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May 30, 2005
Farewell Nova Scotia
Yup, we made it to the ferry with lots of time to kill and guess what.
You probably guessed. The ferry was cancelled until later that afternoon. There shoots a day riding. Awe well, at the weather is turning for the better.
We met people on the ferry from Calgary who also came to ride but wound up renting a van. Smart. They said it was too cold and they couldn't see a thing so they were cutting their trip short. Sandy and Glen we will give you a call when we get close to Calgary. Thanks for buying us lunch. Hope you got a few good ks in before you headed back.
Just sitting in a cafe in Charlottetown. A smaller version of Joe Reads for all you Courtenay people.
Oh, yes, I need to tell you about breakfast. We stopped at Busters Diner on the Trans Canada and I was so excited!!! I had multigrain toast and she had real cheddar! Did I tell you I have been dreaming about broccoli. Opps, back to the story. The lady serving us asked if we were collecting donations and then gave us a donation. I was mostly grateful, selfish me, for the bread as we have only been seeing mostly white spongy stuff, which if any of you that know me know that is not cool. Thanks Julie.
We are seeing a play about Patsy Cline tonight, and tomorrow it is the infamous Lobster Dinner.
Loving this Sunshine, Stay tuned , :^) Maxine XOX
Posted by Dave at 12:24 PM | Comments ()
Change of plans
We decided with the weather being as bad as it has been, we would find another time to do the Cabot Trail and see the Bay of Funday in better weather. It was so rainy and foggy we wouldn't have seen a thing. So we are headed toward the PEI ferry.
Of course we stop to eat, again, and we stopped at a place called Jungle Jim's. Andrew, they are opening a place in West Ed Mall. Anyway, when Dave paid the bill they presented him with a $30 gift certificate for our next dinner at one of their chains. WOW. I am sometimes overwhelmed at how people offer themselves up. It gives you faith in the human nature. Stop watching the news and go out and seek positive experiences!!! They are out there!
That night made it to a B&B at dusk. They were babysitting their twin grandsons and the boys were so sweet. We will later put their picture up so you can see these two aspiring cyclists. Then off to the ferry!
Don't change this channel, back after a short break.
Posted by Dave at 12:04 PM | Comments ()
May 25, 2005
Newfoundland Farewell!
Here we are just after midnight on the M.V. Leif Ericson that has just set sail from Port Aux Basques for Nova Scotia!
We are tired and ready to catch some sleep before hitting those pedals again when we dock at 7:30am! So for now, here are some quick stats for the Newfoundland leg of our adventure:
Kilometers cycled: 997
Total cumulative feet elevation gained: 24,388
Average Kms per cycling day: 67
Average cumulative height gained each cycling day: 490 metres
Longest day's ride: 99.21 kms
Most height gained in one day: 1,050 metres
Off to sleep now (on a bunk bed) - more later
Posted by Dave at 08:09 PM | Comments ()
Last Day in Newfoundland
Another warm and friendly B&B Newfoundland welcome!
A tiring, but dry day - head winds as usual! Found Granada House B&B in Coal Brook 60 kms north of Port Aux Basque. It is owned by Marcel and Julianne and well worth a stay. Easy day's ride on a biuke from Port Aux Basque, and even easier by car - no need to overnight in the port town! Thanks Marcel and Julianne!
Posted by Dave at 08:40 AM | Comments ()
May 23, 2005
A Lovely Family
Today we arrived at Corner Brook and we were welcomed into the home of Reg and Pam. They have two of the sweetest little tots.
We had met them in a restaurant on the road a week ago and they offered up their house as a place to stay. They are quite amazing and we were given the treat of our first home cooked meal since we have been on the road. There was an awesome steak dinner (right up Dave's alley) a variety of salads(which I have missed dearly). We hope we can return the favor one day. Thank you so much for a wonderful day Pam and Reg.
The little tyke's name is Noah and he is almost 5. He was thrilled to see a butterfly up here on Captain Cook's lookout.
