Marion & Kokomo, Indiana

I thought that I would hotel it so I would have internet and catch up on reading and posting but it didn't work.  I double checked before I booked into the Econolodge that I needed internet and when I complained, they didn't do anything about it.  It sort of worked sporatically but after 2 hours of trying to upload some photos to picassa, I gave up but this morning it works

Yesterday after I left Columbia City, IN a little voice was beconing me to explore some of the roads south of where I was

Hmm,   26 miles to Marion

this is farm country and you see lots of decaying equipment

and lots of cattle.   For some reason cows like to stare at you.  Soon the whole herd was at the fence, looking

who knew that this was the highway of vice presidents

Here I am,   I made it to Marion, IN     Not sure what is here so I ride up the hill

I need to get rid of some fluid and saw this friendly guy at the McDonalds

A local Marion pigs likes my Beemer

I spotted this old building so stopped for a photo

and met Kane who rides a DUI scooter.   He used to live in CA and often visited the Oregon coast.  He noticed my BC plate and came over.   He said that many people here ride scooters since you don't need a driver's licence when you are caught driving and drinking.  I said are you one of those ? and he said YEP

I noticed my first White Castle.  One day I shall try one of their mini burgers

Soon after I headed over to Kokomo.  NO, it's not the place mentioned in that song, but I was humming it anyway

it's a historic town which has seen better days

this house looks older than this photos shows

this old church is for sale but would probably be a money pit

then I saw it . . .  the KOKOMANTIS

It caught my attention and while I was looking at my maps trying to figure out a route back to Chicago

this fellow showed up.  Meet   "Yappy" .  He is a volunteer for ABATE Indiana and he was very friendly and told me how to get out of town.  He rides a big Vulkan

I wanted to avoid the toll roads and was zigging my way back to I-80 and it took over 6 hours travelling over many backroads in the middle of nowhere.  And Garmin Dan's nephew wasn't much help either

There is a Gladiola festival here every year

don't come here for gas, they don't have any

This is typical Chicago traffic.   It is always stopped.   I got caught in a 4 mile freeway construction project and followed the locals only to get stopped by an accident ahead

Starting to head home

It was difficult to have to leave my Mississauga (Toronto) hosts, Ed & Dianne  (blog link here)  I don't think you could find finer people who went out of their way to make me comfortable and give me the keys to their home.  Dianne is a most excellent chef and I think they had to widen their doorways so they could roll me out this morning.   Ed decided to keep me company nearly to London, ON before we parted ways

I think I have fallen in love with his bike.   He as a newer R1200RT and it fits me perfectly.   I even offered to trade straight across with Nu2me but he didn't take the hintl.  It's all his fault because he let me sit on it

Not many photos today as I needed to put on some miles to relieve some of the distance stress.  I decided to enter the USA through Sarnia

these are the overhead signs as you near the border.   There is a toll to ride over the Blue Water Bridge.  $3.50 for cars or bikes.  I didn't know this as I approached so I had to pull over to the shoulder  to make my funds available for easy access

this is the approach to the bridge

as you near the summit you can see the structure

and here is an inside view

and the view from the front of the line as you approach the customs agents.  There is not much traffic here

I had a destination in mind and my intent was to just keep riding until I got there but I got mixed up when I got near Detroit and lost my bearings.  I made it to a Macdonalds so I could use their WiFi to see where I was but there was NO WiFi.   My maps are not that detailed so I had to find help

eventually I got sorted out and stopped at a little town called Columbia City, Indiana.  There is a Wal-mart here and a CVS pharmacy.  I went to a chinese restaurant and had a combo.  

so here I am in a run down, decaying Motel for $34. plus taxes (=$36.).  It's clean, the a/c and showers all work

and I am also happy that the FREE internet works too.   I made sure to ask several times if the WiFi worked before I paid for my room

Karen's world, Kingston, ON

I can't begin to tell you how out of shape I have become but a lot of walking is involved if you wish to see some of the local sights

Vstar* Lady = VSL:   " do you want to see my lake ? "

Me:  " of course "

Little did I realize at that time that it meant walking.  I thought we were going to ride there

VSL: " well, you had better get on your walking shoes "

Me:   ( gulp ),  "okay"

It's hard to huff and puff, walk and talk at the same time and the 1-1/2 kms felt like an eternity

All I was thinking of was how I was going to get back

On the way back I managed to snap a few flower photos

any excuse to stop for a few seconds to catch my breath

the sky was beginning to become overcast

and the dark clouds were closing in

Montreal, PQ

I'm a bit behind with internet challenges.  I had a whirlwind tour of Montreal and you can read about it  HERE.

Last Thursday we decided that after our visit to Quebec City instead of staying there, we would ride to Montreal instead.   We nearly made it without getting wet but during our last two hours on the highway we were drenched and had to huddle under an overpass until the rain got lighter.

Our hosts, David & Susan delayed their dinner and waited for us and we had a most delicious meal.

David spent the day with me and showed me the sights.  We started with the Olympic Stadium

Then it was off to Old Montreal.  Of course I just had to snap a photo of this red carriage

It's a busy place with lots of stores and restaurants

and I am fascinated with the architecture of the old buildings

It is not easy riding on the decaying and uneven surface of the cobblestone streets

there were strange activities going on downtown.   These people were roasting hot dogs on a wood fire

while others were playing with the water features

happily my pink crocs remained dry while we barefooted the night away

we also managed to walk to a viewpoint for some night shots of the city

It was decided that I needed to try some fresh Montreal Bagels from a 24 hour bakery.

New Brunswick to Quebec

Needless to say I am getting behind.   I am currently being hosted in Montreal and whilst visiting I thought it rude to be posting instead of visiting so my attention has been to relax a few days before I start my trek home  Yesterday I had a long day being toured around the city and we didn't get home until nearly midnight

A few days ago after leaving Shedic we ended up at the old Garrison in Fredericton, NB

as it happened we were just in time for their daily presentation

It seemed like a very hot day to be wearing their heavy uniform, as we were sweltering under the shade of the trees

This is the site of the old fort and there are many buildings currently undergoing restoration

across the street you will notice the architecture of this area a hundred years ago

and before you ask, yes,  my Pink Crocs arrived safely too

We also stopped in Historic Quebec City

I remember being here before around 1973 but did not visit the Old Town

today it is a place bustling with tourists, coffe shops and many places to buy souveniers

as you walk around you feel like you are in a different country

narrow streets and every inch of space is being utilized

I would presume that most of these apartments have been updated inside but the outside looks more or less like it did

I think you would like it here,   I had my first Beavertail and fruit smoothie here, oh and a few bites of poutine

for now I am relaxing in Montreal and my host has tried to cram a lifetime of sightseeing into a mere 8 hours.   I have no idea where we went but I like it here and it has been nice to wake up naturally instead of the alarm clock.   Tomorrow  westward to Perth, ON  for lunch and perhaps a tempting ride into Prince Edward County on Monday