tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11890666749815464652024-03-12T18:40:41.712-07:00Travel Ontario by MotorcycleLakes, falls and fabulous rivers make the scenery in Ontario stunning.Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-25245998885485001582011-09-17T11:33:00.000-07:002014-01-23T07:35:13.315-08:00Thunder Bay to Winnipeg, the senic route<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
left Thunder Bay nice and early. I wanted to get in to Winnipeg at a decent time but I also wanted to see something different too.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> I wanted to ride a
different road than Highway 17.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
weather was beautiful and I had decided I was going to get to my destination
via Mom’s Choice Highway
– Highway 11. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">What
a beautiful road! I took some video which later on this fall I will begin to
edit and post here as well as on BDB TV and on the Great Canadian Day Rides Web Site.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
was glad that I had decided to take Highway 11 after I encountered a driver
from Manitoba
who decided the speed in a construction zone was not to his liking. I wanted
out of the rat race – that’s for sure!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
MOM’s Highway is named so because it links Manitoba,
Ontario and Minnesota. It also has the distinction of
being part of Younge Street
in Toronto and
its claim to fame is that it is the longest street in the world! The highway
starts on Younge, goes north through North Bay, up through New Liskeard, down
to Thunder Bay and over to Fort Francis.
From Fort Francis you can either dip down into International Falls and on to
Winnipeg or you can turn north again and head up highway 71 to Kenora…guess
which route I took!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
stopped in at Atikokan; the name drew me off the highway into the town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
name in Ojibwe means Cariboo. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
took some video of this little town. It has a huge recreational area and is
known as the Canoe Capital of Canada. After a ride through town it was back out
to the highway to continue my journey.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
stopped at some road side turn outs to take in the view, and had lunch in Fort Frances. Cameras rolling, I headed to Nestor Falls. Highway 71, like highway 11 had little
traffic on it which made riding so pleasurable.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 176px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 304px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncirix_WAZg/TnTknSTT_fI/AAAAAAAADxg/_dN5nz5LbzU/s1600/Rest+stop+on+Hwy+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="headed to Nestor Falls" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncirix_WAZg/TnTknSTT_fI/AAAAAAAADxg/_dN5nz5LbzU/s200/Rest+stop+on+Hwy+11.JPG" height="150" title="headed to Nestor Falls" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41exJbQjgeA/TnTlJX02qTI/AAAAAAAADxo/QXhXIGPJvmc/s1600/Nestor+Falls+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41exJbQjgeA/TnTlJX02qTI/AAAAAAAADxo/QXhXIGPJvmc/s200/Nestor+Falls+%25284%2529.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
road is windy, not twisty, but so pretty.
As you get close to Nestor
Falls, the lakes become
more frequent and the scenery becomes amazing. I got off the bike at Nestor Falls
and walked down to the river to go see them. They are small but lovely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">There
is a nice picnic area where you can eat lunch or a snack and just sit in
relative peace.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYph_7u9xDY/TnTk_bH13YI/AAAAAAAADxk/2_vRVmjsddQ/s1600/Nestor+Falls+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nestor Falls" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYph_7u9xDY/TnTk_bH13YI/AAAAAAAADxk/2_vRVmjsddQ/s200/Nestor+Falls+%25282%2529.JPG" height="149" title="Nestor Falls" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nestor Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> Nestor</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> Falls
is located on the eastern shore of Lake of the Woods on Sabaskong Bay
and is a popular place for fishing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
rest of the ride to Kenora was peaceful, serene and a delight for the senses.
As I said, the lakes, the hills and curves make for a soul reviving ride. I
passed by Rushing
River thinking to myself,
one day soon I want to come back here.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">After
a brief fuel stop it was off to Winnipeg. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-41695137058046919272011-09-17T11:15:00.000-07:002014-01-23T07:27:58.751-08:00Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMHquW5VFAY/TnTjMGMV_kI/AAAAAAAADxY/X8KIjXjCPA4/s1600/Water+front+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="water front in Sault Ste Marie" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMHquW5VFAY/TnTjMGMV_kI/AAAAAAAADxY/X8KIjXjCPA4/s200/Water+front+3.JPG" height="150" title="water front in Sault Ste Marie" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water front in Sault Ste Marie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">I never get tired of the water front in Sault Ste Marie, and even though this was a day of steady riding, I still took some time to go for a walk.</span></span></i></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwHFdC75Orc/TnTjNM-zE7I/AAAAAAAADxc/K-jOPy_ag8s/s1600/Water+front+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwHFdC75Orc/TnTjNM-zE7I/AAAAAAAADxc/K-jOPy_ag8s/s320/Water+front+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">As
I left the Soo it was sunny and warm but 120 Kms later the story would
change. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I made it to the Agawa Indian
Crafts Store just in the nick of time to miss a huge deluge of rain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I took shelter in the store and had a coffee
while I waited things out. I wasn’t alone either, pretty much every bike that
was on the highway pulled in – you could not see 5 feet in front of you it was
raining that hard!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We
all got a kick out of reading the tee shirts in this place. They are freaking
hilarious. They have a good selection of biker gear too and I took advantage
and bought some boot covers – mine wore out and plastic bags suck!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">After
a two hour wait the rain settled down to a drizzle. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">All bundled up in my Froggs
Toggs and new boot covers I had no fear of getting wet. It amazes me how many
riders here in the east know about Froggs Toggs and what great gear they are
and yet very few in the west seem to have any knowledge of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I will have to
do a review on these before too much longer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
pulled in to the NorWester Best Western just in time for supper. Vi and Dave
met me and we ate at the hotel. The meal was awesome as was our waitress!</span></i></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 185px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 312px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwoKRN0P0yQ/TnT7FV2REzI/AAAAAAAADxw/1LAgPlTo8ho/s1600/SAM_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwoKRN0P0yQ/TnT7FV2REzI/AAAAAAAADxw/1LAgPlTo8ho/s200/SAM_0222.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 183px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 212px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ia1xom37moo/TnT7SaAI8qI/AAAAAAAADx4/kYZ-XwVhpYI/s1600/Restaurant+%2526+Pub+area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ia1xom37moo/TnT7SaAI8qI/AAAAAAAADx4/kYZ-XwVhpYI/s200/Restaurant+%2526+Pub+area.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">After
our meal, we visited for a bit more and then it was time for good byes…I hate
that part. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">It will be a while before I get to see these wonderful folks again!</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xygaZM7EtH8/TnT7dmZrv6I/AAAAAAAADx8/EQHvi2M-OHw/s1600/Hotel+Lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nor'Wester" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xygaZM7EtH8/TnT7dmZrv6I/AAAAAAAADx8/EQHvi2M-OHw/s200/Hotel+Lobby.JPG" height="150" title="Nor'Wester" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Nor'Wester</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
Nor'Wester Best Western offers a lot of amenities. You can host a
wedding, a private party, a training session or a rally here. They
have a pool, hot tub and sauna and are in a great location</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgEKjbNHrgE/TnT8j7Zuf_I/AAAAAAAADyA/_9kOXFnAgR4/s1600/King+Bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="BEST WESTERN PLUS Nor'Wester Hotel " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgEKjbNHrgE/TnT8j7Zuf_I/AAAAAAAADyA/_9kOXFnAgR4/s200/King+Bed.JPG" height="150" title="BEST WESTERN PLUS Nor'Wester Hotel " width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Their beds are very comfortable, the showers have great pressure and pretty much anything you need is either provided or readily available.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Check them out the next time your wandering takes you to Thunder Bay:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="color: #eeeeee;"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/rider-friendly?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=337&sobi2Id=2140">BEST WESTERN PLUS Nor'Wester Hotel & Conference Centre</a>!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;">2080
Highway #61, Thunder Bay, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;">Ontario, P7J 1B8 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;">Phone:
807/473-9123 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;">Fax: 807/473-9600</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
was in bed early as I had a good day of riding ahead…Winnipeg is the next stop.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/nl-travel-home">canadian bikers</a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/nl-travel-home">canadian riders</a>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-41582977161677169412011-09-17T11:08:00.000-07:002014-01-23T07:23:11.252-08:00Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I left the Super 8 Sudbury under glorious sunshine and as I rode along, it was with a sense of anticipation.</span></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
took the turn off to Espanola and went to the Tim Horton’s, sure enough I ran
in to a local who told me the directions to one of his favourite little loops
that would bring me back out on the highway before Elliot Lake.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">This
is Mennonite Country; all over the place there are signs to remind you that
there are horse and buggy rigs liable to be present. Leigh
Valley Road is a very pretty chunk of asphalt that
will take about 20 minutes to traverse, there is nothing special about this
road, other than it has gentle curves and pretty farming scenery and I am so
glad I rode it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">At
Serpent River I decided to wander through the
art gallery. This region has some fabulous artisans. There were some serious
art works and then there were fun and quirky things like stuffed beaver
“teddy’s” and stuffed black bear teddy’s. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
Ojibwa Indian Nation has deep, deep roots in the area.</span></b></i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPIB_XXpb1U/TnTdn8aRDjI/AAAAAAAADws/2USK-fGnHEs/s1600/SAM_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPIB_XXpb1U/TnTdn8aRDjI/AAAAAAAADws/2USK-fGnHEs/s200/SAM_0995.JPG" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 371px; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right; width: 252px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzugS26LrbY/TnTddHJ61mI/AAAAAAAADwY/m9S5PvpRzkM/s1600/SAM_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="black bear teddy’s" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzugS26LrbY/TnTddHJ61mI/AAAAAAAADwY/m9S5PvpRzkM/s320/SAM_0985.JPG" height="320" title="Black bear teddy’s" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Black bear teddy’s</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gU4RYTZ3F0w/TnTdeDvTSvI/AAAAAAAADwc/Nlbu8A78hFY/s1600/SAM_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gU4RYTZ3F0w/TnTdeDvTSvI/AAAAAAAADwc/Nlbu8A78hFY/s200/SAM_0989.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwQ45NpgwG8/TnTdlwA6f0I/AAAAAAAADwk/K4gmejiHXj8/s1600/SAM_0992.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwQ45NpgwG8/TnTdlwA6f0I/AAAAAAAADwk/K4gmejiHXj8/s200/SAM_0992.JPG" height="200" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBSkNAncwDs/TnTde4dIMaI/AAAAAAAADwg/x3jtJNisNeA/s1600/SAM_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBSkNAncwDs/TnTde4dIMaI/AAAAAAAADwg/x3jtJNisNeA/s320/SAM_0990.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Next stop</b>: Elliot
Lake and the Deer Trail</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJmJ4jlwtUE/TnTfjDRlw-I/AAAAAAAADxM/BB44piiTRcM/s1600/Miners+Museum+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJmJ4jlwtUE/TnTfjDRlw-I/AAAAAAAADxM/BB44piiTRcM/s200/Miners+Museum+6.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br />The
city of Elliot Lake
was established as a planned community for the mining industry in 1955 after
uranium was discovered in the area. It is named after the small lake on the
northern edge of town.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
took in the museum of mining – it was filled with artefacts and information on
the mining industry and while not really my cup of tee I still enjoyed knowing
a bit about the history of the area. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sc39eSrk_U/TnTfkPc1_vI/AAAAAAAADxQ/gCwQROj583s/s1600/Miners+Museum+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sc39eSrk_U/TnTfkPc1_vI/AAAAAAAADxQ/gCwQROj583s/s200/Miners+Museum+7.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqDrR6p5WRQ/TnTflFe70nI/AAAAAAAADxU/pAzDbmmZYnA/s1600/Miners+Museum+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqDrR6p5WRQ/TnTflFe70nI/AAAAAAAADxU/pAzDbmmZYnA/s320/Miners+Museum+10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
headed down to the Miner’s Monument. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">What an absolutely gorgeous memorial to
those whose lives have been lost either through mining accidents or from work
related illnesses. The names of the dead are inscribed in plaques laid in to
the side walk and in the monuments themselves. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The
