A spectacular thunder storm after breakfast and we were off, with blue skies for the rest of the day. This area is the transition land between Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario, getting really warm and more populated. Interesting to note how different people and different communities handle the opportunities for change that the transition brings.
Some people try to make their name by going big...and they are the ones who built the biggest chair in the world. Evan liked that chair.
Others have decided that it is best to be blissfully unaware of the controversies brought by change. That seemed to be Shane's approach today.
Leah and Evan are usually early adopters - drivers of the change process, but there is one tradition which is just too deeply rooted to ever change- and that is the drive to indulge in French fries.
The crazy folks driving the trucks on the Trans Canada seemed to think that speed was the best approach todos the transition to Southern Ontario, and there sure are a lot of them. It is truly a bit weird to be back in the world of manufactured landscapes and people racing to get to the next place. We don't like the Trans Canada.......
My favorite part of the day was our lunch spot at Thessalon, a lovely little town with a nice sandy beach on Lake Huron and a few stores, a big slow moving river and friendly people. They looked happy and the town just looked healthy. No need to try to develop or build a mall, their approach to change is to true to themselves in a quiet way. I liked that.
But change is good too, and it is neat to talk to people who make change happen - like the interesting owner of the bike shop in Sault St Marie who was part of a big coalition advocating for bike paths in the city. Thanks to a lot of work and good timing in terms of infrastructure money, they will soon have a path that rings the city and they are working on one that goes to Sudbury. What an inspiration his energy was. When you travel you can really appreciate how ideas spread with people passing through and sharing experiences.
In the end it is a bit odd making the transition to civilization again. I still prefer the wild untouched areas where we don't need to correct the problems caused by humans yet. Am feeling so comfortable on my bike some days I'd like to just ride forever. What a luxury to be able to be doing this!
Distance: 125.79 km
Time in bikes: 6:07:31
Average speed: 21.1 km/h
Distance from Vancouver: 4437 km
Start: 10:45 am
End: 7:15 pm
Wind: West (medium-tail)
Conditions: sun and thunder showers
Cheers
- The Warpotay Team
Location:Blind River, Ontario
I love the big stuff too Evan. Or the weird stuff like the UFO landing pad in Alberta. That is a very big chair!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed! I still have to figure out the Canadian passion for being BIG(including some of its people ;))
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've all had some gorgeous spots along the water and in the woods :)
InSPIRE's been great so far! The monsoons have finally arrived. We celebrated with all 13 of us jumping out and dancing in the street so the rain gods should be suitably pleased. And your sunny weather continue..