Posted by Dave at 05:45 PM | Comments ()
May 22, 2005
Geocaching
Today we went Geocaching on Marble Mountain. For those of you who are not sure what that is, it's a grown up version of treasure hunting. You need a GPS and you need to log onto a computer and find out the coordinates of where a cache is near you and then you head out to find it. Sometimes it takes you crashing through a bush or walking in a stream or they may be in the middle of a city. When you find it you write your name in a book to say you have been there and put some little thing in for everyone to look at. You may also fine a Travel Bug looking to go somewhere so you take him out of the box (usually a tupperware container) and you take him to another Geo site. We left one here to make his way around the world.
His name is Solid. Solid Asa Rock.
This is a picture of him leaving home. See you when you get home Solid!
For more info on this fun stuff go to www.geocaching.com
Posted by Dave at 05:36 PM | Comments ()
May 21, 2005
B&B's
We were riding into town looking for a B&B to stay at and we discovered this one. Looked interesting and clean but when we inquired there was no one home..... We had to take a picture of this one!
The sign on top reads "For Rent"! Anyone know what this is?
Posted by Dave at 05:31 PM | Comments ()
May 20, 2005
The Menus
Right, funny title for a blog. This will give you an idea how small the towns are. How little business the local restaurants get.
We go in for breakfast and I ask for brown toast. There is no brown bread. No biggy, I have white toast. Tastes a bit old but still....
We go back at lunch and Dave orders a sanwich only to be told, "sorry there is no bread"!! We had it for breakfast and used it up!!
Next day we go and ask for sausages with our breakfast. Of course there were none. We are getting smarter and I think you have to go with todays special in order to be sure they have it whether it is on the menu or not. Quite fun really.
Ther ewas a nice place in Badger called Mom's and she made us some real thick raost beef sandwiches for lunch. We had these on the side of the road and ate in record time because it was dam cold!!
Lucky we didn't have far to go and it looks like here in South Brook they have huge portions at the local diner. Dave is thrilled and I am happy to see a piano and guitar in the corner that we may get to hear played tonight. I'll bet it will be country!! We take what we can get. I am missing my music.
Richie, you aren't the only one who appreciated my car stereo. Hi, to Nancy!! Nice of you to follow us along I will tell you know, things are different here. We think we are laid back on Vancouver Island. Well let me tell you there are some places here to take lessons from!!!
Len and Judy, give Willow and Sasha a hug for us. Tell them we visited a puppy who was the size of me and just about knocked me over!! Hope the girls are being good.
Andrew, thanks son for printing poster and putting them up. Could you send some to James and have him take one to my work. They are sweet and are following us. Can't wait to see you when we get there!!
Any one know of a place to stay in Nova Scotia?
Peace and all that stuff, Maxine ;^)
Posted by Dave at 11:06 AM | Comments ()
May 19, 2005
Thanks to Comfort Inn
After a cold and wet day's cycling we arrived in Gander to another warm and friendly welcome! Thanks Karen for a great stay, and as we are doing this for charity, many thanks for your discount!
Any of you folks heading this way, please support the Comfort Inn in Gander - they have supported our cause!!
Posted by Dave at 10:21 AM | Comments ()
13 degrees, maybe
It's supposed to go up to 13 today so we will have a warmer ride. I say maybe because I have heard that before.
James, you know that Sun Dance you were going to do for us? We it is a bit of a slacker so if you could get some people together and kick it up a notch that would be great!!!
Queen Jean, we were honoured to have had a comment from you and your royal other half.
By the way, that trick about using the shower caps from hotel rooms over your helmet to keep your head dry? Well if I remember right I laughed at the idea but it works. Keeps your head warmer as well. Thanks for the regal tip. We have gone through a couple each already.
Hope you are training for our ride in September!
Well, off we go, our trusty steeds await us and I don't know when we will be able to log in again.
Sandwickians, hope all is well. I am in another school in Badger NL using their internet. It is a neat project for Communtiy Access.
Peace and warm thoughts, Maxine
Posted by Dave at 10:21 AM | Comments ()
May 18, 2005
Were we prepared?
Were we prepared for this weather. -1 wind chill and freezing cold rain with winds of gusting about 60 k an hour. Well we were prepared in as much as we thought we could just buy what we needed as we went along.....wrong! First off most places were much smaller than we thought. So this makes for very limited shopping. Then of course it's Spring here (huh?), and so why would you need water proof or very warm clothes.
