CHRIS'S RAMBLINGS
PAGE TWO
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
North East Canada……where the men sport beards, wear checked shirts and Casey Jones pants and the women…. well to be honest .... the men look better. They don't dress this way to be hip or even hipster…. this is the dress code of Canada's North-East Mountain man a true ‘wilderness’ wanna be so long as there is electricity to plug the engine heater in on your GMC, Ford or Dodge truck and a pocket in your Casey Jones pants to hold your ever-useful axe and of course…. Wi-Fi…. then you truly are as far from hipster as possible because now you’re living the wilderness lifestyle in a ply wood or often chip board self- built house, insulated with whatever you got your hands on at the time with a fold back plastic sheet on your out-house door. Really… the type of house construction I’d think twice about locking my motorcycle in overnight let alone living miles from anywhere but close to a road in a place where winter is the norm and summer well that's a short respite, a time to roll your sleeves up on your checked shirt, take a bath, chop some wood and maybe meet a girl… umm …Good luck there.
A beautifully wild place, full of trees (plenty of summer chopping to be done) a land of moose, bears and some interesting wildlife lives there too. What's normal for some is not the comfort zone of others and I myself am sat here after at last ...some sun, in Niagara Falls sat around a camp fire burning wood I didn't have to chop myself (I can't any way. No Casey Jones pants) in the relative comfort of a modern campsite reflecting on what it must be like for the people that live in the areas we have just travelled. It's gotta be harsh up there, we had our discomfort covering nearly 400 miles of differing gravel tracks, riding alongside ice berg alley .. yes, you really can do that and yes it was bloody freezing. We've stayed in some wonderful and challenging places, we have seen the bear and the moose and also met some interesting wild life as well .. the most challenging of it all you wouldn't believe…. trying to fill up a petrol tank in a French designed garage in French Quebec. How they manage to make it so frustratingly hard is beyond me huh the French you gotta love em. Canada so far from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland, Labrador (where the axe wielding hipster looky likey comes from) even the French in Quebec and now Ontario you do yourselves proud the friendliest obliging people I think I've met anywhere.
I'm a Lumberjack and I'm ok I work all night and I sleep.......
Enforced ramblings on a Thursday afternoon.
Nice and early we were for the ferry crossing to be told ‘It's broken….. we’ve moved you to the midnight sailing.’ " doh"
So, I'm sat here with Jill listening to the mumblings of Canadian truck drivers and on about the 24th news loop, disgusted and saddened to finally catch up with recent events in Manchester.
Sad news indeed.
Onward we go, no worries now we eventually found a store that sold us bear 🐻 bells and bear spray….. now we can camp in the woods!
I generally think we are a bit shell shocked it's been a pleasant and easy start to it all, what with the bikes getting into Canada with the least amount of fuss and breaking ourselves in, gently pottering about Nova Scotia. It just feels like any other holiday/ road trip, nothing like the adventure that it is at all. Maybe it's just old news to us as we are both well-travelled.
We packed a load… brought extra to save initial expenses, not a problem it's stuff we need. All will be used, of this I'm sure but the bikes are a little heavier than a normal touring trip. Something to worry about? …. the fact that every bag is rammed to the max I'm sure will cause issues at some stage! (where to put the afore mentioned bear spray for example) I'm sure when required it'll be somewhere we both weren't expecting!!
Only trouble is, it's not the sort of item that's ‘gunner be any good after the event’… hum!!
So, you young uns out there ‘the heads up… one for dragon’s den?’ Sort out this mess we are in with rechargeable devices
We’re carrying several different cameras and devices. I carry cameras because I like them ‘Old School,’ I know but would not like to rely on a mobile phone or iPad on a trip like this.
Now one of you kids go make your millions
I want 1 plug universal to the world 🌎 and one cable USB if need be… for all my devices. Everything in the world that needs charging has to be different. They tell us to save the planet but make and market everything different. They could have standardised this a long time ago"
Listen to your uncle Chris get it sorted "
Here is just the cable bag for my devices!!!!!!