Horne Lake Escarpment is a pretty backdrop for this monument and park.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 186px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 313px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-GRo4vsCBo/TnTe9vhzTiI/AAAAAAAADw4/jETAQdLisYg/s1600/Memorial+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-GRo4vsCBo/TnTe9vhzTiI/AAAAAAAADw4/jETAQdLisYg/s200/Memorial+1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 180px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 236px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-To5nHBCpodA/TnTfD1fAH5I/AAAAAAAADw8/tobaW4F39-c/s1600/Memorial+2+A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-To5nHBCpodA/TnTfD1fAH5I/AAAAAAAADw8/tobaW4F39-c/s200/Memorial+2+A.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 188px; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65MPKmnrb9I/TnTfEkrtWwI/AAAAAAAADxA/h15TXnPhHmU/s1600/Memorial+Park+Elliott+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65MPKmnrb9I/TnTfEkrtWwI/AAAAAAAADxA/h15TXnPhHmU/s200/Memorial+Park+Elliott+Lake.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zrj1asm9b7I/TnTfF3MJ0sI/AAAAAAAADxE/L6eJyc-hoeI/s1600/Miners+Names+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="miners who have lost their lives" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zrj1asm9b7I/TnTfF3MJ0sI/AAAAAAAADxE/L6eJyc-hoeI/s320/Miners+Names+2.JPG" height="320" title="miners who have lost their lives" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Names of the miners who have lost their lives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
left the memorial site to go ride the Deer Trail (this is one ride I have wanted to do ever since I heard about it 4 years ago), it is approximately 75 miles long and I was
warned that the first bit was under construction. The whole trail needs attention as far as the
asphalt goes, but the scenery, my word it is gorgeous and so it the riding – filled
with curves and hills to pull, valley that roll out before you…mother nature
really has some fantastic feasts for the eyes in this, the Algoma District!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
did not get a lot of photography of the trail as there are very limited areas
to pull off and with it being a narrow road that is moderately travelled I did
not want to take the chance of causing a crash!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">At
the end of the Deer Trail, I finally got to see a horse and buggy, it was a
cool blast from the past to see on our modern day highways.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHvwWAyevsk/TnTe1dfByTI/AAAAAAAADw0/YvI2G17JdXU/s1600/Mennonite+Horse+and+Buggy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHvwWAyevsk/TnTe1dfByTI/AAAAAAAADw0/YvI2G17JdXU/s320/Mennonite+Horse+and+Buggy+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I stopped for a late lunch at Bobbers in Bruce Mines and continued on the Sault Ste Marie with a big grin on my face. I had managed to take a 310 kilometre day and turn it into just over a 600 kilometre one! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
would be once again staying at the Comfort Inn in Sault Ste Marie, this time I
would be sleeping fast because I have a big day of riding ahead to get back to Thunder Bay where I would
be having supper with Dave and Vi Alderdice.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/ontario-news">motorcycle ontario</a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">motorcycle canada</a>
</div>
Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-1055453922337347632011-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:002013-12-05T12:43:26.654-08:00From New Brunswick to Sudbury<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: large;">Day 34 of the Conga was a riding day, an 820
Kilometre ride from Grand Falls NB!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The ride had been a hot one, filled with drivers that had short tempers and I am sure heat stroke because I witnessed some really silly stuff out there!</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i>
<i>I arrived at my hotel, the Comfort Inn West Kanata<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> around supper time. The
gal at the front desk was busy but cheerful and working with other customers when
I arrived, she made sure I was acknowledged. When my turn came to be assisted
it was accomplished quickly.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I love this hotel, the staff are always pleasant and helpful and this night I was going to appreciate the bed and hot shower the most! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
called Scott from the Biker Coffee Company and he and I met at a little
Vietnamese restaurant up by the retail location that Biker Coffee is sold at. After we went to Starbucks for a coffee, had some great conversation and then I headed back for the hotel.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Soon
I was pealing off the gear and getting ready for bed. I
WAS BEAT from the heat and the dumb drivers I encountered during the days riding.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">At
three in the morning I had a wonderful surprise. Cookie and Tim were here, at
my room and they were going to ride with me to Sudbury! Sometime I can be slow on the uptake
but now the reason for her text asking what the hotel addy was and what room I was in
was all about!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">If you are looking for really rider friendly accommodations I suggest you check out the</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="blue">Comfort Inn Ottawa West<br />
222 Hearst Way<br />
Ottawa, ON K2L 3A2 </span> </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Tel: (613) 592-2200</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="blue">Fax:</span> (613) 591-9600<br />
<a href="mailto:cn270fd@whg.com">cn270fd@whg.com</a>
</div>
<span class="blue"><br /></span>
<i><b><span class="blue">I truly enjoy this hotel, it's staff and it's location!</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdIjegAUYs8/TnTVa9dSe2I/AAAAAAAADvs/mBzVdKIQQzg/s1600/SAM_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Breakfast at Comfort Inn West Kanata" border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdIjegAUYs8/TnTVa9dSe2I/AAAAAAAADvs/mBzVdKIQQzg/s200/SAM_0971.JPG" title="Breakfast at Comfort Inn West Kanata" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The breakfast room at the Comfort Inn West Kanata</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2RZhGbknMA/TnTU-iY7OTI/AAAAAAAADvo/ERDd5J0FIQU/s1600/SAM_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tim, Cookie and Bob waiting at hotel checkout" border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2RZhGbknMA/TnTU-iY7OTI/AAAAAAAADvo/ERDd5J0FIQU/s200/SAM_0969.JPG" title="Tim, Cookie and Bob waiting at hotel checkout" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim, Cookie and Bob waiting for me to check out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On
the morning of day 35 we got up early, having breakfast and getting
motorcycles packed up. Bob Godin met us for coffee. Tim, Cookie, Bob and
I would all be heading out to Arnprior and the Antrim Flea market, the
home Motorcyco Beau's!</span></span></i></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 173px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 263px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qqb8dHsXfs/TnTV9kKjlfI/AAAAAAAADwA/4IXd8tyTWts/s1600/Beau%2527s+Shop+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inside Motorcyco Beau's" border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qqb8dHsXfs/TnTV9kKjlfI/AAAAAAAADwA/4IXd8tyTWts/s200/Beau%2527s+Shop+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Inside Motorcyco Beau's" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Motorcyco Beau's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 186px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 222px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSFFbJ7qo-s/TnTV5aKxgdI/AAAAAAAADv4/QNS0pfvvu5I/s1600/Beau%2527s+Shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSFFbJ7qo-s/TnTV5aKxgdI/AAAAAAAADv4/QNS0pfvvu5I/s200/Beau%2527s+Shop.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 179px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 264px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaJqjtUMPPg/TnTV8oArY4I/AAAAAAAADv8/F-rl9sr_ogk/s1600/Beau%252C+myself+and+Bob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beau and Bob Godin" border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaJqjtUMPPg/TnTV8oArY4I/AAAAAAAADv8/F-rl9sr_ogk/s200/Beau%252C+myself+and+Bob.JPG" title="Beau and Bob Godin" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with (L) Beau and (R) Bob Godin,</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 183px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 211px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jesT850QTA0/TnTV3S4rnlI/AAAAAAAADv0/QqyRNGd0WwE/s1600/The+whole+crew+of+us+at+Beau%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Out front of Beau's" border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jesT850QTA0/TnTV3S4rnlI/AAAAAAAADv0/QqyRNGd0WwE/s200/The+whole+crew+of+us+at+Beau%2527s.JPG" title="Out front of Beau's" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out front of Beau's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We had a good time shopping for new helmet
stickers and there was a good amount of chin wagging that took place too! After
filming a Motorcycle Awareness PSA with Cookie and doing photos with Bob, Beau
and the rest of the gang, it was time to head for Sudbury.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We
had a mixed weather day for riding, alternating between rain and over cast but as we got
closer to Sudbury
the sun began to shine again.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 235px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 210px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fPRcA4MZmQ/TnTXTjWaZ3I/AAAAAAAADwI/KYrm2W8aV0I/s1600/Front+Entry+Sudbury+Super+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Super 8 Sudbury" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fPRcA4MZmQ/TnTXTjWaZ3I/AAAAAAAADwI/KYrm2W8aV0I/s200/Front+Entry+Sudbury+Super+8.JPG" title="Super 8 Sudbury" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Super 8 Sudbury</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 234px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 361px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZeM1ekuvXo/TnTXhpPddhI/AAAAAAAADwM/5t_sqJa6O3Y/s1600/My+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZeM1ekuvXo/TnTXhpPddhI/AAAAAAAADwM/5t_sqJa6O3Y/s200/My+room.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My room, on the ground floor right by the back entry, nice and close to my bike!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
checked in to the hotel, the young desk clerk was very helpful and had lots of
menus on hand for us to get some food delivered. Cookie and Tim were only
staying for supper and then riding out to the Lindsey region as both had to be
at work in the morning. After a feed from Swiss Chalet it was time to say good
bye. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
had no problem falling to sleep this night! The room was comfortable, the
shower was fantastic and the sleep much needed! I was grateful to wake up to
text messages from Cookie saying she and Tim had made it to their respective
towns and homes safe and sound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnOk9pYErD4/TnTYsKMrnzI/AAAAAAAADwQ/MChECQe8fes/s1600/Lots+of+riders+stay+here.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnOk9pYErD4/TnTYsKMrnzI/AAAAAAAADwQ/MChECQe8fes/s200/Lots+of+riders+stay+here.JPG" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><br />I went to get some coffee and have a walk about the hotel. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Coffee in hand and I walked around the outside of the hotel and counted 8 bikes in the lot including mine. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTzM7iqsPZM/TnTYtQe6B6I/AAAAAAAADwU/7xwZK5Qu5OY/s1600/Some+fellow+travellers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTzM7iqsPZM/TnTYtQe6B6I/AAAAAAAADwU/7xwZK5Qu5OY/s200/Some+fellow+travellers.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I talked to some riders who were doing the Superior Lake Tour. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">After
some jabs and bantering I wished them safe journey and went to have breakfast and then get Black Betty
packed up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">When I was planning the Conga, I had asked one of the members on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a>,
Timothy Gordon, for advice on a room to check out in Sudbury and he recommended the Super 8 and
now I can too.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">If
you find yourself in the Sudbury
area, consider staying with this Rider Friendly Business Association® partner!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Super
8 Sudbury </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">1956 Regent Street</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Regent/Paris/Long Lake
Rd.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Sudbury</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">, ON
P3E 3Z9</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Phone:
705-522-7600</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Web
Site: <a href="http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=12221&cid=IP_PPC_GGL_TM&008=&004=1850568890&005=1891943169&006=7663888730&007=Search&002=2191774">Super
8 Sudbury</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I
had no one that I was meeting, and a whole day on the road to me so I decided
to do a few things I have always wanted to do. I wanted to ride a local rider’s
favourite ride and then I wanted to head to Elliot Lake
and ride the Deer Trail.....</span></div>
</div>
Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-90729391024926450132011-09-16T09:48:00.000-07:002014-01-23T07:19:37.177-08:00Barrie to Ottawa - Day 22<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></b></i><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 175px; text-align: center; width: 253px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w96CfnS_LnU/TnN6Zza3_WI/AAAAAAAADuQ/pZbFE-cUYiY/s1600/SAM_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Heather" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w96CfnS_LnU/TnN6Zza3_WI/AAAAAAAADuQ/pZbFE-cUYiY/s200/SAM_0371.JPG" height="150" title="Heather" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At
breakfast I was asked if I heard the fire alarm or the thunderstorm and nope –
I had not!</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Heather in the breakfast
room asked me about my bike and chatted with me about riding and made sure I
knew that wipe down rags and buckets were available.</span><i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></b></i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 234px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 239px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YID5bcyOXro/TnN6gqbyUGI/AAAAAAAADuU/lueBJqwV1U0/s1600/SAM_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wenda" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YID5bcyOXro/TnN6gqbyUGI/AAAAAAAADuU/lueBJqwV1U0/s200/SAM_0370.JPG" height="200" title="Wenda" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wenda with the wicked sense of humour!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She also served up bacon,
sausage and cheese omelettes along with the usual fare of yogurt, fruit,
waffles, coffee and juice and Wenda on the front counter, well she was a doll –
she had me in stitches with her sense of humour but more importantly she was
extremely efficient and friendly on that front counter! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">John, the maintenance guy was up and at em
early changing bulbs and fixing the little things that break down over time –
he keeps this place perking along and seems well loved by his colleagues. Then there was Don, the guy who checked us in
the night before. </span><br />
