We arrived at Oakville and where kindly put up by Eileen and Arthur. On the Staurday morning we left the bikes in the garage and headed off to Niagara falls. We caught a train back to Toronto and then caught the grey hound bus to Niagara. Niagara falls are spectacular, see picture in photo gallery. The only disappointing thing was the surrounding scenery which consisted of a casino, high rise hotels and fast food joints. After spending a wet half hour on the maid of the mist boat, which took us pretty close to the falls, we jumped in a taxi and headed for Niagara on the lake town. There are no buses between the falls and where we where staying, after 2pm. The taxi cost $30, where are the bikes when you need them!! Niagara on the lakes is a pretty town, certainly worth a visit. It is surrounded by vinyards, so we proceeded to go and do some tasting!!!. Caught the bus back to Oakville on Sunday and spent a lovely evening with Eileen, Arthur and theIr family at a BBQ!! Thanks Helen and Bryan for a great night and use of the email.
Toronto to Sault Ste Marie
We headed to SSM to meet some of Dave's relatives. It was a more complicated route as it was not touristy therefore, accomodation was less readily available and the direct routes were only via the highways. These were very busy, had no cycle lanes and were not much fun to cycle, so alternate routes had to be found.
We cycled 307 miles (501km for the metric folk!) to Espanola, but after taking much advise decided not to cycle on the notoriousTrans Canada Highway (Hwy 17) and took a Greyhound bus to SSM instead. The final straws were (i) a five death pile up on the road a few days before & (ii) coming across a Internet article entitled "DO NOT CYCLE HWY 17!!"
Highlights
- 2 days on our own in a B&B set in 7 acres of land, 3 bedrooms & en-suite with whirlpool bath (all for 36 pounds / night)
- Air conditioned motels
- Niagara Falls
- DA's birthday ( well into my thirties now!!)
- CB not falling off the bike
- Still no punctures
- Still no rain
- 3 books now read (record for Caroline)
- Highway 10 was quite, due to the holiday weekend
Lowlights
- Non air-conditioned B&B's
- Gravel roads
- Having to cycle in 40 degrees plus
- Hills - had to walk up a few!!!!! the gravel did not help