Things we have learnt so far… other than it's a lovely part of the world with the friendliest of people but a little cool just now, (a late and unusual spring just are luck 25cm of snow in St. John's just the other day), google it if you don't know where that is. It’s where we are heading.
No 1 - If a bear approaches within 25ft use bear spray. (where did you put that Jill?)
No 2 - If a coyote approaches you, make yourself large and loud. (hum no worries there then)
No 3 - If charged by a moose stand behind a tree. (Okey dokey)
No 4 - Petrol is cheap and life is good.
I know, I know…. the sun is hot…. mosquitoes come and suck your blood....
Lumps and bumps itching and scratching. Such joy.. our affectionate little friends bring us a couple of months of above the average monthly rain fall and Eastern Canada is alive with our little friends, don't dare venture into the dusk or dawn.
I've often asked myself…. I search of an answer… what does a mosquito bring to this world other than pure misery to life human and animal? This weekend in Canada I asked a local that same question his wise answer was, “Well bats 🦇 have got to eat. A bat eats nearly its own body weight in mosquitos every evening.” We also watched huge dragonflies hovering around hoovering up the little darlings. Ok so things eat them, that's fine but there has to be plenty of other insects 🐜 they could live on. Those that don't contain my blood for example! We’re only in Canada…and yet we have to venture into the hornets’ nest… Alaska… they refer to mosquitos as the Alaska state bird!!!
They are huge and swarm when the time is right…. I just know that time will be as soon as I put my tent ⛺️ up!!
Along with the sand fly and Canada's 13% tax on everything you buy this trip and life for the rest of the planet would be a whole lot more comfortable without mozzy’s.
Is'nt it ironic.....
110 miles into a tank of gas, cruising along with not a care in the world other than when the next gravel section of road may suddenly appear (we'd had a few unannounced section already this morning ), surrounded by only trees on either side of the road that stretch back endlessly to the horizon, 360 deg of anywhere you are on the road.It’s a true wilderness, an awe inspiring place to be… the road gently following the contours of the Yukon river and nowt to be seen for miles ahead… the possibility of the odd American style camper van/caravan (RV's as the yanks call them) mostly the size of a couch that would carry the England squad or a pickup truck towing a caravan on a 3rd wheel arrangement the length of a European articulated lorry.
But no….. this morning there has been not so many of these, a peaceful mornings riding not even much wildlife on this road, always nice to see but always something to keep your concentration up. Most of the things that jump out in front of you up here except the squirrels are gunner hurt. The squirrel goes at a 100 mile an hour so not really gunner hit him but the moose the bear and the elk don't bother too much and just stroll out in front of you, so you really need to keep your wits about you.110 mile of just trees brings coffee and cake to mind a few miles later maybe 10-20 a sign historic turn out rest place coffee cup.
2 miles later we pull in straight away. You can see it was a good choice all be it the only choice.Before we are even off the bikes we pass rusting Chevy trucks hand- made wooden moose sculptures, interesting things. We park the bikes right outside the log cabin cafe -shop. I knew it would make a grand picture but not till after our coffee and cake because sat on the bench outside were another couple just finishing there break. By the time we have had our comfort break they'll be gone and it'll be a perfect picture.
Coffee, home- made sausage roll and cake for me, cake and coffee for Jyl. We were just finishing up and to my utter disbelief a bus load of silver surfers had pulled up! I knew then the moment had gone, told Jyl we'd best use the restrooms (Boggs) before the queue forms which we do.As I came out Jyl went for a look in the shop and I tried to get outside to salvage some sort of photo without anyone in it.As I stood there waiting for the endless line of walking frames and walking sticks to negotiate the two steps and low head height double doors I realised the moment had gone…. a second bus, couch size (both of them ) had pulled up right in front of the bikes and was busy unloading a second load of tourists. Lesson learned… even in the middle of nowhere, capture the moment when it's there, never wait till later.We got a quick look around the old property that had stood here for many a year, taking in the trapper’s cabin around the back but due to the amount of tourist trampling around holding iPhones out to try to get pictures of everything we decided the road was the only place to be. We started our routine.. helmets on gloves on etc but were nailed… they even wanted pictures of us! As happy travellers we were happy to oblige.