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfx4s2y7qtk/TnN6ox7IwYI/AAAAAAAADuY/BqdD1lukc6U/s1600/SAM_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John and Nancy" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfx4s2y7qtk/TnN6ox7IwYI/AAAAAAAADuY/BqdD1lukc6U/s200/SAM_0352.JPG" height="200" title="John and Nancy" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Nancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">He was so sweet and again, had a great sense of humour but
was very efficient too. I can’t thank him enough for making sure we knew about
the parking of our bikes under the canopy, breaky time and all of the wonderful
amenities along of the hotel served up with quips about offering us wipe down
rags but then looking at the rain and laughing saying he didn’t think we really
needed them just yet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mellissa is the housekeeper
on my floor and she does a fantastic job of keeping the rooms she is assigned
to very clean and tidy. In a busy hotel that is no small job!</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 199px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left; width: 231px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d22z_0wbST4/TnN8VV9-gGI/AAAAAAAADu0/MgPwNFhzBwI/s1600/SAM_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Hotel Lobby" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d22z_0wbST4/TnN8VV9-gGI/AAAAAAAADu0/MgPwNFhzBwI/s200/SAM_0361.JPG" height="150" title="The Hotel Lobby" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lobby is so warm and inviting and the chairs, well you sink right in to them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had the deep pleasure of
meeting Nancy O’Halloran, the regional sales manager for Pacrim Hospitality and
the hotel’s Manager Mirka Rollason – these two very dynamic women were an
absolute pleasure to talk to. Nancy
took me for a tour of the hotel and showed me all of its rooms – each nicer
than the last. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 165px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 211px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-F78hJmd4k/TnN6-1FoltI/AAAAAAAADuc/hRuij57rovg/s1600/SAM_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-F78hJmd4k/TnN6-1FoltI/AAAAAAAADuc/hRuij57rovg/s200/SAM_0364.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 188px; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right; width: 260px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkG24pDGOnA/TnN7cEQkCuI/AAAAAAAADuw/bsJYAGUoc2s/s1600/SAM_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bedroom" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkG24pDGOnA/TnN7cEQkCuI/AAAAAAAADuw/bsJYAGUoc2s/s200/SAM_0363.JPG" height="150" title="Bedroom" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bedroom Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Jacuzzi Suite was amazing – next time, that’s the room I
want to book! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The hotel boasts a great
meeting/reception room along with an exercise room, pool and hot tub. The
parking lot is perfect for a show ‘n’ shine and both Mirka and Nancy would like
to have groups that want to do charity fundraisers and ride nights take
advantage of their facility.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 174px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 234px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9sKwKD0tR0/TnN7HLtXDbI/AAAAAAAADuk/u5HA7QnsjcY/s1600/SAM_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="meeting/reception room " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9sKwKD0tR0/TnN7HLtXDbI/AAAAAAAADuk/u5HA7QnsjcY/s200/SAM_0360.JPG" height="150" title="meeting/reception room " width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">meeting/reception room </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 186px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 236px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tJ0Qx1sNM8/TnN7SudC2uI/AAAAAAAADus/szN2bDwxh24/s1600/SAM_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tJ0Qx1sNM8/TnN7SudC2uI/AAAAAAAADus/szN2bDwxh24/s200/SAM_0374.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel's Outside view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">If any of you riding clubs
are interested in taking them up on the idea – give them a call and check out
the place – it’s in a great location and has lots to offer!</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98wmprPnWdM/TnN7NkVhO1I/AAAAAAAADuo/b3oIMxSzaSg/s1600/SAM_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/rider-friendly?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=1948&fl=1"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Super 8 Barrie</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 441 Bryne Drive</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Barrie ON L4N 6C8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Latitude:</b> 44.3358319</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Longitude:</b> -79.6905132</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>PH:</b> (705) 814-8888</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Toll Free: </b>1-866-867-6070</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Fax:</b> (705) 814-8889</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Email:</b> gm@super8barrie.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Web Site:</b> </span><a href="http://www.super8barrie.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.super8barrie.com/</a><br />
<b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>On to Ottawa...</b></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On this day
I was supposed be riding with Jason and Christine from Rider’s Quest Magazine
out of Peterborough.
Sadly for me they could not meet me, they had an opportunity to be on local TV
and needed to take it, plus they had the chance to sell some advertising for
their magazine and needed to meet with a client – good for them!</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I road the
route I was supposed to ride with them – one they had sent me. I was wonderful
– and although the weather very overcast, my German riding companion, Michael and I never got
rained on. I had my <a href="http://www.froggtoggs.com/">Froggs Toggs</a> on, but never got to give them any kind of
real work out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The road
that Jason and Christine had mapped out was a wonderful ride, hilly and curvy,
lots of trees and streams; it was the long sweet way to Ottawa and I know that both Ratman and I
enjoyed the road! We went through small
communities like Gooderham, Bancroft and Denbigh. Visit Riders Quest Magazine’s
web site to see what other Ontario Rides they recommend! </span><a href="http://www.ridersquest.ca/">http://www.ridersquest.ca/</a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCgGQwQ5z30/TnN9QCKN87I/AAAAAAAADu4/YfYfOvBfYSE/s1600/SAM_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCgGQwQ5z30/TnN9QCKN87I/AAAAAAAADu4/YfYfOvBfYSE/s200/SAM_0375.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 187px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 242px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNseibaZloc/TnN9YGICucI/AAAAAAAADvY/28utkP6mnx0/s1600/SAM_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNseibaZloc/TnN9YGICucI/AAAAAAAADvY/28utkP6mnx0/s200/SAM_0383.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Lots of trees and streams</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a2T5KfJvO0/TnN9ZDyZY5I/AAAAAAAADvc/_cNVYPXMeKQ/s1600/SAM_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a2T5KfJvO0/TnN9ZDyZY5I/AAAAAAAADvc/_cNVYPXMeKQ/s320/SAM_0384.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVrks6RDqHY/TnN9UETSnMI/AAAAAAAADvI/9hfuGlxv2wA/s1600/SAM_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVrks6RDqHY/TnN9UETSnMI/AAAAAAAADvI/9hfuGlxv2wA/s200/SAM_0379.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I arrived
at my room at the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=1910&Itemid=120&Itemid=120">Comfort Inn West Kanata</a> at about supper time.</span></b></i></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcK8Irr2fyI/TnN9vjcpW8I/AAAAAAAADvg/PKs9DtRAgvk/s1600/SAM_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccSvHpjTpmQ/TnN93YO69fI/AAAAAAAADvk/zIR4RgHkDzU/s1600/SAM_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccSvHpjTpmQ/TnN93YO69fI/AAAAAAAADvk/zIR4RgHkDzU/s200/SAM_0970.JPG" height="121" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That smile...makes you feel soooo welcome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><i>I was
checked in and given the biggest smile and low down on the amenities of the hotel and then headed
to unpack the bike. I needed to get some
laundry done and this location has a small and much appreciated laundry room. I
went back to the front desk and picked up some soap and some fabric softener
which are complimentary when you use the laundry room facilities! </i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I headed back to my room and proceeded to
start the copying process from my three cameras and their memory chips. A good
night’s sleep was on the agenda!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/nl-travel-home">canadian riders</a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">rider friendly </a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">motorcycle canada</a>
</div>
Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-36691312330939148892011-09-16T09:16:00.000-07:002014-01-23T07:00:20.275-08:00Heading to the Soo – Day 20<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I headed out from Thunder Bay bright and
early with Sault Ste Marie as my destination for the day. It was cool and
overcast, quite the contrast from the weather to date but it made for
pleasurable riding. I stopped in Nipigon for a coffee and breakfast sandwich –
you know there is something to be said about riding a 100 Kms before breakfast
– sure makes it taste good!</span></i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSzlVNI5Xew/TnN0bqGihLI/AAAAAAAADtM/3_-e5uo5dZM/s1600/Rat+Biker+AKA+Michael.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="German tourist - Michael" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSzlVNI5Xew/TnN0bqGihLI/AAAAAAAADtM/3_-e5uo5dZM/s200/Rat+Biker+AKA+Michael.JPG" height="150" title="German tourist - Michael" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A German tourist named Michael, the Ratbiker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">While there I met a German
tourist named Michael AKA Ratbiker. He is riding a 1982 Suzuki GS580G – painted
flat black with his web site address in yellow across the tank.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We got to talking and he
said he was heading to the Cabot Trail and so we agreed to share some time on
the road. After finishing breakfast, we
headed towards the Soo and at Pays Plat we took in the Pow Wow. One of the
elders took time to share with us the history of his 108 year old drum, handed
down to him from a medicine man or shaman – this elder was also a shaman.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 274px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 220px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OmqKBRwgzE/TnN0o6IJ2HI/AAAAAAAADtQ/IiTsMldg8sg/s1600/A+drum+that+honors+the+four+fathers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" younger generation drum " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OmqKBRwgzE/TnN0o6IJ2HI/AAAAAAAADtQ/IiTsMldg8sg/s200/A+drum+that+honors+the+four+fathers.JPG" height="200" title=" younger generation drum " width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We listened to the younger
generation drum and sing and took in the vendors that were setting up.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 199px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 237px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DaTg8BMdRB0/TnN0u_XEsAI/AAAAAAAADtU/Nh96uAiQYxA/s1600/SAM_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DaTg8BMdRB0/TnN0u_XEsAI/AAAAAAAADtU/Nh96uAiQYxA/s200/SAM_0268.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxtitlcmWro/TnN02NN8c8I/AAAAAAAADtY/3kbiMfeEpUY/s1600/All+Kinds+of+Dream+Catchers+etc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxtitlcmWro/TnN02NN8c8I/AAAAAAAADtY/3kbiMfeEpUY/s400/All+Kinds+of+Dream+Catchers+etc.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the video I took of the
drummers and singers at the Pays Plat Pow Wow:</span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q5aZjap9riY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 182px; text-align: center; width: 226px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHRKShRrp0A/TnN1LjTj0hI/AAAAAAAADtc/JVVwlucH6oA/s1600/Hand+Painted+Feathers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hand painted feathers" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHRKShRrp0A/TnN1LjTj0hI/AAAAAAAADtc/JVVwlucH6oA/s200/Hand+Painted+Feathers+2.JPG" height="150" title="Hand painted feathers" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand painted feathers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A fabulous artist by the name of Sharon
Girdwood had many of her handi works on display with each hand painted feather,
each pencil drawing telling a story of her ancestor’s heritage and
beliefs. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Visit her site and be prepared
to be moved! <a href="http://www.hiddenwildlifeart.com/">http://www.hiddenwildlifeart.com/</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There were all kinds of
trinkets on display as well, everything from medicine and tobacco pouches to
hand beaded necklaces and dream catchers.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My German companion found
the Pow Wow as interesting as I did and we discussed the beauty of the culture
of the native community.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pretty soon it was time to
saddle up and head out – Sault Ste Marie here we come!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The highway was filled with
bikes and at one of our fuel stops Michael commented that his arm was sore from
waving!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My hotel room was very comfortable
– the Comfort Inns does a very good job of being consistent in their basic
amenities and their room and bed quality. I unpacked cameras, charged
batteries, and unpacked my lap top, set up coffee for the morning, brushed my
teeth and hit the bed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksB8ZBe4kyw/TnN1-Atl2KI/AAAAAAAADtk/RD065oDQkDs/s1600/Linda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Linda " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksB8ZBe4kyw/TnN1-Atl2KI/AAAAAAAADtk/RD065oDQkDs/s200/Linda.JPG" height="200" title="Linda " width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda - so warm and caring...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of my most farvourite
things about staying at this particular Comfort Inn are two very special
ladies, Judy in the breakfast room and Linda on the front desk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 239px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 284px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tvwzcyfjRo/TnN1q2jsYlI/AAAAAAAADtg/OhB2oLMXG_Q/s1600/Judy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Judy" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tvwzcyfjRo/TnN1q2jsYlI/AAAAAAAADtg/OhB2oLMXG_Q/s200/Judy.JPG" height="200" title="Judy" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judy, she serenades you while you eat, always a joke at the ready, a true gem!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Judy is this vivacious lady
with a clear singing voice, a sharp wit and a love of entertaining and serving.
