Oh Canada 🎶🇨🇦, eh. Part deux

Ottawa !!  The capital city of Canada. Beautiful bike trail system all through this fair city. We explored about 35 miles of this expansive system of trails. Our trip leader led us literally all over the place. Was so special that she managed to find a little hill, comparable to the climb out of hidden falls, from the beginning of the Rideaux historic locks built in the 1830's up to the House of Parliament just in time for the changing of the guard. About half way through the pomp and circumstance, our legs started to recover. It was really cool to be there for this. Reminded me from a few days ago when we were on the observation deck at the Sault Ste Marie locks, kinda like watching paint dry, but still interesting. 

There are a number of UNESCO world heritage sites. We litterally flew by a few of them... Asked my bike mates, did you see the Royal mint? Some did, some not. We wove between urban areas and riverside forests. Very cool!  

Our esteemed leader expertly moved around the city avoiding the pockets of rain showers. But not a flat tire on our way through the experimental farm. It was just a matter of time....

If the flat was not enough, We did manage to stay dry until our day really took a bad turn. Only a half mile to go, crossing a wet wood floored bridge, one of our group went down. 911, ambulance, e/r and admittance.  Our little group started out originally to be 10, 9 when we left the Twin Cities, we are now 8.  ....and then there was 8.  We send sincere best wishes to our fallen comrade and hopes for a full recovery. 

Tomorrow, we launch our 3 day ride on the Petit Train du Nord.  Yeah!!

Here are some look see of Ottawa. 

It takes a village to change a flat....

Turn in for the next episode!!

Oh Canada, 🎶🇨🇦, Eh...

There is nothing more certain of a test for true compatability then to put 4 adults, all their gear and necessary accessories in a crew cab pick up truck for nearly 23 hours of driving,...into a foreign country ,,,, :)  One could not ask for a better group of travel companions. We are having a great time. Especially when Alice sprung alter ego, a hand puppet of sorts. Cannot decide if it is Kermit or Lambchop....   Not many people can boast on the accomplishment of taking 11 hours to make a 9 hour drive.... Twice

Our adventure to date is experiencing Wisconsin and Ontario from the windows of the truck. Boy, have we seen a lot of country side. Oh, yeah, scouting out a few bar and grills when the need struck. Arby's scored a wave as we flew by.  The truck rebels did not stick to the itinerary. 

Sault Ste Marie is a pretty interesting town. Stood on the observation deck to see the huge cargo ships pass through the docks. Kinda like watching paint dry... No, really, it was interesting. 

Tonight we are in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Our hope is to be able to tour the city by bike tomorrow and it's numerous UNESCO sites. Beautiful weather we have had to date, but not tomorrow. Drat. Peggy, our uber amazing planner will come up with something.   

Here are some visuals to pique you curiosity.  

Make and Alice

Our ride, next time...

Laurie ne Nina

Mark rode his bike across this bridge!! Eeeeek

The reason we were an hour late for dinner reservation ...

Be sure to check back for more adventure!

Wild Wild West Adventure. Episode 7

Ahhhh, a day to sleep in a bit, cook breakfast (as opposed to yogurt and cereal) then off for today's adventure. 

Exploring and experience the faces of Mount Rushmore was first on the agenda. Satisfied to have bagged at least 500 photos of the guys in granite, we walked the presidential trail which yielded some pretty interesting angles. The sun peaked out much to our joy to give some really nice light. Here is some pics to enjoy. 

Next stop, Deadwood.  The timing was perfect, met up with the rest of the gang in time for lunch, libations, and a bit of shopping. It is an interesting town for sure. The architecture of some of the surviving buildings from the 1890's was pretty cool. 

Tomorrow, our last day in the hills. Relaxing and packing in prep for the arduous drive back east to the Twin Cities. 

Hope you have enjoyed this journey.  

Ride and walk on!

Wild Wild West Adventure episode 6

We did it! Alice and I rode every one of the 109 miles of the George Mickelson Trail. This was a memorable experience. Although, would have to say, that last 4 miles through the open hills of sage brush, was a tiny bit of forever...  The trail offered at every moment a sense of discovery.  So remote at times, full of wildlife, canyons, multitude of ecosystems, from high mountain forests to prairies, truly an experience to involve all the senses.  Oh yes, a bit of resolve through the miles of climbs rewarded by the joy of coasting even farther.  The trail surface required vigilance. A lax moment and a wrong placement of a tire could buck you right off the trail. If you have a notion to experience this trail, it comes with high recommendations. 

Not many pictures from the trail, busy hanging on to handle bars ... :D.  We do have some of our home for 7 days, Hot Springs, and Crazy Horse monument.   Enjoy!

Mile post zero!

Our new home...

Tomorrow more exploration!  Be sure to read on.  Cheers! 

Wild Wild West Adventure episode 5

Another early early rise and shine, not to be unrewarded. 7 of the 9 travelers rousted up and on the road shortly after 6 a.m. To start our exploration of the wild life circle drive and Custer state park. Wow, was this ever worth it!  Sylvan Lake to Needles highway, around the park, visitor's centers, Iron mountain highway and unbelievable views of the heads!! ( Mt Rushmore ). 

Look and see:

Oh George...

Tomorrow, Alice and I ride the remaining 57 miles of the Mickelson to be joined by the masses to explore the mammoths !  Read on!

Wild Wild West Adventure episode 4

Oh my aching ( fill in the blank)....  

This day's adventure is to hike up to and back from Harney Peak. This is the highest point east of the Rockies and west of the French Pyrenees at 7244' elevation. The recommended time to allot for this round trip hike is 4-5 hours. We are proud to report our excursion was is a snappy 5.5 hours.  It was an exhilarating experience and a bit of sweat. We made it!! The current fire outlook post was built by the CCC in 1938 and staffed until 1963. Cannot imagine working at this location.  It boasted an amazing overlook of the black hills. Have a look see of this adventure..l

Sylvan Lake

Our destination in that point in the distance. 

The back side of Mount Rushmore on the right. Mount baldy on the left.  

Harney Peak

Tomorrow, the highlights of Custer state park and more...