As we pulled out of the gravel parking lot back onto the tarmac (asphalt in the American language) and the open road the 1st thing that came to mind was……
It's like rain on your wedding day,
A free ride when you've already payed,
And death row pardoned two minutes too late.
Days have gone by since then and there are never many people about up here we haven't even seen much wildlife lately but in none of the time in Alaska or the Yukon have I seen a bus load of tourists… let alone two!
Ha…. no worries… life returned to normal today when a black bear strolled across the empty road in front of us as we rode along heading south to British Columbia and some sun ???
“Do you have the time to listen wine about ever thing and everyone”?
20 Aug at 1:24 PM
The Americas so far….
I mean no disrespect or intention to offend but as an English man (and I think a lot of you will agree) we are a bit of a Mickey taking race.Which leaves me to ponder! Where to start,
Let's go with the stupid questions……
Are you Canadian ? Do you come from Australia? No, Oh so you must be from New Zealand then? No actually we've come from England that's why we speak English just like you are supposed to be doing.
So, did you ride the bikes over here? (yes, believe me we have been asked this more than once) eeer no actually there is an ocean in the way…. we actually flew them on an aeroplane all the way from London, yes London do you actually know where that is?
There sure is a lot of cargo on these bikes. A common question usually from a biker who is traveling in a t - shirt and staying in motels or camping in a 40-60ft RV with a bike lift with Harley - and a car towing behind, impressive way to do it but drives you mad when our whole lives are on two bikes and they don't get it until it is spelt out to them.
Where are you coming from (when they see the bike registration) here we go again Aus, New Zealand.. both bikes have a Union Jack flag and GB sticker on their ‘unusual’ number plate eeeer that'll be England then… a small country on the other side of the Atlantic… have you heard of it ?? then it’s a repeat of the above conversation.
They are all so nice though but blissfully ignorant to the rest of the world but who can blame them.. they have it all here the right to wear a bandana rather than a motorcycle helmet (well in a lot of states) they have the choice though and the same with guns and knives (but seriously do you need a side arm on a mini golf course on a KOA family campground as we have already witnessed ) then I suppose that argument could go on for ever.. the family of four that followed us on a round of golf there father had the gun (talk about under pressure). The states we have been in so far 10 gallon hats and dangerous boots don't look out of place and that is America they have the choice they have the scenery the roads and the infrastructure to travel without ever needing to set foot out of their own country unless of course they desire a little history, sadly this they lack this to a degree they are trying to hold on to the little they have (now using Route 66 for example as a poor excuse for their history just a gimmick really.. so why did you dig it up and replace most of it with interstate ?) big mistake . Canada celebrating only 150 years this year.. I digress where was I ummm.. yes here we go..
Drive through Mc Donald's and fast food we all are used too but out here you don't need to get out your car for much at all petrol (gas) you can get full service fill the tank check the oil clean the windows take your cash. coffee morning queues for that are often long lines of cars stretching back to the highway banks are set up to make all your banking needs available from behind your steering wheel drive through ATM's even I'm getting good on them the laziness of a nation is unbelievable and without sounding rude you can see it in the shape of the people.
Four way stop junction did I hear you say? Well let me tell you through most of Canada it was a mystery to us as much as it still is to most Canadians I feel they are just so polite they just seem to sit there looking at each other as if they are saying after you know you first no after you .......
Americans a bit more active but what a stupid idea… every one stops looks at each other then eventually the 1st one that got there goes where they wanted to when they 1st arrived at the junction, then the others go about their business seriously the French used to have some stupid road junctions but saw the light and converted mostly to roundabouts. I've seen a few out here but really you need a lot more roundabouts keep up America! No sorry my mistake you don't need to.. you carry on.. you wouldn't be America unless you were America..so I can turn wright on a red light and I have to put my feet down at a stop sign but I need to go and queue up behind the masses ( the ones that got out of their car anyway) to pre pay for my gas so I can walk back to the pump to fill the bikes to walk back to the chilly dog queue to get my change… at least they’re keeping me fit I suppose .