Judy goes about her job making customers feel like they have spent time with
grandma, a favourite aunt or a sister depending on your age, she sings you
through the morning brightening your day! She has an infectious sense of humour
too! And then there is Linda. Not only
did she remember me from last year but her service was just as friendly and
just as bang on the money as it was last year.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was truly an enjoyable
stay – the breakfast was great as usual, the service was wonderful and I look
forward to staying another time in the near future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you should find yourself
in the Sault Ste Marie region of Ontario,
I hope you check this place and its amazing staff out. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Comfort Inn</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
333 Great Northern Road<br />
Sault Ste Marie ON P6B 4Z8<br />
<b>Latitude: </b>46.5350192<br />
<b>Longitude:</b> -84.3187734<br />
<b>PH:</b> (705) 759-8000<br />
<b>Fax:</b> (705) 759-8538</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Email:</b> <a href="mailto:cn293@whg.com">cn293@whg.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Web Site:</b> <a href="http://www.choicehotels.ca/cn293">http://www.choicehotels.ca/cn293</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">motorcycle canada</a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/nl-travel-home">canada biker</a>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-22995799999275417242011-09-16T08:51:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:55:39.498-08:00A Day in Thunder Bay – Day 19<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Day 19 of the Share the Road, Share the Ride 2011 Conga...</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got up bright an early – NOT, I actually slept in until
about 6:30 AM and got some writing done before calling Vi who was going to pick
me up for breakfast. We were meeting Gary, Howard and Sirpa at the Hoito
Restaurant for Finnish Pancakes.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Phv02rCrtI/TnNt79135qI/AAAAAAAADsY/8yo-7yXDFbM/s1600/The+Hoito.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Hoito" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Phv02rCrtI/TnNt79135qI/AAAAAAAADsY/8yo-7yXDFbM/s200/The+Hoito.JPG" height="200" title="The Hoito" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hoito</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>The Hoito Restaurant has a remarkable history and its
beginnings are very interesting!</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
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In 1909 the Finnish bush workers came up with an idea – when
they would come out of their camp at Kallio’s near Nipigon. When these men
would come to the city they could find rooms but nowhere to eat a meal for a
decent and fair price. These men formed a committee to raise money – they
bought land and built The Hoito Restuarant - Hoito means Care in Finnish.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfGGM1anunw/TnNuekJPqXI/AAAAAAAADsc/0flkEnJgXAA/s1600/Hoito+Restuarant+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfGGM1anunw/TnNuekJPqXI/AAAAAAAADsc/0flkEnJgXAA/s200/Hoito+Restuarant+Breakfast.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
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We shared a fantastic meal that was abundant, flavourful and
served up with a smile and cost about half of what it would anywhere else!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check the Hoito out on their web site: <a href="http://www.hoito.ca/">www.hoito.ca</a>
or better yet – stop in and really check them out!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After breakfast Vi and I walked down to Do or Dye Hair and
Tattoo where I finally met our Rider Friendly partner Jamie. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 180px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 208px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUaskAF-Pa4/TnNuvzA7cJI/AAAAAAAADsg/BFUE0QwuNuk/s1600/Jamie+and+his+ride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rider Friendly partner Jamie" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUaskAF-Pa4/TnNuvzA7cJI/AAAAAAAADsg/BFUE0QwuNuk/s200/Jamie+and+his+ride.JPG" height="150" title="Rider Friendly partner Jamie" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie of Do or Dye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 189px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 240px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKlVWdydpxc/TnNu4UfQ-wI/AAAAAAAADsk/JSCZZ60ANZM/s1600/Hair+Salon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKlVWdydpxc/TnNu4UfQ-wI/AAAAAAAADsk/JSCZZ60ANZM/s200/Hair+Salon.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright and clean, this salon is staffed by riders who know how to care for hair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZWc-DvfvUw/TnNvSVgZ5YI/AAAAAAAADso/dCj26Y5DF5c/s1600/SAM_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Salon" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZWc-DvfvUw/TnNvSVgZ5YI/AAAAAAAADso/dCj26Y5DF5c/s320/SAM_0170.JPG" height="240" title="Salon" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>What a great salon this rider owns! Bright
and clean on both side the hair salon and the tattoo studio. After a great conversation with Jamie it was
agreed that he would come to my hotel later in the evening and give me a hair
cut!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you live in the Thunder
Bay area or are passing through and in need of getting
your ears lowered or for you ladies a cut and color etc – give this shop a try
– they are talented and professional!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do or Dye Hair Salon<br />
216 Bay St
Unit 3<br />
Thunder Bay ON P7B
1R2<br />
Latitude: 48.4297958<br />
Longitude: -89.2250064<br />
PH: (807) 345-6366</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Email: amandaandjamie27@hotmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjT9z4w964o/TnNvZ_vuvfI/AAAAAAAADss/SQxNrQgELjE/s1600/SAM_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Armoury" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjT9z4w964o/TnNvZ_vuvfI/AAAAAAAADss/SQxNrQgELjE/s200/SAM_0183.JPG" height="200" title="The Armoury" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Armoury</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Vi and I left and toured Thunder Bay. She took me to see the armoury
and some of the old churches and grand old buildings in town – yes I am
certifiable for old architecture!</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 242px; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right; width: 255px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzaliB-BX94/TnNvleSiuyI/AAAAAAAADsw/mlILIMZ1cjY/s1600/SAM_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzaliB-BX94/TnNvleSiuyI/AAAAAAAADsw/mlILIMZ1cjY/s200/SAM_0190.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Magnificent Fountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 180px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 233px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJtrEkwX8ZU/TnNvweduoHI/AAAAAAAADs0/F_ai1bZWGV4/s1600/SAM_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJtrEkwX8ZU/TnNvweduoHI/AAAAAAAADs0/F_ai1bZWGV4/s200/SAM_0207.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfront</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We drove all over the down town core and after the tour I
headed back to my room to get some more work done. Dave was coming by with
his Gold Wing to pick me up.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We rode out to Kakabeka
Falls – me riding pillion
and snapping some photos of the drive. When we got there Vi poured us a cool
beverage and I pitched in what little she would let me to help with
dinner. A good feed of pickerel, corn on
the cob, potatoes and salad were on the menu!
Before supper Dave agreed to film a motorcycle awareness commercial
using his family to drive home the point that we riders are people with loved
ones and deserve to have the road shared with us so that we too can get home in
one piece to see our loved ones!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 158px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 259px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XatOHz4cndE/TnNwEW1Ai3I/AAAAAAAADs4/5lUhMq54k0k/s1600/River+on+way+to+Dave+and+Vi%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The beautiful drive to Dave and Vi's offered some wonderful shots" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XatOHz4cndE/TnNwEW1Ai3I/AAAAAAAADs4/5lUhMq54k0k/s200/River+on+way+to+Dave+and+Vi%2527s.JPG" height="105" title="Drive to Dave and Vi's Shots" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful drive to Dave and Vi's offered some wonderful shots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 181px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 234px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yPaEnPzTUM/TnNwQKApR1I/AAAAAAAADs8/XzvD157wjjA/s1600/Riding+out+to+Vi+and+Dave%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yPaEnPzTUM/TnNwQKApR1I/AAAAAAAADs8/XzvD157wjjA/s200/Riding+out+to+Vi+and+Dave%2527s.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was nervous but he did it and I am so thankful to him for
having the courage – and I want to thank his grandchildren and daughter and of
course his lovely wife Vi for being extras!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdpVO198TOg/TnNwZC-9vZI/AAAAAAAADtA/TbkFnajz-q4/s1600/SAM_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dennis and Nikki" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdpVO198TOg/TnNwZC-9vZI/AAAAAAAADtA/TbkFnajz-q4/s200/SAM_0239.JPG" height="150" title="Dennis and Nikki" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis and Nikki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>We were joined by a fellow member of the Superior Riders –
Dennis Frederickson and his dog – Nikki. Nikki is an avid rider and Dennis
loves having the companionship on his Bergman – he has really bad knees and had
to give up the touring bike in favour of this new ride and is very happy that
he has. </i><br />
<br />
Another night was coming to a
close – Dave and Vi took me back to the hotel with promises of emails and calls
to come. I was sad to have the visit end and yet was really looking forward to
my hair cut!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At about 10:30, Jamie and his wife Amanda who is a new rider
showed up – Jamie with scissors in hand!
