traditional up bringing.
As I headed west I realized I was dodging thunder storms. I came to a 12 km (7
mile) stretch of repaving and with a dirt and gravel base - do I or don't
I go on - well I did and it did not start to rain till I was just passed
the construction area - good luck. Well, then the weather did make up for
the other storms I had missed - so by the time I arrived here I was soaked
- thought I could outsmart the weather, so I had not put on my rain gear.
I arrived at 4:30 PM and by 7:30 PM the sun was out again - so typical of
prairie thunderstorms. This one is part of that huge low and storm doing
so much damage in the Dakotas and /Southern Saskatchewan (one Saskatchewan
town got their whole year rain fall in about three hours - tremendous
damage.)
In any case I am now dried out, fed and making plans to travel in the morning.
For those of you familiar with the Canadian prairies, you will not be
surprised to recall that there is a Chinese restaurant in every small
rural town - - these are descendants of those folks brought over to build
the Canadian Pacific Railway. These restaurant establishments are
normally plain in appearance but I always frequent them as much as
possible, as they normally have great food. The "Wu" Chinese restaurant
here in Killarney is no exception.
Tomorrow, I plan to go west on # 3 to # 13 which takes me across southern
Manitoba and Southern Saskatchewan via the Short Grass National Park, and
to Ft. Walsh in the Cyprus Hills (the only area in Canada not to get
glaciated in the ice age)
I'll be two days getting home yet as it is still over 1500 KM (the total of my
last two days travel).
Cliff
- Jul 06 Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
Odometer: Well over 20,000 km and the final day ride
- Leaving Shaunavon SK this morning in mixed weather,
Very good ride yesterday in bright sun, little wind and through new country.
When I get home tonight I'll report in more detail. I took # 3 west in
Manitoba, # 83 to Estevan SK, and # 18 to the end of pavement before
turning north and arriving at Shaunavon, SK. Today I head for
Trans-Canada # 1, via Medicine Hat, Calgary and north n # 2 to Edmonton.
Sad to know I have been away 49 days and did not get to do it all - I keep
remembering, however that this is/has been a dream of a life time,
Later
Cliff
- Jul 06 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - home base of the tour of a life time.
Odometer: 21,171 km total (13,226 miles). Total on the 2000 Goldwing SE is now
24,171 km
- WOW! It certainly does not seem to be 7 weeks ago 8 of us left Edmonton
at 3:00 PM on this adventure of a life time - but yes it was 7 weeks.
Today started in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan in fog, dark cloud and a threat
of rain - yes it had rained overnight. The drunk next door in the motel
came out and had a headache. The construction/oil patch workers were all
interested in the bike and where I was going. The drunk wanted a ride
"anywhere" I'd take him - "How much do you want?" "I can pay you!" "Do
you want some rye or beer, I have both."
Point of interest - As I left and was riding north I went through a
stretch of where earlier in the week they had gotten 133% of their total
annual precipitation in a matter of a few hours - this was evident in
the fields, the lack of any crops left and the debris on the edge of the
road where water had run over top.
A new hazard emerged and it was all the mud and huge amounts of same the
trucks entering the highway brought on from farm steads and side roads.
They were able to deliver mud in great gobs, sometimes lasting for 300
or 400 metres up the road, causing one to be mighty careful and
dictating that you followed in one track or the other and did not
deviate.
I headed north through a long stretch of this devestation on highway #
37 to Gull Lake, SK. The closer I got to the Trans-Canada the wetter
the road and the more water laying on it - thank goodness I reached the
Trans-Canada and headed west into what appeared to be a lighter spot in
the clouds before I ran into the storm. Again I had refused to put on
my rain gear before leaving, well one is very well protected on the
Goldwing (just as I had experienced on the Yamaha Venture). The Cypress
Hills (Ft. Walsh, etc.) to the southwest were, it appeared, getting
another dose of heavy black clouds and what ever it brought with it. I
was traveling west between the two storms. It was quite nice as I
entered Alberta and I stopped and took a picture in front of the
"Welcome" sign. In fact when I stopped in Medicine Hat for gas and to
make a couple of phone calls to friends, it was a bit sunny and had
warmed to about 14 degrees Celsius. As I headed for Brooks to the west
all that changed. It had started to rain - at 115 km I was hoping it
shorted lived and that with it moving east and me west, that I could out
last it - true, and I did. By the time I got to Brooks it had stopped
raining. Later and by the time I got to Strahmore just east of Calgary
it was promising sun - in fact it was clearing in the west and there was
a bit of a hint of the famous "chinook arch" were the strong westerly
winds coming through the Crows Nest Pass of the Canadian Rockies
literally blowing the clouds eastward forming an ache where the westerly
sky is cloudless and the easterly in full of the clouds being moved
along forming the famous "Chinook Arch". Turning north on the Deer
Foot Trail # 2 north, that which I just described, was the case. I was
still in the shade and the temperature at 1:00 PM was still only 14
degrees calculus.
It slowly stared to warm, fewer clouds and thus more sun - by the time I
arrived at my daughters and sons house in Edmonton it was 19 degrees
Celsius and mostly sunny.
I parked the bike (dust, dirt, bugs and all) in the garage, changed my
cloths, had a pepsi and phoned my folks (who in their 80's were "totally
relieved" that I was home and had not killed my self), my brother, my
cousin and then started in on my e-mail (turns out to be oldest to
latest and I made the mistake of answering as I went to fine updates,
etc. later on) and now to do this update note of the last day of the Y2K
C2C on the web site. Later I hope to do a note with a bit of an
overview, impressions, experiences, what I'd do different (not at all,
more of, or other things not done this time).
I must however at this juncture say thanks to all those who traveled
with us for an hour or a day or two, or for two weeks - thank you. And
to the two gals, Kathryn and Doris, who brought a lot of biking
experience to the tour, much enthusiasm and much fun - a great thanks -
my friends who met you very much were invigorated by getting to know
you. When people saw the two of you on "big bikes" I know there were a
lot of heads turned and comments like "if they can ride a bike like
that, then so can I". To all of you who thought this or said it out
loud "just do it". To those who hosted us, also a huge thank you - very
much appreciated - more than you can know - it was a break, a pleasure
to get to know you or to know you better and to share good times. To
those whom we met and who, to a person offered enthusiasm, thank you.
To those we did not met but by ciber space, thank you too for the
encouragement and best wishes - to bad we could not have met you all. To
those who followed along on the web but whom we have not met, I hope you
enjoyed the adventure.
T all of you, I do hope you have followed along and enjoyed the
experience. As Tommy Hunter says in his songs we were "gathern'
memories.", we hope by us touching your life in what ever manner you
gathered some memories but more importantly perhaps you now have a
"dream or wish" to look forward too.
Cliff
signing off on the last day of the Y2K C2C
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