Day 22, N Shore Lake Huron

Day 22 started at 0345 and we wre underway from Heyden, 15 km north of the Soo. It was not a great start in a driving rain with a brisk easterly blowing. These conditions continued for 4 hours, then showers for 3 hours and gusts of wind that had no difficulty stopping me completely. Later in afternoon temp rose to 17 and only a bit of spitting and the old wind back gave it a rest for 2 hours.
Needless to say we were soaked and despite changing remained wet all day. While working we were warm but stop and rest and listen to the teeth chatter.
This is the poorest stretch of #17 that we have used. The lanes are narrower and a pa eat at the eat at the Dragonflyved shoulder is rare and usually 30 cm wide. The pavement is failing and these folks need a strong local politian. All of this means that the busy highway is a dangerous place to cycle. Here for really the first time we encountered quite a few drivers who would not give us a break. They refused to slow even to the speed limit, they refused to move over in the lane or even to the oncoming lane, whether or not there was oncoming traffic. Until today I was feeling very safe with the care and respect we received especially from truckers. However today has again convinced me that cyclist should drive facing the oncoming traffic. We are more likely to be motivated to get out of the way than any driver. Despite the noise of a truck, quite often they can sneak up behind you before you are aware. I plan to do some research on accidents and see if this would indeed make a difference. Then it could be presented as a public health matter.
The day was 9.5 hours, covering 232 km with an average speed of 24.6 kph. Given the conditions we are very pleased.
If you are ever in Massey eat at the Dragonfly Restorante, I know with that name what can be good, Everything on the menu is exceptional, this from a hydro crew working and eating here and what we sampled was good, but desserts were best ever, anywhere. Also don't miss the washrooms, the decor is worth severa pictures.
The North Shore isn't as spectacular as Lake Superior, and the road doesn't offer as many vistas and with the conditions we kept focused. Tomorrow we have our last of 7 days on #17 and will be happy to sat goodbye to the heavy traffic. There are few signs of properity through this part of the province.
Even on a little holiday like this the bit of planning has paid dividens. Extra tires, tubes, chains, helmets, wheels and firstaid supplies have been useful,We have all the tools andTom is good at using them.
Today has been one of those days when you work hard for hours and have ittle to show for it. The ground was covered and that seemed to consume all our thoughts and energy. No opportunity to visit much with people nor to explore the life in this area. Better luck tomorow. Rain promised, thunder showers etc but only 147 km to the ferry to Tobermory.Hopefuly the rain gear will be at least partialy dry for the first few minutes. We are very pleased we are not camping in tents these nights, those poor devis are soaked da and night and this month never seem to get dry. Motels through here are in range of 40-70 dollars a night, and they wil negotiate. Valerie gave us a lesson in what to say before she left. Jenny is doing well ans is very patient. 900 page books last about 2 days and she has lots. All is well i n this world, hopefuly in yours also. RRM