The photo we took after wards did not turn out well, but suffice it to say I am WELL pleased!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jamie taught me a trick about looking after longer hair when
you ride – to keep it tangle free – after you have shampooed and conditioned
your hair and towelled it dry, take about the size of a dime of conditioner and
work it into your hair like mousse and guess what – your tangles are reduced
immensely!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I saw Jamie and Amanda off and headed for bed – a big day on
the road lays ahead….</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/nl-travel-home">canadian riders</a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">rider friendly </a>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-2366413499558007742011-08-09T21:15:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:52:00.722-08:00Ontario Bound – Day 18<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">I headed out of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Winnipeg</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> bright and early on Thursday July 21<sup>st</sup>. I stopped for fuel and a Powerade at a gas station just before the </span><st1:state><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Ontario</span></st1:state><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> border where I met up with some riders from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Thunder Bay</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">. Howard and Sirpa Huhta, Gary Kosola and myself rode to </span><st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Rushing</span></st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">River</span></st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">, they agreed to play tourist with me and embarrassingly admitted that they had never stopped at the </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Rushing</span></st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">River</span></st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Park</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">. So off we went – it was one of those perfect riding days, not too hot and yet filled with glorious sunshine. Just outside of Kenora, we turned off the Trans Canada heading south on Highway 71. The </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Rushing</span></st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">River</span></st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Park</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> is only about 10 minutes down the road and I am ever so glad we took the time to go see this out of the way gem.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">The roads in the camp site are mostly paved and the cost for an hour pass was $5.25 for the three bikes. We stopped at the concession for a cool beverage and scoped everything out. A little fella who according to his mother has begun a love affair with motorcycles asked if he could sit on the bikes and Howard, in true biker fashion was more than happy to oblige the young man and his younger brother. The grin on this little man’s face was priceless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">We got back on the bikes and rode around the park to the rapids – it was breathtaking. This park is so pretty and well done. We sat there after taking photos and just listened to the song the river sang as it rushed over the rocks. It was simply gorgeous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">We all left the park feeling so grateful we had followed Kirk and Hyla’s advice to stop here. Before we left the park we discussed lunch and I had asked them if they liked BBQ and had they ever stopped at Busters in Vermillion Bay – NO was the chorus so I said, well folks you are in for a treat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">We got to Busters and ordered a big platter of ribs for 4 with sweet potato fries and potato salad and coffees and water all around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">I had to giggle when Gary made the observation that it was amazing that it took someone from Grand Prairie AB to show them a great place to eat and force them to be a tourist in their own province!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Back on the road we headed towards </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Thunder Bay</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">. I had expressed that I wanted to see Egli’s Sheep Farm and </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Animal</span></st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Park</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">, I had no trouble getting these riders to agree to stop there the farm and store is located at <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">20232 Hwy 17 Minnitaki, ON</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">What a great place! The store is filled with a variety of wool products and Howard was a good sport and sat on the sheep rocker to pose for a picture. Sirpa and I went for a tour of the animals – the Elk were in full velvet, the red deer were on the run the minute we approached their pen…the donkey’s were getting their feet trimmed by the Ferrier and you should have heard the ruckus they were making! The Bison could have cared less that we were there, never lifting their heads to look at us and the Llamas and Alpacas were curious and hilarious – they are sure funny and very curious creatures!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">There were two types of cattle I had never seen before – one was black with a white strip in the middle of their core and the other was the woolliest thing I have ever seen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">After the tour of the farm off we went for </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Kakabeka</span></st1:placename><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Falls</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> where I was to call Dave and Vi Alderdice of the Superior Riders so that we could meet up. The plan was they would meet me at the falls and ride me to the hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">The falls at Kakabeka are absolutely stunning. They are known as the </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Niagara Falls</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> of the North and I now know why!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">I could have sat there watching the falls for hours, the are 39 metres high and I have no other word to describe them but STUNNING! The park here offers fishing, camping, walking trails and bicycle trails canoeing and more</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Well – my plans to contact Dave and Vi were dashed as my phone does not work in the </span><st1:place><st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Thunder Bay</span></st1:city></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> region so when we got to Howard and Sirpa’s after visiting the falls – we phoned Dave and Vi and they came to Howard and Sirpa’s to meet me. While we waited for them to arrive I was treated to some Finnish bread and cheese, a Finnish cake and a wonderful cup of coffee. When Dave and VI arrived, we visited for a bit, made plans to meet for breakfast the next morning and off to the Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Conference Centre we went!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">I was sure impressed when I checked in too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">I went through the usual check in process and then was given rags for the bike and told I could get a bucket for water by calling the front desk when I was ready!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">This hotel has really friendly staff and a fabulous fitness area complete with pool, hot tub and saunas. The restaurant menu has a good selection and there is even a deck you can sit on to watch the sunset from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">The room was spacious and had lots of power outlets and a screen slider for easy access to the bike from the room!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Something else I was impressed with – my room…the cabinet that the TV stood on also housed the microwave, coffee pot and a fridge! There was a wonderful closet for hanging gear up, two sinks one in the bathroom and one outside of it and a wonderful desk and executive chair to sit in and I accomplished a lot at the desk!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">This was a wonderfully comfortable room with a fantastic bed and I settled in for a wonderful and much needed night’s rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Next time your travels take you to </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Thunder Bay</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> why not check them out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">The Best Western Plus Nor’Wester </span><st1:place><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Hotel & Conference</span></st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Center</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Is located at 2080 Highway #61, </span><st1:place><st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Thunder Bay</span></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><st1:state><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Ontario</span></st1:state><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:postalcode><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">P7J 1B8</span></st1:postalcode></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
Phone: 807/473-9123 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Fax: 807/473-9600</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://bestwesternontario.com/hotels/best-western-plus-norwester-hotel-and-conference-centre">Website</a></span></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-10846101340733008152010-09-25T08:25:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:50:26.227-08:00From Dryden to Brandon.<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We headed out to Brandon - it was cool and over cast but it made for pleasant riding.</span></b></i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ4Tfuf7B7I/AAAAAAAABaI/XRt8DIoSusk/s1600/101_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ4Tfuf7B7I/AAAAAAAABaI/XRt8DIoSusk/s200/101_0874.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> We stopped in Kenora for mid morning snack at the Timmy's but on the way in we saw this really cool bug.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you can see the dark clouds were looming...we didn't stay long, just
long enough to get a few pictures and then it was off to Brandon.. </span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby posing with the bug...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On we go towards Manitoba...Brandon and Cycle Boyz Shop, here we come.</td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Until later, ride safe.....</span></b></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">motorcycle canada</a>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-32952037637846217982010-09-25T06:42:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:49:03.331-08:00Dryden and the Comfort Inn<b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After leaving the Thunder Bay area we headed off to our next stop - Dryden. It was to be a reasonably leisurely ride as it is only about 4 and a half hours. Mark and I both had Busters BBQ on the brain.</span></i></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Problem was, neither of us could remember exactly where on the highway it was. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We road through the cool mid morning air and enjoyed the varied scenery. From small lakes to rock faces and trees it is very different from Grande Prairie AB and we were drinking in the differences.</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ3xrMzPz4I/AAAAAAAABZM/s4EHui8J8FE/s1600/101_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ3xrMzPz4I/AAAAAAAABZM/s4EHui8J8FE/s200/101_0872.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> We got into the pulp mill town of Dryden and were both seriously disappointed as we had not seen the BBQ place that we had both fallen so much in love with.<br />
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We checked in to the Comfort Inn and asked the young gal at the desk for information on laundry facilities and where we would find Buster's BBQ - she was off a wee bit as she told us that Vermillion Bay was 25 KM or so away when it really is 40 but none the less both hubby and I were salivating at the thought of some of that incredible blueberry BBQ sauce.<br />
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We rode down town to the laundromat and got some clothes cleaned and hubby did a bit of banking. The smell from the Domtar pulp mill was something I am not sure I could get used to. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ3vmeMGvNI/AAAAAAAABYw/5L2s1BE79zM/s1600/Dryden+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="City of Dryden" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ3vmeMGvNI/AAAAAAAABYw/5L2s1BE79zM/s200/Dryden+Sign.jpg" height="145" title="City of Dryden" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Dryden is located on the Wabigoon Lake</td></tr>
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The City of Dryden is located on the Wabigoon Lake which feeds the Wabigoon River. The lake is world renowned for its fishing (<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie and Smallmouth Bass) </span></span>and Dryden was also home to the Canadian Masters Windsurfing Association Championships in August! The region is comprise of some 9 lakes covering 56,000 acres!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ3xA3bAoqI/AAAAAAAABZI/GmcQur70gf8/s1600/Max+the+Moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ3xA3bAoqI/AAAAAAAABZI/GmcQur70gf8/s200/Max+the+Moose.jpg" height="167" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max the Moose stands watch over his domain - Dryden!</td></tr>
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OK - Clothes clean, bellies now need to be fed. It was cool with a pretty good wind.<br />
I chose to ride on the back of hubby's bike - I wear braces on both feet and my ankles were bleeding from the chaffing that happens from the braces rubbing up and down on the ankle as you walk so I wanted to give them a break by not having to wear them for a few hours. As we got to west side of Vermillion Bay we caught a whiff of the good food that was awaiting us. I could tell that I was not alone in my desire to tie in to some good BBQ - Hubby was giving me the thumbs up sign!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ34k-_vyvI/AAAAAAAABZU/_wUDLBbVbeM/s1600/SDC10086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ34k-_vyvI/AAAAAAAABZU/_wUDLBbVbeM/s320/SDC10086.JPG" height="155" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this Inukshuk - I think it honors the history of the area peoples beautifully.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buster's is filled with a ton of humorous signs and pictures to take in while you wait for your food.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ359FdRIGI/AAAAAAAABZc/8JLN-mXce2U/s1600/SDC10094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buster's BBQ" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJ359FdRIGI/AAAAAAAABZc/8JLN-mXce2U/s200/SDC10094.JPG" height="150" title="Buster's BBQ" width="200" /></a></div>
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Buster's BBQ sauce is an award winning blueberry sauce that plays on the palette! I had the 1/4 chicken and hubby had the wrap - we both came away stuffed and there was even enough left overs for a snack at the room. We picked up some sauce and rub for thank you gifts (and ourselves) and headed back to the hotel.<br />
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I want to say how pleased I was with the Dryden Comfort Inn. Like the rest before it, the amenities were consistent - the 24 hour coffee with real cream was appreciated by both hubby and I as was the continental breakfast. The hotel was clean and comfortable and the staff were helpful and friendly.<br />
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If you find yourself in the Dryden area remember that besides beautiful riding and scenery, if you are into other recreations this area has some world renowned fishing and is known for its wind surfing.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Comfort Inn can be your home away from home while you are in the region and make sure you tell them that you want their Rider Friendly Discount and that Belt Drive Betty sent you...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="sobi2Details_field_business_name">Comfort Inn Dryden</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="sobi2Details_field_street">522 Government Rd</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="sobi2Details_field_city">Dryden</span> <span id="sobi2Details_field_federal_state">ON</span> <span id="sobi2Details_field_postcode">P8N 2P5</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="sobi2Details_field_phone">807-223-3893</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="sobi2Details_field_fax"><span id="sobi2Listing_field_fax_label">Fax:</span> 807-223-5627</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until later - ride safe..........</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-54586998968563449002010-09-19T14:58:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:45:06.648-08:00The Road between North Bay & Sault Ste Marie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The trip across Canada that we recently under took to promote the Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education was accomplished in 34 days - round trip (We took in 8 provinces out of the 10 provinces and 3 territories that comprise Canada). Hardly gives one the time to truly take in all that this magnificent country we call Canada has to offer the touring rider....</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each province and I do mean each province of this magnificent country could use a month for exploration to do them any kind of justice.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaC39misRI/AAAAAAAABXA/Z5yOPh4GClQ/s1600/101_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="North Bay & Sault Ste Marie" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaC39misRI/AAAAAAAABXA/Z5yOPh4GClQ/s200/101_0847.JPG" height="150" title="North Bay & Sault Ste Marie" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road between North Bay & Sault Ste Marie offer up some incredible sights - the Great Lake - Superior ensures it!</td></tr>