I found a pair of gloves at Canadian Tire ( hope they like the plug) in St. Johns in the kids bike department. They are OK at best.
Poor Dave has tried a variety of ways of trying to keep his hands from freezing. He bought a pair of work gloves but they just got wet. The Copper Kettle place we went for lunch a couple days ago was very kind as they gave him another pair of work gloves and gave us both a pair of thin rubber gloves. I put mine over the bike gloves and it seemed to keep out the cold better. We are hoping for warmer weather.
Some things are just wierd. While having lunch a the Copper Kettle that day we were given a donation from a lady who works for the Lung Association in NL. She will hopfully get us a plug or two along the way so people will be watching for us on the road.
Our picture was put in the Sunday Telegram newspaper so that is probably why we are getting some support. Honking horns and waves.
We met a couple in a restaurant in Port Blanford who have offered us a place to stay when we get to Cornerbrook. How kind. We wound up getting almost a $100 that day in donations, 5 here and 20 there.
All kinds of support. 500 k down, 9500 to go :') smiles Maxine
Posted by Dave at 09:35 AM | Comments ()
Thanks to our Bloggers!
As we cycle through Newfoundland in driving rain, wet and cold, the thought of all our supporters out there sending Blog messages really keeps us going!
We have had Blog messages of support from all over - Canada, England, South Africa, Channel Islands, Turkey, USA and Siberia.
Keep them coming, and please send us some sunshine!
Posted by Dave at 09:20 AM | Comments ()
May 15, 2005
Lilac House
After a full day of cycling against a cold head wind and rain, we arrived at Glovertown to a very warm and friendly greeting at Lilac House.
Linda and Doug were very generous, and after paying for the stay, they gave us the money back as a donation to the Lung Association".
To all those who are following us, or know somebody heading this way, please return the goodwill by staying at their B&B. Exit 25 off the TCH and 3kms into town.
Thanks again Linda and Doug!
(And for the $4 on the road from their daughter!)
Posted by Dave at 03:29 PM | Comments ()
May 13, 2005
Our first set of photos
Here we are at Mile Zero - the start of our journey. What better inspiration than the efforts of Terry Fox! Note the typical St John's foggy day!
Our first moose sighting at Goobies!
Yes - it really is snowing, and I am out riding my bike with no rear brakes!
Posted by Dave at 11:41 AM | Comments ()
Newfoundland Surprises
One of the main reasons for choosing to ride east to west was to avoid facing the Rockies within a few weks of starting out. Well, did Newfoundland have a surprise for us!!
Our first real day of riding involved leaving the Terry Fox Memorial in St John's midday at TCH Mile zero, and beginning our ride west. By the time we got to Conception Bay South in the late afternoon, we had covered 39kms, BUT had also done a cumulative climb of 1,211 feet (Highest point was 711 feet)!! Next day was even worse - 94 kms BUT with a total cumulative elevation of 2,713 feet!! I don't think we will be climbing that much per day even in the Rockies - and all this immediately after getting off the plane! Yesterday was a bit better - "only" climbed 2,008 feet!
If you read Maxine's Blog below, what she forgot to mention was that while she was busy blogging and watching that snowfall from the window, I was out riding in it!! (I was looking for a bike shop to get even more repairs thanks to Toronto and St John's Airport Baggage Handlers!) Cycling in snow was not in our plan - ah well, an urgent visit to a sports shop and I have yet another tuque to add to the collection when I get home! No other cyclists in sight - wonder why?
A piece of advice to other cyclists heading this way - when a Newfoundlander tells you the weather "will be nice today", he means something quite different to the Vancouver Island version of "nice" weather!!!
PS It is still snowing!!
Posted by Dave at 10:33 AM | Comments ()
Some Rays of Sunshine
There were so many nice things that have happened. The people are very friendly and helpful. They and the trees are alike, of good stock, able to survive the biting cold.
We left the camp site, Pippy's Park, and we were on the way to fix my bike and we were stopped by a photographer from the paper and wanted to take our picture for a photo collage of people doing things in St. John's. Not a lot of cyclists here.
We found Bill's Bikes who fixed our bikes at a very reasonable rate and they were super! Then off we went to Conception Bay. We wonder why they call it that. ;) We stayed at a wonderful B&B and crashed from 6:30 till morning. No more frazzle. A hardy breakfast and good company with a few fishing stories and we rode to Chances Cove.
