It rained all night, a steady downpour. I’m inside dry, my bike is also dry. All but one pannier is packed and on the bike. Yesterday I only removed one rear pannier. Everything I need for a motel stay is in that bag. I emptied the contents, the sleeping bag is airing out on a side of the king-size bed. All the camp clothes are also spread out in the air. So today, packing is easy and quick and all my clothes have lost the damp feel.
I put everything back into the pannier and walk down the hall to the breakfast room. The selection, eggs and sausage, fruit cups, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, muffins, and bagels. Orange juice and coffee are in cups on the table. This food is now refueling my muscles. On the way out I grab some bagels for the road. On average, it is ninety kilometers between places to restock. I am now set for the day.
It is 9 a.m. and I am outside straddling the bike. The air is still holding mist and the road is damp. I begin the ride, the shoulder disappears and a passing semi blows road spray on my bare leg. It feels cold and soon dries as my legs turn propelling me on my way. There are hills but I climb them in the big ring. Up until now I have had to drop into the granny to climb.
The day stays overcast blocking the sun’s heat. This is also a relief. The sixty-one kilometers is passing quickly. I notice that my legs feel right again. They are tired with plenty of pop. This is how they should feel on a loaded tour.
I get to the sign for the campground on White Lake. Turning off the Trans-Canada onto a small park road feels good, I’m almost to the end and it’s early in the afternoon. But wait I still have one more hill to climb. I get to the entrance gate and check in. Then I find that missing hill. A long steep climb! The road levels and I arrive at Nancy’s site. Moe wakes and notices me, I am greeted by a hopping bouncy pup, all smiles and full of licks.
Nancy makes us sandwiches. Then we walk to the beach. We find a ball on the shore, Moe now has a souvenir and the amazing thing, this dog does not like water or to be anywhere near it. But, he will go into the water to retrieve this ball!
I am now relaxing into the cool evening air.