No need to care that most of the world is on global warming alert the yanks are ok as long as they don't have to switch of their v8 - or massive motor home or huge pickup truck while they bank or queue for coffee ( you would hate the air con not to work for a few minutes) the rest of Europe is banning cars from city centres making engines stop for red lights (even if you wanna turn right) electric cars ,banning diesel cars, charging its people for plastic bags ,here we are given about 40 plastic bags for one little shop (I'll just remind you we travel on motorcycle we can't carry much) but every couple of items a new bag ..everyday life out here must cancel out everything Europe is trying to do but hey ho or (god darn) this is America, land of the free… why should they care they are happy .... hang on what was that that I didn't hear pass the swimming pool we are sat around…can't believe it an electric car cute little Japanese high brid I wonder where he gets that charged … maybe from the $200,000 motor home it will have been towed in on the back of. I do love the way they travel out here.
So, this brings me back to cars some fantastic cars and trucks they drive but wouldn't it annoy you if every time your neighbours pulled up outside their house and locked their car the horn sounded sometimes three or four times to let the driver know the vehicle was locked and again when it is unlocked.. at first we couldn't figure it out.. what do they want? Have I dropped something? Do I know them? Why is he honking at me but no, no such thing just an annoying thing I can't believe it's allowed especially when most people have guns or even under the noise pollution act ( is there one?) air horns on lorries, engine braking, car horn alarms can all go into room 101 along with this one. Communities, towns and villages evolved ( not so long ago because you have no history remember) along valley floors for access to rivers and wagon accesses.. this I understand.. then came road and rail and the towns and villages evolved.. grew hotels, transport increased, the roads spread across the country and the people came.. more motels, hotels, campsites… as I have said before the infrastructure for travel in this country has all the bases covered.. it’s wonderful,so what you end up with is all you need in a small space suits us to a degree but we are budget travellers and need to camp most of our time this is where the car horn can be most annoying late at night or early in the morning beep beep beep beep!!! …..
(Where's my gun Jill !) But can I just ask one thing Casey jones I know you drive a big three engine train.. ok.. I know it's up to and possibly over a mile long and an impressive form of freight transport putting lots of truckers out of work and keep our (sorry America’s roads clear) but seriously do you need to sound your horn so many times and for so long, as you pass through these towns and settlements even more so in ear shot of our tent in the middle of the night and the early hours of the morning. I know if I were a train driver I'd tot tot tot Casey jones a' steaming and a' rolling.. I'd do the same ha ha god bless America you gotta love em !!!
SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE
Let’s go back way back, actually only 7 months for the start of the ‘Happy Shiny People' Awards for Canada and USA.
We arrive after walking about a mile from our hotel at the air Canada freight terminal to be greeted by the friendliest most helpful staff you could want to meet. After sorting paper work this end we are promptly delivered to the customs office in Lorraine’s (the manager) personal car, given her personal cell phone number and told we will be collected when we have cleared the bikes from customs and she did…. saving our little legs at least another 2 miles walk. People like her and the staff at Air Canada made the import of our motorcycles a pleasant experience.
Newfound land the most friendly and courteous people I think you’ll meet anywhere in the world. Canada and the USA, everyone is very kind and polite so much so that they’ll hold a door open for you as you approach from up to 20-30 feet away but I’m not here this time to thank each and every Canadian and American (but keep up the good work) this ramble I want to personally thank the friends and family that we have made and meet along the way that have made our journey this far so fantastic so here we go.
Carol and Larry Milroy, you’re up first, for your overwhelming hospitality, the comfort and location of your Home and the Boat House you put us up in you treated us both as your own and introduced us to so many of Jyls extended family it truly was a pleasure to be in your family’s company. Larry thanks for the boat rides, Jyl is still convinced you soaked us on purpose!!
Joan Cole Todd and Doreen. It was a pleasure to be in your company, shopping trips around the local area historic tours and lunch out honestly I could go on for much longer but I must save room for the next lady. By the way we are still recording our trip on the video camera we picked up with you.