We stayed at beautiful Belle Vue Campsite. Yes, it was closed but the owner was working on it so he was very sweet and let us stay the night. We had an out house and running cold water. After riding 90 or so K it was a wonderful. Pasta for dinner and a hot campfire and we were very happy with the days events.
Up early and off to Clarenville where again the service was helpful and the stay was at St.Jude Hotel. Dave's brakes need fixing and the bikes shop does not open until 11. Go figure!! There isn't a lot of places to stop that are a good distance so we decided we would stay another night and make a good day of it tomorrow.
The rain is pouring down and it is about 2 degrees outside, so I think we will be riding in the rain. I just looked outside, it's snowing!!:(
For all you people out there that are thinking NL looks flat on the map, you are soooo wrong the hills are long and the grade may be gradual but it never quits. We will be in fine shape before long. Oh, yeah, and they don't have pot holes on the shoulders, they have crevices. The saving graces are the friendliness of the people.
Dave will blog our stats of altitude later for all you stat junkies out there.
Richie at Sandwick, we took a picture of the General Hospital, the only one we saw. Hope it's the right one.
Peace and Think Warm. Maxine and Dave
Posted by Dave at 06:24 AM | Comments ()
May 12, 2005
Recipe for Frazzled Cyclists
We arrived and all seemed well and we were off to see ST. John's and then leave town.
Recipe
Work your buns off at home before a long trip.
Don't sleep the night before you leave because of excitement.
Get up at 4 am to get to the airport. (no sleep on the plane)
Arrive at 12 midnight and and guess how much you sleep!
Get up and ready to go and realise the bikes are not right and are bent in several places.
Call in for a night at the campsite. (Campsite is closed but we stayed anyways)
Freeze because it is bloody cold. No sleep!
Get the bikes fixed and have a late start in pea fog and rain!
This left us a bit frazzled but our spirits were high!
Can't wait for summer though!
peace and restfull nights, Maxine
Posted by Dave at 06:09 AM | Comments ()
May 09, 2005
We are off
We are off and riding. Today's visit and riding won't be a lot.
Camping tonight in St.John's to have a quick peek at the town and then off tomorrow down the highway (up really) to the next place to rest our heads (buts really). The weather is suppose to clear for the next two days so we will see how well we do.
Thank you Corri for getting up at 4 am to drive us to the airport and seeing us off. Was good to see you and James before we left. Andrew, email the email I sent you as this computer won't let me cc things.
Len and Judy, so glad our puppies are fine. Remember Sasha is not suppose to run for the ball if she has to make a fast stop. Through it into the bush. Glad the cheese was a good source of comfort food.
I know I am not suppose to worry about home things now!!!!
Sally, say hello to Shanna and let her know we are thinking of her. Hope all is well. Pet our fat cat for us.
To all of you, Thanks for your support.
See all you Valley people in September, or sooner if we are fast on the prairies and the wind is behind us.
peace, Maxine and Dave
Posted by Dave at 09:20 AM | Comments ()
May 05, 2005
Thanks to all
Only two days to go, and we are on our way! Before we leave, we want to say a big "thank you" to all our friends, family and businesses that have been so generous in their support.
A special thanks to all the following local and Island businesses that have given a donation to us in support of the Lung Association: RBC Dominion Securites, Boston Pizza, Experience Cycling of Duncan, Windsor Plywood, Scotiabank, Roots Hair Salon, Riverside Nissan, Duncan Hill Travel, The Third Edition in Mill Bay, The Wine Cottage, Comox Physiotherapy Clinic, Comox Video Too Enterprises and Dr Colleen Clancy - Dentist.
We ask all our supporters that if possible, they support these businesses who have helped us raise funds for the Lung Association.
For everyone reading this who may not have donated, you can still do this via our "Donate for Dave/Maxine" links on the Home Page - that opportunity will be open all the time we are riding!
If you have already donated, follow the "Donate for .." links again, and you will see your name on the Lung Association "Roll of Honour".
Thanks again to all of you from Maxine and Dave
Posted by Dave at 11:39 AM | Comments ()