Kenora to Sioux Narrows
On our bicycles by 8:15 with raingear at the ready. Overcast skies were only a minor part of our problem. The 'incredibly strong' S0UTH EAST winds were our major concern. And guess what direction we were riding...of course south east!!! Hwy 71 is a narrow winding road with lots of short climbs and very limited shoulders. However, the good news is that the only traffic we encountered was pickup trucks pulling boats. This is fishing territory and it was quite obvious. With the hills and the 30 to 40 km winds every kilometre was a tough one. We had a little bit of rain thrown in to 'add insult to injury'!
This part of Northwestern Ontario is quite scenic with rock outcroppings and numerous small lakes. Some of these lakes actually appear like they are untouched by us and our need for cottage life.
We are camping in Sioux Narrows Provincial Park just north of Sioux Narrows. This is the first 'taste' we have had of Ontario Parks and their 'expensive' camping fees. $30 here and $13.65 in Manitoba for the exact same services. Add another $8 if you reserve your campsite in advance. And these rates will probably go up when we have the HST starting in a couple of weeks! Motel rooms across the west were not a whole lot more expensive! Enough about that, it is a nice little park and our site is protected from the gusting winds.
Daily Distance = 73.26 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 16 minutes. Average Speed = a tough 13.84 km. Maximum Speed = 46.69 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chipmunk, Great Blue Herons, Loons (and I do not mean another Cross Canada cyclist)!
Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.