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So many incredible adventures await you in Ontario and one of them takes place between North Bay and the "Soo". A member of Belt Drive Betty dot Com had posted one of his favourite day rides as being the one called the Deer Trail Touring Loop.<br />
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He described so many attractions that are possible to visit in this loop and while I did not get the chance to actually experience it, I did get to know a lot more about the loop and the various attractions within the loop. We stopped in at the visitor centre to learn more - I WILL be doing this loop and sooner than later!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaDe1R3ItI/AAAAAAAABXI/in8jyFMUxQ4/s1600/101_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deer Statues at Visitor area" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaDe1R3ItI/AAAAAAAABXI/in8jyFMUxQ4/s200/101_0850.JPG" height="150" title="Deer Statues at Visitor area" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many Deer Statues that adore the Visitor Centre Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaDh5T-HCI/AAAAAAAABXQ/hAtB8GSEK-0/s1600/101_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deer Trail Touring Route" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaDh5T-HCI/AAAAAAAABXQ/hAtB8GSEK-0/s200/101_0849.JPG" height="150" title="Deer Trail Touring Route" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign at the Centre that shows you all of the attractions and points of interest along the Deer Trail Touring Route</td></tr>
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In all this one route contains 16 attractions and points of interest. As I said, we did not have the time to do all that we wanted but we sure identified things we are coming back to do!</div>
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We stopped in at Bruce Mines Marina - I really wanted to know why TJ recommended this place and why so many riders stop there. It didn't take much to figure that out once there.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaFr1HwSnI/AAAAAAAABXY/9t47aHufbkk/s1600/101_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="view from the deck is fabulous" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaFr1HwSnI/AAAAAAAABXY/9t47aHufbkk/s200/101_0853.JPG" height="150" title="view from the deck is fabulous" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the deck is fabulous</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaFwWVxrKI/AAAAAAAABXg/HQWhYx598vA/s1600/101_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="view from the deck is fabulous" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaFwWVxrKI/AAAAAAAABXg/HQWhYx598vA/s200/101_0859.JPG" height="150" title="view from the deck is fabulous" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the deck is fabulous</td></tr>
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<i>The restaurant there has a great menu, the service is decent and the view from the deck is fabulous. I took a walk down to the Marina as you can see from these pictures - the place is beautiful!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Canada Geese and Seagulls seem to love the place...</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaGao4yksI/AAAAAAAABYA/4V_7xvzDfl8/s1600/101_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaGao4yksI/AAAAAAAABYA/4V_7xvzDfl8/s200/101_0858.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaG0ZKzfhI/AAAAAAAABYI/t5VM58-3dis/s1600/101_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaG0ZKzfhI/AAAAAAAABYI/t5VM58-3dis/s200/101_0852.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaGW5rCDfI/AAAAAAAABX4/bQS_aD6gQlY/s1600/101_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJaGW5rCDfI/AAAAAAAABX4/bQS_aD6gQlY/s200/101_0856.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It also appears that punch buggies like to come here!</span></i></div>
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Yes - our Canada has a lot to offer folks and if you haven't experienced it then may I highly recommend it - the diversity, the magnificence and splendour - they are bountiful!</div>
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There are so many places in Ontario that are on my bucket list - and I intend to visit as many of them as possible in the years to come...</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until later - ride safe..............</span></i><br />
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-11337448322881595792010-09-19T13:00:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:40:43.767-08:00Thunder Bay - the Comfort Inn and Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson a study in Customer Service<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Mark and I had the opportunity to stay at the Comfort Inn in Thunder Bay twice - once on the way to Digby and once on the way home.</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first time was kind of a blur for me - my brother had just died and I was in an emotional hell. Thunder Bay is a black hole of communication where many cell phones do not work. You see TBay Tel is the last privately held phone company in North America and so communication by cell phone is virtually impossible for those from outside of the TBay Tel network. That is going to be changing coming in October as TBay Tel has finally signed some service agreements with companies like Bell, Rogers and Telus.</span><br />
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Anyway - I did not do a review of the hotel and it's services or amenities as I really didn't remember a whole lot about my stay there. But the second time around is a different story.<br />
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The Comfort Inns - part of the Choice Hotels Family - offer a lot of very appreciated ammenities.<br />
One of the most important ingredients in any hospitality industry service is Customer Service.<br />
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I am unsure of where this particular hotel chain finds its staff or what it's hiring policies and HR policies might be but as a whole this company seems to attract really good quality people.<br />
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In this day and age that is an amazing thing to me because here in Alberta and in Saskatchewan we seem to have a hard time attracting quality people to customer service jobs.<br />
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The Thunder Bay Comfort Inn has some stellar people like Natalie working for them - they work really hard to ensure that every customer feels cared for and looked after. It's a tough job too when you think of the variety of people who come in the door. Business people, families, construction workers, sales people and riders - and we all have different needs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patio doors of the Comfort Inns have won my heart - sure makes packing and unpacking a ton easier!</td></tr>
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A nice touch - a BBQ area complete with the BBQ and picnic table</div>
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If you find yourself wanting a good breakfast, a great nights sleep knowing that your ride is right out your bedroom door - and find yourself in the Thunder Bay area - consider checking out this p[property and giving them the chance to earn your business. You will be pleased with the result - of that I am fairly certain - I know I was.<br />
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<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/rider-friendly?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=1915"><span id="sobi2Details_field_business_name">Comfort Inn Thunder Bay</span></a><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_street">660 Arthur St West</span><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_city">Thunder Bay</span> <span id="sobi2Details_field_federal_state">ON</span> <span id="sobi2Details_field_postcode">P7E 5R8</span><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_phone">(807) 475-3155</span></div>
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<i>Now on to Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson. My husband's Road king was producing some primary chain slapping noise. Upon inspection it needed to be tightened as did a few other things like the kick stand - it needed a new spring. The gang at Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson took him in on short notice - first thing in the morning and had him in and out the door in under an hour for under $100 - hubby and I both appreciated the courtesy and efficiency of the shop! So thanks Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson for the fast and efficient service!</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until later, ride safe!..</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-39457704524910618782010-09-19T07:56:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:33:26.323-08:00North Bay and the Dionne Quintuplets<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In a little town called Corbeil ON, on May 28th of 1934, 5 identical girls were born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne. With a combined weight of only 13 pounds and 5 ounces these little miracles who were born 2 months premature, faced the incredible odds of 57 million to one for survival.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Born during the great depression these children were taken away from their parents at about 4 months old. The government of Ontario decided to take control of the girls with the Quintuplets Act. The primary reason for this was the Dionne's had 5 other children to feed and had sold the name of the girls to the Chicago Fair with a promise of appearances - the goal of the parents was to be able to feed their children during this most trying of times - the Great Depression.</span><br />
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There was a huge outrage over this decision by the Dionne's and so the government of the day stepped in. Instead of the family exploiting the quints the Ontario Government did and an industry that supported thousands of people was born. At the peak of their popularity the Quints represented a 500 million dollar asset to the Ontario Government.<br />
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In 1998 the provincial government finally admitted some wrong doing in the removal of the quints from their parents and the quints who were still alive at the time each got a $1 million dollar settlement. <br />
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The Tourism Information centre at North Bay now houses the original home that the quints were born in - here are the photos that I took during our visit...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYfjlbnVaI/AAAAAAAABVA/nRxbrTeasKs/s1600/101_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYfjlbnVaI/AAAAAAAABVA/nRxbrTeasKs/s200/101_0839.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The North Bay Tourism Centre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYfmmploFI/AAAAAAAABVI/BGRr0m1Sb2k/s1600/101_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYfmmploFI/AAAAAAAABVI/BGRr0m1Sb2k/s200/101_0828.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house the Dionne Quints were born in</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The clothing the quints wore all preserved for us to see...</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgBG0WmII/AAAAAAAABVY/Wll_WIkhPgc/s1600/101_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgBG0WmII/AAAAAAAABVY/Wll_WIkhPgc/s200/101_0830.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgeSiQ5pI/AAAAAAAABV4/Z5NcvdBfsVY/s1600/101_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgeSiQ5pI/AAAAAAAABV4/Z5NcvdBfsVY/s200/101_0832.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The home the quints were born is is preserved much as it was before the quints were taken away from their parents.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgEPHqL3I/AAAAAAAABVg/DPRCRmo4C88/s1600/101_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home where the quints were born" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgEPHqL3I/AAAAAAAABVg/DPRCRmo4C88/s320/101_0833.JPG" title="Home where the quints were born" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgLQBw07I/AAAAAAAABVw/J5Y6PEuf6PI/s1600/101_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home where the quints were born" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgLQBw07I/AAAAAAAABVw/J5Y6PEuf6PI/s200/101_0838.JPG" height="150" title="Home where the quints were born" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgHwVUTWI/AAAAAAAABVo/KysfNfSQsGo/s1600/101_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Home where the quints were born" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYgHwVUTWI/AAAAAAAABVo/KysfNfSQsGo/s200/101_0837.JPG" height="200" title="Quint's home" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Inside the Visitor Centre there is another room devoted to Quint Memorabilia including an old film that was taken of the Quints </span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYix87b68I/AAAAAAAABWA/f63eTtifIy4/s1600/101_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYix87b68I/AAAAAAAABWA/f63eTtifIy4/s200/101_0840.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYi5qmDEuI/AAAAAAAABWY/bHD5EKNbiQM/s1600/101_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ironic display of the Charter of Freedoms" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYi5qmDEuI/AAAAAAAABWY/bHD5EKNbiQM/s200/101_0844.JPG" height="200" title="Ironic display of the Charter of Freedoms" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ironic display of the Charter of Freedoms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYi3KsCFUI/AAAAAAAABWQ/swtCLtm6LMM/s1600/101_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="carousel figurine of the Quints" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJYi3KsCFUI/AAAAAAAABWQ/swtCLtm6LMM/s200/101_0845.JPG" height="200" title="carousel figurine of the Quints" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>carousel figurine of the Quints</i></td></tr>
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It was an interesting time visiting the museum - <a href="http://www.city.north-bay.on.ca/quints/digitize/dionne.htm">http://www.city.north-bay.on.ca/quints/digitize/dionne.htm </a>- it also made my blood boil at the thought of these children being removed from their parents home because they might exploit them only to have the provincial government of the day turn around and exploit them. To me it was kind of like the Catholic Church thinking they had the right to take the "savage" out of the Indians - Inuit - Aboriginals etc...</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although we have come a long way in protecting human rights we still have a lot of work to do....at least that is my personal feeling...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until later, ride safe...!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-50226318365122841802010-09-18T18:07:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:30:14.618-08:00North Bay and a childhood fantasy<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I have, since I was a small girl been enthralled with carousels. Who would have ever thought that in North Bay ON I would see a world class example...actually make that 2 and VERY fine examples they would be.</i></span></span></span><br />
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The very helpful young gal (Nicole) at the Comfort Inn in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/rider-friendly?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=1914">North Bay at Lakeside</a> gave hubby and I a list of must do's...She was able to give us really great suggestions and directions. This little lady is a very dedicated employee (she worked two shifts back to back to cover for a gal whose child came down with small pox) and she is very cheerful and helpful - a real customer service super star and I want to thank her publicly for helping to make my day so enjoyable.<br />
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Any way - list and map courtesy of Nicole, in hand...off we went.<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Down at the wharf we toured the original Chief Commanda ship that is now a restaurant/pub you see below...</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVW6MDmLkI/AAAAAAAABRA/LlrEhnk1Jv8/s1600/101_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVW6MDmLkI/AAAAAAAABRA/LlrEhnk1Jv8/s200/101_0770.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The marina and area around the old Chief Commanda are beautiful and I can see that during the peak of the tourism/summer season would be a hopping place.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVYdNy28VI/AAAAAAAABRw/SqTvzB23OcY/s1600/101_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVYdNy28VI/AAAAAAAABRw/SqTvzB23OcY/s320/101_0775.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We were not certain that we were going to get the chance to see the hand carved carousel's at the Heritage Railway & Carousel across the street...but "Auntie Gail" make sure that we did!</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVYyoHZUUI/AAAAAAAABR4/s44GW5ANPo4/s1600/101_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><br /><img alt="Heritage Railway & Carousel" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVYyoHZUUI/AAAAAAAABR4/s44GW5ANPo4/s200/101_0782.JPG" height="150" title="Heritage Railway & Carousel" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The caboose that acts as a boarding station for the miniature railway...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master plan for the rail road to join the Museum to the water front
area - the museum is located across the railroad tracks. The day we
visited North Bay the museum was closed but I am told it is very worth
going to.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVaAZnQmtI/AAAAAAAABSI/SGLHuZrF0p4/s1600/101_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVaAZnQmtI/AAAAAAAABSI/SGLHuZrF0p4/s320/101_0785.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Auntie Gail getting one of three trains ready for the day. Gail is one
of many volunteers who works on the Heritage Railway & Carousel.
