Dorion to Nipigon
Three things took place today to justify the title. Firstly, we were able to have our breakfast, pack our tent, and pack our gear before the skies opened up and turned today into a very wet adventure. Secondly, today was a scheduled short day. Thirdly, the town of Nipigon has an 'over abundance' of Motel rooms so we are drying out...again!!!
To describe today's ride as 'soggy' would be an understatement. About 10 minutes into our ride the predicted rain caught up to us and was relentless. And to make it more unpleasant, it hit a high of only 10 degrees today! For the most part the shoulder was rideable and then one of the things we are beginning to fear took place. Eleven km of road construction. Today's construction threw a new twist at us. The highway had been 'ground down' removing the top layer of asphalt, and leaving a 'grooved surface', at least that is what the sign called it, that vibrated every bone in our bodies. I have some other 'names' that I would call this road, but I will refrain from using them! Add the heavy rain to this and lots of trucks spraying us and we are 'drowned rats'.
We are staying at the Northland Motel on the Hwy 11/17 strip. A 'walk in the rain' showed us that Nipigon is a town that has had its 'better days'. It was originally a Hudson Bay Trading Post based on the Nipigon River and then thrived through the Steamboat era. When the railway came to town the community turned from the river to the rail line. Today, Nipigon is based on the highway above the town. Main street is almost empty and the 'glory days' of the railway are gone. There is still a rail line but it is just for freight and does not stop. We suspect that the economy is based on tourism as 'brook trout fishing' is advertised everywhere.
Daily Distance = 38.93 km. Time on the bikes = 2 hours 53 minutes. Average Speed = 13.19 km. Maximum Speed = 33.92 km. Wildlife Sightings = Finally a 'Moose' in Northern Ontario.
Kevin=3 Sue = 0.
P.S. A correction to another day's ramblings...Highway 11 will not be our 'constant companion' as I originally stated. After Nipigon Hwy 11 goes north. We will be continuing on Hwy 17.
