Dist, 118 km, 23 km/hr, Saddle Time, 5 hours
Wed July 13
I woke to a relatively dry morning. Got packed up and out by 7:30. After a very steep climb out of the park and onto the highway, things changed. After seeing the first lightning strike, I knew I was in for a jolly ride. Sure enough, a full strength thunderstorm was underway. Mother Nature has dropped her Weather Hammer down on us. HWC went below deck to ride it out. She gets so bloody heavy when wet, could break Shirley's handlebar stem or worse, her front rim !! We came to the top of a hill and began our descent... It was dark (for the am.) and cold with lightning/thunder. I rode the hill blind as the rain was driving into my face as if from a sandblasting gun.
About 10 km w. of Corner Brook I came upon a quiet truck stop. It was like an oasis in the middle of Stormasaurus Rex. I couldn't believe my eyes. COFFEE and OMLETTE, NOW !!!! Awesome breakfast. Flo was magnificent, I didn't see Mel, but I'm sure that he was near. A couple truck drivers enjoying a break also. This diner couldn't be more perfect. She even had ready made sandwiches for my ride. Gatorade too. I felt bad about the huge puddle that I left on the table, booth bench and floor, oh well.
After passing up Corner Brook, I happened upon 3 bike travellers...These lovely ladies were riding from PEI to a remote area of NFLD. I dont remember where, but it starts with "Saint".... (lots of those)
I wish that I asked more questions, but they kept asking me things. If you ladies are reading this, I wanted to tell you that Iam equally impressed with you as you me. Your trip is no less challenging than mine in comparison. Way to go, I hope you arrived safe and happy !
So, I rolled into Deer Lake very early, but was ready to pick a home base. I dialled in Driftwood Inn. Got some laundry done, some Blog stuff, Cleaned Shirley and got supplies for tomorrow. I think that services will be sparse on that day.
This town is lame, but there is fantastic outdoor pursuits all around the region.
"Yer gonna git damp"
Weird landscape. Camera doesn't capture the feeling of the moment.
OASIS IN WEATHER HELL... LIFE SAVER !! Thanks Flo and Mel.
Modest shack. With the land, worth $984,000.00 in Vancouver easily.
A fine town. Alas, "I'm leaving here" (Motorhead)
I can hardly believe my eyes !! My final destination is appearing on a common road sign. I've been
looking at these Green Highway Sentinels for so long now. Always concerned about the numbers. Now a very significant name has been presented to me by the Green Sentinel. My "Precious" is near.
Three ladies I met near Corner Brook...They are riding from P.E.I. to a remote area of NFLD.
I didn't get their names so let's go with Marg Geraldine and Liz. The Colours !! The Colours !!
I loved meeting you girls, wish I talked longer. I hope your trip went well. I'm very impressed !
House in the woods
Artsy tarmac landscape
A modest newish town marker.
Hydroelectric power in elegant white
Home base. They had a large room where I could store Shirley. The adjacent bar/grill was hopping that night. A jungle theme park environment was free with the meal. Oh Boy !! I didn't stand out at all. Ya.
Laundry Day !! Hurray !! Not usually that excited about laundry.
Picked me up some "Alexander Keiths" also. Busy busy busy bee.
Yup, a close-up in case you were sceptical.
The guy was just fishing for something. Its the hound that had my defences up. Probably picked up HWC's scent.
Artwork potential for sure.
View Larger Map A strange land indeed ...
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