Neys Provincial Park to White Lake Provincial Park
Since my 'built in' alarm clock failed this morning we were late getting started, leaving the campsite at 8:25. Neys Provincial Park is quite a nice campground with sites right on the beach of Lake Superior....but, but, but....not set up for cyclists as the campground is located 5 km. off the highway so a climb of 3 km. was required to get back up to Hwy 17. That was just the beginning. The 30 km. to Marathon was a marathon. We faced some of the most gruelling kilometres of the whole trip. Hill after hill had to be climbed so that by Marathon we were beginning to doubt the reality of our destination as we had another 55 to 60 km. to go. But, as per usual on this trip, when you start to 'feel defeated' the terrain flattens somewhat and the rest of the day is doable.
We are camping in White Lake Provincial Park, another beautiful park, but also bicycle 'unfriendly' as it, like Neys, is 4 kilometres off the highway again making for a tough start to tomorrow's ride. No wonder 'cross Canada cyclists' do not stay in Provincial Parks! That and the cost. To add insult to injury the park has a 'boil water' order that no one seems to want to tell people about. I guess it is a 'dirty little secret' that the provincial government is unwilling to spend the money to provide 'good water' and yet will still charge $30 for a piece of dirt!!!
Daily distance=92.59 km. Time on the bikes=6 hours 27 minutes. Average speed=14.32 km. Maximum speed=57.21 km. Wildlife sightings= chipmunk, red squirrel, red-tailed hawk, cedar waxwing, osprey, kingfisher, grouse with her babies.
Kevin=3 Sue=0.
P.S. We passed the 4000 km. mark for our trip today and it is 4000 km. I would not give back for the world!
