This morning we got to know a little bit more of our kind host, Mat, over breakfast. A man of many, many talents, whose path and philosophy have led him to a life of self sufficiency and creative independence. From building his own beautiful wooden kayak, to pressing sunflower oil and converting cars to run on it, to bicycle touring in South America and finally to being a leader, educator and innovator in the movement away from fossil fuel dependence, Mat is an inspiration. I was torn between wanting to stay, learn and soak it all in and getting on my bike for another day of perfect riding and plenty of pedal time for reflection. I would not say that pedaling won, more that the desire to reach the Atlantic ocean won, and once the sun burnt off the morning fog and humidity it really was a fantastic day for riding. Not only was the weather lovely, we were blessed with a stiff tailwind and the diversion of the many roadside stalls selling the products of local harvest, we picked up blueberries, heirloom popping corn, capsicum, cucumber, garlic and avoided the supermarket all together. The roads were quiet, there were shoulders, beautiful views of the lake, and the majestic, soft whooshing of the wind turbines. All the way to Port Rowan the turbines seemed to be celebrated by the local communities they serve. But after this point, where the construction of more turbines, I assume, is under discussion there appeared to be plenty of opposition, with lots of signs demanding "health studies before wind farm construction". I initially thought this was a bit ridiculous, what kind of negative health effects can a big windmill have??? But when an enormous steel processing plant, belching huge clouds of pollution into the air is within a 10km ride of these signs, it really is beyond ridiculous, it is just plain stupid. With the benefit of today's good spirits and tail wind it was easy to veto the planned campground as too expensive ($31 for an unserviced site), and pedal another 5 miles to the next one, a provincial park, which unfortunately for RV drivers is closed for the season. But even a fully loaded touring bike can ride around a boom gate that will stop a car, and reveal on the other side a beautiful, and deserted park, with it's own beach, and much to our appreciation running water. Who needs a shower when your bath looks like this...
A bit of splish splashing to wash away the days sweat and road grit, a dinner of local produce and a cup of tea accompanied by the peaceful noise of the local cricket choir while the full moon rises, what more could a girl ask for? - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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