Sep 07, 2013

After yesterday being so cold we donned our merino long johns and long sleeve T’s today and were much more comfortable even without the Dri-az-a-bone (oil skin) over pants and along the lake views saw some spectacular real estate and many buildings reminiscent of the Lindel Cedar Home we imported from Canada in 1972 and other more palatial examples they also produced. Many look all year round residences but a huge number holiday homes only.

When we fuelled up this morning the attendant told Norm “you’re the second lot of Louisiana plates we’ve had here in two days, the first ones were two bikes and an RV up here huntin bear”. Norm asked “do you get many bear up here?” to which the reply was “ooh yeah”. Needless to say we didn’t stop for an afternoon nap outside of town anywhere today.



Working farm north of Sauble Beach on the way to Tobermory



Looking from the war memorial across the harbour at Tobermory. Saw a sticker equivalent to the ‘Buy Australian’ slogan we have on the back of a pick-up truck it said “still got a job? Keep buying foreign”. We have seen a lot of evidence of abandoned small acreage properties and houses and partially completed subdivisions today. This is largely an area reliant on summer trade so a 3 month window of opportunity. Must be tough!



An example of an old giant of a barn just north of the turn off to Lions Head in the process of disintegrating but still working with hay inside it and grain trucks lined up.



Looking along the cliff face from the marina in Lions Head



An enjoyable lunch was had at Wiarton Inn and this was the view across the street which was jam packed with cars and people …. good to see.



The front on view of the Inn…with a couple of good bikes to see as well…what a surprise!



Looking across Owen Sound where we had enjoyed the view (as also in Colpoys Bay east of Wiarton) where we rode between great cliffs and a couple of islands in view off shore as well so I assume carved out by glaciers many years ago.



We stopped for a quick stretch (and photo) in Owen Sound and the bike was surrounded by interesting wary looking individuals quite quickly. The guy in the red T shirt was full of a story of how his bike had been stolen by a crack dealer and he subsequently stole it back and so it went on ... Norm decided to let me take the photo by myself and he would stay with the bikes then we got out of there quick. We can only assume that tawdry people on motorbikes supply drugs in the area.

By the way the maximum speed we could travel today was 50 – 80 KMH and this wasn’t because of the condition of the road which was brilliant but those were the MAXIMUM speeds. The only positive is that we have had brilliant fuel economy!

Bits and Bobs:



Interesting parking sign in Grand Bend which we discovered last night says more than you might expect. The Council at Sauble Beach has instituted exorbitant parking fees increasing them over the last 5 years with a drop in local business then a minimal recovery initially but this last year a dramatic decline. They are currently $15.00 and a $25.00 fine if you park for over 2 hours and accommodation numbers there have reduced by 60% and a number of attractions didn’t bother opening for the summer (the ONLY season they have to earn an income). So much for supporting business! The only consolation the townsfolk have is that the beautiful Sauble beach will still be there when the bean counters in the Municipal Offices are long gone.

Last night’s Accommodation:



Centennial Motel
10 Sauble Falls Parkway, General Delivery,
Sauble Beach, Ontario N0H 2G0
351 Gratiot Avenue

A comfortable motel, well maintained, clean, comfortable bed and room to spread our stuff about to sort out and convenient to the beach. Our host was very welcoming and helpful which was good to experience at the end of a pretty big day. There is also a pool and hot tub but after a very cold windy ride we didn’t bother trying them out. Dinner and breakfast options handy. Good value for money.

We also enjoyed our dinner at the ‘Red Road’ restaurant an indigenous restaurant which had great food and service and also good value for money. No alcohol available (only coke products) but didn’t detract from the experience.