So here we go with the blog again. I will do my best on this trip to keep you all updated with pictures and stories of my adventure through Canada, on my way to Alaska. I am currently in Bancroft, Ontario staying at a lovely house on a beautiful lake for a short day off. I have to slow down for a bit so I don't arrive at a post office on the weekend to receive my next shipment of maps. The folks I am staying with are such gracious hosts. Carolyn and Greg have allowed me to relax the day away on their beautiful porch and swim in their clear blue lake. Greg is currently on a tour of Canada with his eldest daughter heading west to east. I hope to cross paths with them in the next few weeks.
As for my trip so far... It has been great. The first leg of my journey from New Paltz to the Canadian border was a challenging five days, three of which were joined by Kemji and Ryan. They can attest to the hills and grueling climbs I put them through. I was able to hit the Catskills, Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, and a touch of the Green Mountains. My last day in the States was enjoyed with Leah, Brandon and the adorable Madeline Rose. The stay, of course, was accompanied by, what I can only describe as, a mexican themed culinary explosion! On a full stomach, it was over the border to our friendly neighbors to the north.
Crossing the Border was a breeze and heading into the St. Lawrence River Valley was a welcomed change from the hills and mountains of New York and Vermont. I headed straight for Montreal for a visit with an old friend from the AT. I hadn't seen Pixie for two years since our long walk in the woods. It was so nice to catch up with her and she was a wonderful host and tour guide. In one short day I saw the Grand Prix festival, had a decent walking tour of the city, ate poutine, watched a fireworks competition, saw a car accident, learned some french and hung out with some lovely people.
My route since Montreal has taken me west through the Ottawa River Valley through farms and small towns on the best bicycle paths I have been on (the States should take notice to what is going on up here!). I have been camping and staying with warm shower hosts (couch surfing for cyclists) which has been amazing. I am managing to shower every other day and have had two home cooked meals in this first week in Canada. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you warm shower hosts! I can't say enough to the generosity you have given me.
Well, I am off for a jump in the lake and a nap on the porch. Enjoy the pictures. Miss you and love you all!
Aaron
As for my trip so far... It has been great. The first leg of my journey from New Paltz to the Canadian border was a challenging five days, three of which were joined by Kemji and Ryan. They can attest to the hills and grueling climbs I put them through. I was able to hit the Catskills, Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, and a touch of the Green Mountains. My last day in the States was enjoyed with Leah, Brandon and the adorable Madeline Rose. The stay, of course, was accompanied by, what I can only describe as, a mexican themed culinary explosion! On a full stomach, it was over the border to our friendly neighbors to the north.
Crossing the Border was a breeze and heading into the St. Lawrence River Valley was a welcomed change from the hills and mountains of New York and Vermont. I headed straight for Montreal for a visit with an old friend from the AT. I hadn't seen Pixie for two years since our long walk in the woods. It was so nice to catch up with her and she was a wonderful host and tour guide. In one short day I saw the Grand Prix festival, had a decent walking tour of the city, ate poutine, watched a fireworks competition, saw a car accident, learned some french and hung out with some lovely people.
My route since Montreal has taken me west through the Ottawa River Valley through farms and small towns on the best bicycle paths I have been on (the States should take notice to what is going on up here!). I have been camping and staying with warm shower hosts (couch surfing for cyclists) which has been amazing. I am managing to shower every other day and have had two home cooked meals in this first week in Canada. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you warm shower hosts! I can't say enough to the generosity you have given me.
Well, I am off for a jump in the lake and a nap on the porch. Enjoy the pictures. Miss you and love you all!
Aaron
Kemji Ryan and Aaron ready to cycle
Ryan coming down from a great downhill into Hunter, NY
Notch Lake, Catskills, NY
Entering Adirondack State Park
Lake George
View of Leah and Brandon's back yard
Aw! Madeline Rose
Bike path across Lake Champlain
Lucky me! I flag down this guy to bring me across the 200 ft missing section
Back on the bike path
Lake Champlain
Crossing the border
Welcome to Quebec!
Bike path into Montreal
View of Montreal from the mountain
Pixie and Orion reunited
Stealth camping in a beautiful field
Photo op
Welcome to Ontario, province # 2
War monument and unknown soldier monument in Ottawa
Amazing bike paths everywhere