Verna ..... where to start with you, what a lovely lady you welcomed two nervous travellers so openly on our arrival and after us daring you all weekend you did what many thought you wouldn’t do… you took your first motorcycle ride on the back of the English man. I’m delighted you chose me for that experience… Verna 89 on her first ever motorcycle ride.
Marilyn your art work and cooking was just delightful.
Candice and Daniel, you have a lovely young family good luck to you in your future it sounds exciting and I do hope that Harley and Road Trip haven’t ended up on the Thanksgiving table.
Now we are back on the road heading West across Canada and are welcomed to the home of Brian Kennedy & Lee Thatstme they live in a two-bedroom flat (I think they call them condos out here) in Winnipeg. We our welcomed to stay the night with them, fed pizza and bud light (a good mix) and offered the use of Brian's mechanical skills and bike shop if required at this stage in our travels. No such service was required. From a chance meeting earlier in the year while waiting for a delayed ferry up in Nova Scotia lifelong friends are made. This is what you can expect when you travel… ‘Hey Brian I’m still using the rock straps thanks’.
Some more time spent on the road western Canada, Alaska and back down British Columbia and two grotty bikers are knocking on the door of a posh house in the suburbs of Vancouver. We are both warmly welcomed by Garry and Sandy Matkin-Shaw......... the West Coast side of Jyl’s extended Canadian family. Yet again we are treated kindly, given the run of the house and shown around the local area, run back and forth to the Harley shop were the bikes have had a good service and tyres etc (ooouch $$$$$). Excellent! Sandy, I do hope the cats have recovered from there English invasion.
Jay and Kim one of the best pool views yet with all the family there to enjoy your barbecue.
Brian and Christine Oldham, for you to make the effort to come and join in, in Vancouver was a wonderful thing. especially nice for Jyl as I know deep down she misses you and home a little bit (I suppose we both do), your contribution to the motorcycle service mostly payed for Jyl’s tyres and service for which we are both very grateful and your never-ending generosity. As ever it’s very hard to pay for a meal when out and about with you Mr Oldham.
Time goes buy and the intrepid travels have covered some 30,000 miles.. both have aches and pains beyond belief, hands are sizing up, backs, necks, everything generally hurts in one way or another.
To the rescue Melanie Banks and house share Dan Corrington, your invitation and welcome into your home has been so appreciated. I don’t think you can begin to understand what it has meant to us to be given the run and use of your fantastic home to just chill relax, recharge and re-group, catch up on some admin and make a couple of videos… well actually Jyl’s done all that, I’ve mostly just sat around drinking beer and wine! Cheers!
Dan, I think it’s been nice for Mel & Jyl to get together and catch up they have been friends for so long only a couple more days mate and the peaceful life you had before we invaded will return.
This is our journey so far. Now let’s look to the future, Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat (although I’m sat in the sun while writing this) and my little sister has given up time with the family to be with us for Christmas in Mexico something we are both very much looking forward to. I know deep down Natasha that you don’t need much of an excuse to travel but to give up such quality family time to be with us we thank you it’s gunner be a blast. I’ll go to Walmart later and get some clean trollies to strut around the apartment in.
Now let’s go back way back. Myself and Jyl conjured a plan years ago but we kept it quiet, keeping our heads down, carrying on as normal, working quietly away to rent or sell the house up North (it rented) eventually and at the same time getting the Southern property ready for renting. Alas after more repeated questions from our parents and family mostly asking where we would be going on holiday next… we had to let the cat out the bag and it has to be said after announcing we were giving up our jobs renting houses and taking a life changing trip for up to 2 years or until the money runs out went down exceptionally well with everyone. We have had both our families total support and understanding throughout the build up to departure and even now nothing but support and understanding and this means so much to us. We have even made an internet genius out of my Mum, who has taken on the duty of being our No. One travel fan. So, there you have it…. the Happy Shiny People Awards for North America… all of you take a bow you’re all in it and we are so grateful to you all.
Mexico, Central and South America you're up next !!!!!