The trains each cost about $100K each.</i></td></tr>
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<i>North Bay is a rail way town with a rich rail way history and has a devoted and dedicated volunteer community that works hard to preserve the memories.</i><br />
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In all - 180 artists and carvers along with 50 carpenters to put it all together were involved with the creation of two very different but equally stunning carousels.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The craftsmanship and artistry in these carousels is something to behold. These are fantastic examples of the local artisans...that's right, the carousels you see here are all made by local artists.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a plaque beside every horse or seating piece that tells you which family/business adopted the piece and it's name. </span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved horses</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVeUHJnE5I/AAAAAAAABTo/tKrbvZUibnM/s1600/101_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="art work and the memories" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TJVeUHJnE5I/AAAAAAAABTo/tKrbvZUibnM/s320/101_0796.JPG" height="320" title="The art work and the memories" width="240" /></a></div>
<i>The music, the exquisitely carved horses ...the art work and the memories....what a delight this carousel was - but this was not all that Auntie Gail had to show us....</i><br />
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A second carousel - VERY different from the first was waiting under the tent you see below...<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Winter - Santa and all things childhood fantasy awaited! It was just as gorgeous and stunning as the first one...</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The seahorse was so pretty...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's sleigh was a hoot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hare and the wolf were so intricately done....</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The beaver was a bit of whimsy...</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The raccoon and her baby sat next to the lynx...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auntie Gail and mee</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Gail explained to us that the entire<a href="http://www.heritagetrainandcarousel.weebly.com/"> Heritage Railway & Carousel</a> is funded by local sponsors and through some grants. The money that they make from giving rides and selling souvenirs takes care of much of the operational expenses. So, hubby and I went to the gift shop and tried to just donate some money because this place is so amazing but nope - they don't take donations so we bought the smallest keepsakes they had, some train key chains and off we went to our next adventure...</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until later...ride safe....</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-54589498112648602742010-09-12T18:28:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:25:05.610-08:00Petawawa and the Base Museum<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had the opportunity to stop at the Base in Petawawa and visit the museum. I am so glad that we did - what a phenomenal place! Ealier in the day, before we left the province of Quebec, Mark and I had stopped for fuel - the Timmy's was over loaded by soldiers - three bus loads! What a sight...</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needless to say we did not stop for a coffee...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TI15ObEybiI/AAAAAAAABPQ/2T5j8jnZAv0/s1600/101_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="military museum" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TI15ObEybiI/AAAAAAAABPQ/2T5j8jnZAv0/s320/101_0717.JPG" title="The military museum" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petawawa...<br />
and the museum</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>If you EVER get to this part of the country - this military museum rivals the one in Ottawa!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>There is so much to see in this museum and I most certainly did not want to spoil it for you as I have taken a TON of pictures. This was a moving experience for me - the history, the pride...</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What a great place to spend a few hours. If you get the chance - do NOT pass it up.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is a link to the town and base web site for more info on what else there is there...<a href="http://www.petawawa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=53&Itemid=211">Petawawa</a></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until Next time - ride safe....</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-81184321365856055252010-08-23T07:36:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:18:52.983-08:00Ottawa - Days 8 & 9<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After our very soggy - wet 370 KM ride in to Ottawa we got to our hotel in West Kanata - 3.5 hours later that we wanted to - but we arrived in one piece!</span></i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I really - really love the patio doors - man I can't express how easy unloading and loading back up is because of them!</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ_s61Oq5I/AAAAAAAAAhk/kpaXq_f4bIM/s1600/SDC10211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tourism information" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ_s61Oq5I/AAAAAAAAAhk/kpaXq_f4bIM/s200/SDC10211.JPG" height="200" title="Tourism informations" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Again - tourism information is available in abundance.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ_ufIUaqI/AAAAAAAAAhs/-HchCd1rZz8/s1600/SDC10212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><br /><img alt="The Breakfast Room - larger than at many of the Comfort Inns.." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ_ufIUaqI/AAAAAAAAAhs/-HchCd1rZz8/s200/SDC10212.JPG" height="150" title="The Breakfast Room" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Breakfast Room - larger than at many of the Comfort Inns...</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /> Comfort Inn - West Kanata</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">222 Hearst Way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ottawa ON</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(613) 592-2200 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make sure you tell them Belt Drive Betty sent you if you decide to stay there - and use your BDB Club card!</span></div>
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After we all got checked in, we got the directions to the Biker Church function and off we went - we were terribly late and it was raining but guess what - there were still about 200 - 250 riders present and the pig roast feast still had enough grub for a person to chow down - OMG can those women cook!</div>
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I found Pastor Rob and got a long awaited hug, then came his wife Heather and another really wonderful hug. Now I was in hunt of my sisters from the Chrome Divas - it did not take me long to find them! After hugs and kisses from Crystal & Danni we went off to find Scott from the Biker Coffee Company and some REAL coffee - I mean Timmy's is OK and the coffee at the hotels and many restaurants along the way has been passable but I wanted a Belt Drive Betty Blend cup of Coffee - their medium roast bares my road handle!</div>
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More hugs, my tour pack now filled with goodies - coffee (Road supplies!) Some Hogswipe from Good 'ol HG which I need to try out the minute the rain lets up...I was invited to speak to the riders who were present about F.I.R.R.E. and handed out phone books to those who wanted one - both Pastor Dave from the Kawarthas Biker's Church in Peterborough and Pastor Rob took membership forms and will be encouraging the members of their congregations to become F.I.R.R.E. members!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THKDqopgrHI/AAAAAAAAAh0/GpSEUT17tFs/s1600/At+Bikers+Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="George Bushman" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THKDqopgrHI/AAAAAAAAAh0/GpSEUT17tFs/s200/At+Bikers+Church.jpg" height="200" title="George Bushman" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Bushman was kind enough to provide me a picture of me talking to the riders!</td></tr>
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<i>We went back to the hotel to straighten out the reservations for Danni and Crystal - the first gal they talked to at the hotel did not want to honour our Conga Rate but again, that was quickly resolved with a quick chat with the gals at the front desk. I am not sure where these guys find their staff - but other than the trainees - which is completely understandable that they are not polished - the rest of the staff have been incredible - efficient, polite and courteous - and all have had a great sense of humour!</i></div>
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We all went out to dinner at a restaurant called Tommy's right behind the hotel - the food was good and the company was superb!</div>
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In the morning we had breakfast together and Lou & Graham headed out for Toronto.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THKD0Qz8qTI/AAAAAAAAAh8/uxeRyWA-Pbc/s1600/SDC10206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Riders" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THKD0Qz8qTI/AAAAAAAAAh8/uxeRyWA-Pbc/s200/SDC10206.JPG" height="150" title="Riders" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<i>Danni, Crystal and Danni's sister Rose who lives in Oca QC and I smudged ourselves with cedar in a Cree clearing ritual, shared hugs and laughter and then soon Pastor Dave & Karen along with another couple came to pick the gals up.</i></div>
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After they left - I buckled down to work on the paper for a while and then we had a visit from Mike Haufe and his gal Kaelen from XXX Chopper Works in Orleans ON. We had a BLAST visiting with those two - Mike loaded us up with tee shirts and sweat shirts and some booty shorts for my daughter and he became a member of our Rider friendly Business Association and is going to start advertising with us!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THKD3TrQE-I/AAAAAAAAAiM/9tjGGThpQqc/s1600/SDC10207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mike & me" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THKD3TrQE-I/AAAAAAAAAiM/9tjGGThpQqc/s320/SDC10207.JPG" height="240" title="Mike & me" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Mike has an outrageous sense of humour and he kept us in stitches the entire visit - when he put on my old helmet backwards we decided it would make a perfect picture!</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaelen, Mike and I</td></tr>
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Mike and Kaelen headed out for a dinner engagement about 5:30 pm and again I settled in to work on the paper. I completed a 32 pager and turned in at about 11 am. I then got up at 4:30 am and started working on cathching up on all of my travel blogs - I know me - if I didn't do them now it was going to be a while as today is my brother's viewing and tomorrow is is funeral - I could see me getting into a funk and getting writers block so I steeled myself to the task and by 10:30 am I was finally caught right up! A little bit of book work and guess what - the sky has even started to clear up.</div>
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I know one thing - when we get to Montreal - I have a box to ship home. coffee, embroidered cleaning cloths from the Kawarthas Biker's Church, Tee Shirts from Hogswipe, and the Wounded Warriors - thanks Graham...yes, all of these great gifts made a lot of what we packed redundent - time t ship dirty clothes home...well not dirty caus ehubby was nice enough to do laundry while I worked on the paper! </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We might even get a chance to do a little bit of tourism stuff here in Ottawa before we head in to Montreal...I feel a smoked meat sandwich, poutine and maybe a hot dog steamee coming on!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next stop - Montreal!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until then...ride safe</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-11025764451354439562010-08-23T06:49:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:15:23.530-08:00North Bay to Ottawa - Day 7 & 8<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our Hotel in North Bay lost our reservation. Even though I had the confirmation number the poor gal at the desk could not find it. I convinced her to perhaps try calling her manager and that phone call quickly erased all challenges!</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ6pq6qjpI/AAAAAAAAAgs/81N_8fRO_Js/s1600/SDC10203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Comfort Inn" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ6pq6qjpI/AAAAAAAAAgs/81N_8fRO_Js/s200/SDC10203.JPG" height="150" title="Comfort Inn" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ6qwpgDaI/AAAAAAAAAg0/mntkF0XUst8/s1600/SDC10204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ6qwpgDaI/AAAAAAAAAg0/mntkF0XUst8/s200/SDC10204.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ6sNaMxbI/AAAAAAAAAg8/zs9hEP-W4yE/s1600/SDC10205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ6sNaMxbI/AAAAAAAAAg8/zs9hEP-W4yE/s320/SDC10205.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All of the Comfort Inns & Suites so far have had great tourism racks filled with local information - and they are deeply appreciated by many too!</span></i></span></div>
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The Comfort Inn & Suites North Bay</div>
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676 Lakeshore Dr.<br />
North Bay ON<br />
(705) 494-9444</div>
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While we were waiting to check in Lou DeVouno of the Hero's Highway Ride and his friend Graham walked up! Hugs and more hugs - we all got checked in, unloaded the bikes and promptly went to eat. <br />
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We ate at the East Side Marios - what a fabulous meal and the service was even better!<br />
The company was fantastic and Lou and I were able to catch up on each other's news.<br />
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We headed to the rooms and I got some work done...the next morning we woke up to English Sunshine! The ride to Ottawa that should have taken about 4 and a half hours took 8. Twice we had to pull off at a restaurant to wait things out - at times there were rivers of water running down the highway. Lou was riding his new Victory - which he adores and his friend Graham was riding a Heritage Softail that he bought from Classy Chassis & Cycle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ7cno776I/AAAAAAAAAhE/vShl5LaLAgs/s1600/SDC10198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="an interesting sticker" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJ7cno776I/AAAAAAAAAhE/vShl5LaLAgs/s200/SDC10198.JPG" height="150" title="An interesting sticker" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of our hotel we were treated to an interesting sticker on a guys car</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were also treated to a pair of raccoons - cute but viscous and rotten little creatures that get into everything...</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sadly - for some strange reason none of the pictures we took of Lou, Graham or our really, really wet ride to Ottawa turned out...I am hoping the when I can talk to Lou he will have some pictures he can share with me! Technology - you gotta love it!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next stop - Ottawa...ride safe</span></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-10264894552002772022010-08-23T06:02:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:12:23.564-08:00Sault Ste Marie to North Bay - Days 6 & 7<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hubby and I arrived in to Sault Ste Marie after a 700 KM day in the saddle that was absolutely perfect riding. I even sort of got my new Hero Go Pro Camera figured out - now I just need to learn how to edit all of the film I have!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Any way - we stopped at BP for some supper, called the hotel to let them know we had arrived but were just eating first. The gal at the hotel was incredibly friendly on the phone.</span><br />
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When we were done eating we rode the block over to the hotel and this same gal who was so cheerful on the phone greeted us with a teasing comment" So, you didn't get enough protein on the road today - you actually had to stop and eat"...well hubby and I both cracked up laughing - what a character!<br />
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The service in this location was above and beyond! Again - a comfortable be, nice room and great patio doors that make hauling tour packs and bags into the room a dream.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Comfort Inn Sault Ste Marie</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">333 Great Northern Road</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4Z8</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(705) 759-8000</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a class="homepage" href="http://maps.google.ca/local_url?q=http://www.choicehotels.com/cn293&dq=&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&source=embed&msa=0&msid=116252927261430102196.00048a8efdf6a915d11f3&ll=49.539469,-90.098877&spn=34.362556,93.076172&z=4&oi=miw&sa=X&ct=miw_link&cd=1&cad=homepage,cid:14788800730020322160&ei=dVpyTNi8JoKwyQWi9_nAAg&s=ANYYN7nwQ2CrBupQXUFMzdFdCjepNvRvCg" target="_blank">choicehotels.com/cn293</a></span></i></div>
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If you decide to stop here for the night - please use your BDB Card and tell them that Belt Drive Betty sent you to take advantage of the special pricing for riders! </div>
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We took advantage of our morning and what was to be a nice light day of riding in over cast but dry weather and we toured some of the Soo.</div>
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We went to the water front and watched a ship come in through the locks, took in the Algoma Art Gallery and the Sault Ste Marie Museum.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old power plant - at the time it was built it was the largest power generation station in the world.</td></tr>
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A beautiful Water Fountain in the harbour</div>
