"On the Trail"
Friday, August 24, 2001: Almost Home - Hearst to Dorion then to Mirror Lake Camp by bike- 28km
Frank here...
The night before was quite cold, but it quickly warmed up with the late summer sun. We passed many small lakes as we drove down highway 11. They were so inviting that I had to stop and have a swim in one of them. I gave Louise a bit of a rest and drove for a couple of hours.
The terrain looked more and more familiar as we turned onto highway 11-17 at the town of Nipigon with rugged hilly vistas, tall evergreens and clear cool lakes and rivers. I was almost home.
Louise dropped me off in Dorion and helped me load my bike. We said goodbye. Louise headed into Thunder Bay with her car, as I went the same direction by bike but only as far as Mirror Lake.
The evening was a bit chilly as I rode on the notorious highway between Nipigon and Thunder Bay's Lake Shore Drive. This small stretch of the highway is not very appealing for cyclists because of the busier traffic that has a substantial percentage of transport trucks. Fortunately, I was able to safely determine what was coming up from behind with my mirror.
The stay at Mirror Lake was pleasant. They gave me a spot near a light which made my overnight trip to the bathroom easier especially because, for the first time in my entire trip, both my flashlights' batteries were dead. I slept soundly on that last night of my journey.
-Cherish the memories, even as they are being first created.
-Frank Pollari
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