Blogs from Timmins, Ontario, Canada, North America

Some say it's the coldest summer we 'ever had. But I just call it the warmest winter." - Man in front of the general store in Sioux Narrows on a chilly day at the end of June Pine needles and creosote. The smell hit me shortly after arriving to Ontario, while bicycling south on Highway 71 between Kenora and Fort Frances. A brisk morning wind rushed over the treetops and into my face, a wind carrying something familar and comforting. To call it a smell doesn't really do it justice. Almost a spirit, really. Something that rushes past the olefactories and goes right to a hidden corner of the brain where long forgotten memories are stored. Ah, Pine needles and creosote. It may only be the middle of June, but the sun is strong enough to ... read more

Day 20. 7117Km I knew I had a lot of ground to cover and had no idea what the road was going to be like. The map indicated it was paved but being so remote was it just a logging road that had the crap beat out of it? Once underway there is no option but to continue or turn around. This is the only road up here. I got propane in Roberval and topped up on diesel in Saint-Felicien. I had half a tank which under normal conditions, even with the trailer, would take me the 220Km to Chapais but why risk it? As it turned out the road to Chapais was'nt bad at all. It's flatter than I expected. There are farms for a while out of Saint-Felicien before it turns to bush, bush ... read more

Well, we are back home now. We did not get a chance to write about Naples and the Amalfi Coast before we left, but we will try to post a bit tomorrow or Sunday. See everyone soon.... read more