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makes for an interesting back drop</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algoma Blue is the name of the Steel Sculpture that graces the yard of the Art gallery - it pays tribute to the steel industry of the region. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the galleries was dedicated to eagles and paper art.</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another was dedicated to miniatures of a local gal who designed play sets and costumes.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After the tour of the art gallery and it's grounds we headed over the the museum. The architecture of the building was stunning - it was the original post office before the historic society took it over in 1983... </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A lovely older gal made sure we had the pamphlets and information we needed and off we went to explore the three stories of the museum. The manager of the museum - Rick is a rider and apperently the guys in the office seemed to feel he would be disappointed to not meet us! Perhaps on the way back - we shall see.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a room dedicated to our troops and the mariners of the region</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another area that is dedicated to the blacks who had been held as slaves - their stories preserved so that those atrocities might never be repeated.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The artifacts on display here are in stunningly good shape and in some cases evoked some great memories.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wood work in the building was stunning - the craftsmanship of the day made one feel very nostalgic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The native handi works that were on display - again - incredibly preserved.</td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A replica and tribute to the Edmond Fitzgerald</span></b></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next stop - North bay and a meeting with Lou DeVouono of the Hero's Highway Ride and his friend Graham who works very hard for the Wounded Warriors Project and who is himself a veteran.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until later...ride safe.....</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-73663585902646641662010-08-23T05:15:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:09:28.525-08:00From Kenora to Thunder Bay - Days 5 and 6...<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our Journey to light a F.I.R.R.E. in the souls of every rider we can would take us to Thunder Bay after Kenora it was a 500 KM day.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The riding was wonderful and for lunch we decided to stop at this little place on the side of the highway called Busters BBQ in Vermilion Bay. The smells coming from this place preceded it for a 1/4 mile and by the time we pulled into the lot our mouths were watering.</span></i></span><br />
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This BBQ place has quite the history and the most incredible Blueberry BBQ sauce. They have won awards in all types and kinds of food competitions and the place is eclectic and quirky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wall of Fame and Below some of their ribbons</td></tr>
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All kinds of quirky and intriguing artifacts and pictures grace the walls and some had me</div>
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giggling really hard!</div>
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The food here was phenomenal and the service was excellent. I had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potatoe fries and that BBQ sauce was stunning. When I get home I intend to get on their web site and order me some: www.busterbbq.com</div>
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There was a really large Inukshuck in the parking lot that I just had to have my picture taken at too.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Mark and I had thought we would get in to Thunder Bay to the Tim Horton's we were to be meeting the retreads at about 6:30 pm - sadly - I thought the time changed after Thunder Bay - wrong! We did however get to meet up with about 1/3 of the members who had come out to ride with us. At Kakabeca Falls hubby noticed a group of riders eating ice cream so we turned around and sure enough - there were the Ontario Retreads!</b></span></i><br />
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After a delicious ice cream - a round of introductions and some pictures, Leo took Mark and I to our hotel via the back road so we could avoid the road construction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>14 members of the Ontario Retreads who weren't camera shy take photos with hubby and I</i></td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We arrived to our hotel - the Comfort Inn which just happened to be conveniently located next to Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson.</span></b></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfort Inn Thunder Bay</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Comfort Inn Thunder Bay </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">600 West Arthur St</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thunder Bay ON</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(807) 475-3155 </span></i></div>
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I honestly don't remember much about the hotel other than the frustration at our cell phones not working. (The Thunder Bay area is the only region left in North America with it's own private phone company - other phone services work there sporadically - it cost us $25 to make 2 calls from the room)<br />
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It was on this day that I got word that my brother who had been battling cancer lost his fight and died in his son's arms. I remember being on the second floor and our bikes being parked under the drive through canopy in the front of the hotel and the amenities of the hotel were similar to all of the others but the breakfast area was located on the tiny lobby and it was rather cramped and uncomfortable. The food was great, the service by the staff was good but that breakfast area was...well...too small.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At 9 am, Leo and Robert of the Retreads joined Mark and I and my new sales rep Kevin - we walked over to the Harley shop - what a gas that was - an ice cream stand in the parking lot along with a bar and restaurant on the other side of it... talk about creating a destination!</span></i></div>
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After the tour of the Harley Shop we hopped on the bikes and Robert and Leo took hubby and I around to some of the must do stops in Thunder Bay. We started with Signal Hill and the war memorial there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked in front of the war memorial</td></tr>
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One of the "walls" of names of those the Thunder Bay region has lost to war.</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Signal Hill Bell that was used to warn of all kinds of emergencies and impending danger</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Sleeping Giant Island below was one of the most incredible visuals...</span></i><br />
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After Signal Hill we headed to the water front that is filled with memorials and tributes to those whose lives are lived and lost by the sea. The whole area is under construction as they are creating condos and a new marina, but none the less - what a beautiful area.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A couple of the many memorials</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A couple of the many memorials</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the other memorials</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hubby decided there needed to be an additional memorial - we are not sure to what though!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJkfNz81OI/AAAAAAAAAdM/j_B_Mj1ZagI/s1600/SDC10136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/THJkfNz81OI/AAAAAAAAAdM/j_B_Mj1ZagI/s200/SDC10136.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After taking the tour of the water front our final stop in Thunder Bay HAD to be the Terry Fox memorial - it is truly the most incredible tribute for the most incredible of young men.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bronze statue and all of the stone carving is stunning and fitting...</td></tr>
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Mark (L), Robert (M) and Leo (R) having a gab while I take pictures</div>
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The view from the memorial is beautiful.</div>
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From the Terry Fox Memorial we headed to Nipigon where Leo and Robert turned to head back to Thunder Bay - thanks guys for being such GREAT tour guides.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>One of the best things about them being tour guides was my mind and soul were kept busy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We headed towards Sault Ste Marie on roads that were lightly trafficked and sunny skies....perfect riding weather.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Until later...ride safe!...</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">rider friendly </a> | <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/travel/cmta">motorcycle tourism canada</a></div>
Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-81274133410308506502010-08-18T08:42:00.000-07:002014-01-23T06:04:24.955-08:00Day 4 & 5 From Yorkton Saskatchewan to <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our 750 KM journey to Kenora to meet up with the National Motorcycle Ride for Dad - 10th Anniversary Celebrations was a cold and over cast one but thankfully we hit no rain!</b></span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lodgings for the night...</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We pulled in to Kenora after going through road construction in Winnipeg and at the Manitoba Ontario border. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We checked in to the Comfort Inn at 8 pm and the gal at the desk directed us to the Days Inn for supper - she told us they had a fabulous restaurant - man was she right!</span></i><br />
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We were very gratified that she directed us there not just because the food was so good - the steak sandwich was melt in your mouth tasty but guess who was staying there - 90% of the MRFD crew - the rest of them were staying at our hotel - the Comfort Inn!<br />
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After a great gab with Wayne Rostad, Kirk Van Alstyne, Garry Janz, Jeff Johner, Jim Lothian and a whole host of the riders from all over the country - we headed back to our room.<br />
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What a treat it is to have Choice Hotels as a sponsor. So far the service and the rooms have been exceptional!<br />
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In the bathroom I found a card on top of what very obviously was a rag with which to clean the bike, shoes or whatever else and the card had this little poem on it:<br />
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<b>A Ragged Tale</b></div>
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I once was a fluffy linen</div>
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Hung with pride for you to see</div>
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Then one day I was misused</div>
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And now a rag is all I can be</div>
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I may be old and tattered now</div>
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But I am clean as you see</div>
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If you use me for the dirty jobs</div>
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I can save my linen family</div>
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I’m good for shining shoes</div>
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Windshields, spots and messes,</div>
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makeup and anything else you</div>
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might need me for.</div>
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Please don’t hesitate to dial 0 if you need more!</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What a sweet touch!!</span></i><br />
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The room itself was a treat too. Another well appointed and very thoughtfully laid out room.<br />
Extra wall plugs that are very accessible, a beautiful bathroom with an ironing board, iron, night light, hair dryer and soap, shampoo and conditioner.<br />
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A great unit contained the microwave and fridge, water and ice bucket with glasses.</div>
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Patio doors and parking right outside those doors let you feel like you were at a resort not in a hotel/motel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the "Back side" of our room...</td></tr>
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The bed was comfortable - different from the other two locations, a little firmer, but surprisingly I had an incredibly good sleep on it.<br />
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One thing I truly appreciated was the desk like table and the office style chair to sit in - when you do as much computer work as I do, that is super important!<br />
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Again, this is a place where staff makes a big difference. Friendly, polite and helpful!<br />
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The continental breakfast that is served has such a nice variety of things to choose from that there is something to appeal to everyone.<br />
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The Breakfast area - oh and
complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available 24/7 - with
FRESH Creamer! The Real STUFF!!!!</div>
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<i>After a fabulous nights sleep, we woke to gorgeous, brilliant sunshine. We got over to the Days Inn for breakfast at 7 AM and the opportunity to speak to 40 members of the National Motorcycle Ride For Dad 10th Anniversary Ride Across Canada about the work they do and how much I appreciate it and F.I.R.R.E. - it looks like we will be garnering some new members for our cause - especially in Manitoba as Kirk has expressed great interest in what we do!</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with the MRFD Crew!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby and I with Wayne Rostad & Bertha the Bu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TGv-cR420bI/AAAAAAAAAaw/EzTgibYC43U/s1600/SDC10070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Myself with Byron on the right and Garry Janz" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/TGv-cR420bI/AAAAAAAAAaw/EzTgibYC43U/s320/SDC10070.JPG" height="240" title="Myself with Byron and Garry Janz" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself with Byron on the right and Garry Janz on the left</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hubby and I took a boot around town - what a pretty, pretty place - I haven't been here since I was 12 or so and I forgot just how gorgeous it is here.</span></div>
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If you find yourself in Kenora for a trip or vacation - consider staying at the Comfort Inn - I have had such a great experience here and so highly recommend them! Make sure you tell them that BDB Sent you!<br />
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<b><span id="sobi2Details_field_business_name">Comfort Inn Kenora</span></b><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_street">1230 Hwy 17 East</span><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_city">Kenora</span> <span id="sobi2Details_field_federal_state">ON</span> <span id="sobi2Details_field_postcode">P9N 1L9</span><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_phone">(807) 468-8845</span><br />
<span id="sobi2Details_field_fax"><span id="sobi2Listing_field_fax_label">Fax:</span> (807) 468-1588</span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.choicehotels.ca/cn272"> http://www.choicehotels.ca/cn272</a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So far we have touched about 70 riders on our trip and really we are just beginning so I feel very grateful. Tonight when we get in to Thunder Bay we get to talk to members of the Ontario Retreads and ride with them on their Wednesday Night ride! I am so totally stoked!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until tomorrow - ride safe!</span></i></div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-35487006449787262482010-05-01T15:41:00.000-07:002014-01-23T05:57:57.925-08:00Manitoulin Island Ontario<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Falls</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #e69138;">Manitoulin Island is the world's LARGEST fresh water island!</span></span></i></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is absolutely one of the most picturesque places around.</span></i></span></b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The roads are incredible and the scenery is second to none. </span></b></span> </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is another MUST do ride for bikers.</span></i><br />
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<b>Submitted by Tom Langrell</b> (tjlbikers@sympatico.ca)</div>
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Belt Drivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588809288861322365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189066674981546465.post-80514987307669126602010-05-01T15:16:00.000-07:002014-01-23T05:53:26.453-08:00Deer Trail Driving Tour<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">North of Elliot Lake, Ontario - off 17 HWY - 108 -639 - 546- HWY 17.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a must ride road for all bikers. Narrow road, back in the bush/wood road, takes approx 2hrs. 3 camps - 3 houses.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Mississagi Provincial Park Entrance</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/S9yn8JcxW_I/AAAAAAAAAUc/EPtajfdjmUI/s1600/9_image_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North of Elliot Lake" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hp-bco8WCIE/S9yn8JcxW_I/AAAAAAAAAUc/EPtajfdjmUI/s320/9_image_1.jpg" title="North of Elliot Lake" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watch out for wild life, wooden bridges and tons of peaceful beautiful scenery (and...the rare logging trucks) Enjoy! </span></i></div>
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<b>Submitted by Tom Langrell</b> (tjlbikers@sympatico.ca)<br />
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This is a partial description of the tour as provided on the <a href="http://www.northernontario.com/">www.northernontario.com</a> web site:<br />
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The Deer Trail begins at the intersection of Highway 17 East (the Trans Canada Highway) and Highway 108 leading you north towards Elliot Lake. For an early rest stop and a scenic view, pull in at Depot Lake, located just a few kilometres into the drive. <br />
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Stop at the Fire Tower Lookout by turning off Highway 108 down Milliken Road and follow the signs. From the lookout you will not only be able to see Elliot Lake, but as far as Manitoulin Island and the United States. <br />
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23 kilometres north of Elliot Lake, Hwy. 108 becomes Hwy. 639. This will take you past the Mississagi Provincial Park. The park features 90 campsites, a boat launch, hiking trails, canoeing, a natural and historical exhibit centre and is a great place for camping if you feel like breaking up the drive. <br />
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Along the way down Highway 546 which takes you back to the Trans Canada Highway, you will see the Mississagi River, once the route of fur traders and the infamous Grey Owl. <br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just before you end this drive, you will pass Bells Falls. In addition to having some excellent fishing, the falls is a great place to sit, relax and take in nature. This drive ends as Highway 546 comes out at Iron Bridge, Ontario.</span></i><br />
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