Stittsville to Orleans
We were treated to a two part dinner last night. We had barbecued salmon at 5:30 followed by steak at 9:30. It was certainly our own fault if anyone went to bed hungry and as you can imagine no-one did! By 7:30 am we were 'fuelling up' again with bacon and pancakes (with 'real' maple syrup), muffins and coffee. Thanks again to Lori and Lionel. Our stay at your B+B was greatly appreciated. (And the dinner was not bad either)! And thanks Simon for letting me be part of your 'batting' practice last night. It was fun!
We were off by 8:30 with 'muffins' in our bags for treats on the road. Ottawa is such a dream for cyclists. We jumped on the Trans Canada Trail in Stittsville (after some minor trouble finding it...all our own fault) and rode a combination of old rail trail (hard packed gravel) and paved bike trail all the way to the Rideau Canal beside the Parliament Buildings. What a pleasure to not have to ride with traffic.
Upon arriving at the canal we were able to watch boats being lowered through the lock system. Everything was 'manually' operated to let the water through and to open the 'gates'.
A quick picture taking session at Parliament Hill and a chat with a fellow Cross Canada Cyclist going west to east but much quicker than us as he had left from Victoria one month 'after' us. Oh to be young!
So now we are 'three' again. Sadly, Patrik and Taryn had to leave us today to return home. Thanks guys for being a part of our adventure. We had fun and I hope you did too!
We left the downtown of Ottawa by way of Sussex Drive passing many of the foreign embassies along the way. Yes, Eric got to see the Prime Minister's Residence! We then got onto the bike path and rode all the way to Orleans. While stopped and looking at our maps and obviously looking 'lost', we had two cyclists stop to ask if we needed help. While talking they asked us where we were staying tonight and we said that we were not sure. We were promptly offered one of their homes for the night. Thank you Maura for opening your house to 'total strangers'. Your hospitality is amazing!
Daily Distance = 54.54 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 27 minutes. Average Speed = 15.76 km. Maximum Speed = 36.08 km. Wildlife Sightings = Groundhogs, Cardinal, Mallard, Black Ducks, Canada Geese, Coopers Hawk.
Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1, Taryn = 0, Patrik = 0.
P.S. Tomorrow we will finally leave Ontario!!!
