day 23

Hello from the ferry to Tobermory. Boarded today at 1555 exactly on time and smoothly away from the dock.The weather man predicted thunder storm and morning rains. Our concern was a 147 km bike ride through some good hills and a sailing time that was fixed. However, an early start and good effort brought us from Massey to Esponola by 0630. We were very impressed with the town. It looked clean and properous and even more so in comparison to other communities recently visited. Mind you gliding through at 28 kph doesn't give much time to confirm initial impressons. Given that the wind was freshening, the skies were omnious and the forecast was wet, wet and wetter, there was no stopping. The hammer was down and we puffed on. At this point the climbing gets more interesting, but tame compared to days ago. Gary served us a good breakfast in Little Current, and Tom and I shared lies with a fellow cleaning his motorcycle. No luck in getting him to clean our bikes. Full of eggs toast and hash browns we attacked the hills and moved along Manitoulin Island, the largest island in the world surrounded by fresh water.Visitors are the largest resource and we are made to feel comfortable. Looks a gret place to spend some summer, soak up sun and fluids of your choice.
We arrived at South Baymouth by 1230, 2.5 hours prior to check in time, time to relax and eat and chores, including changing my last flat. Jenny took charge of shopping. Valerie is not here to lead the way but Jenny struggles on bravely. Easy for Tom and I, no room in the van for whatever is being contemplated.
The remote parts of the journey are completed, phone and internet communication well be better alowing us to catch up with famiy and friends. We spoke with Chris and he will get some equipment ready for us as we will be underway early on Monday. Four weeks living frm the van, complete with bicycle grease and snacks . At times we forget which is which and eat the grease. Peanut butter works well on bicycle chains. The gleaming clean Opus Crescendo, and Specialized Roubaix are complaining about being ridden hard and put away wet and cold. Road construction leads to mud and fresh tar and water and bugs and sweat, and gater aid and chocolate cookies make it impossible for a bike to look its best. In fact the bikes were overheard saying that if the clowns don't clean up their act there would be no more free ride. It seems that the bikes are doing the work and that is ok with us. Why do they care that our attire looks a little worn, doesn't everyong have a brown streak up there back from knees to scalp. Red power drinks provide a little color to our shorts and even the cleats on our shoes are rebelling at the mud,
Todays ride was 140 km, in 6 hours, with average speed of 24.8 kph. Maximum was 54 kph. The pavement was torture on the derrier, but the traffic was light. We saw more police today than all our other days combined. Another steady diet of wind and even Tom is starting to question what he did to deserve this extra fun. We read about others pushed along at 35-40 kph by a westerly while we challenge the wind from the Maritimes. Rain started after our arrival and now for the first time we are getting something for free as we sail to Tobermory.
Karyn is concerned about diet, no need. Many stores have grandpa cookies, double fudge chocolate cookies is ideal fuel for this engine. Caution though, Tom has evolved beyong that diet and needs a belt. He is struggling to maintAIN HIS DIET, FINISHED FOR KNOW AS WE ARE LANDING.