Yes Emily

Yes Emily, girls can ride motorcycles!


Saturday, July 18, 2015

Decisions, Decisions …

This morning’s sun did not rise with its usual blaze of glory over the bay, instead it stayed hidden behind a veil of grey – today's forecast foreboding.

I’ve decided, for this reason and that, to cut this trip a bit short and head for home. Decisions, decisions! Do I stay another day in Pocologan and hope the storms pass or do I make a run for it? I could have stayed for days but instead, I made a run for it.

I thought I could make it to Hartland NB before having to stop for the weather...On that note I was packed early (well, early for this trip,) dressed for the suddenly very cool weather (heated vest and underarmor) and heading west by eight. I really didn’t need gas and thought I’d stop after an hour or so for a break and fuel.

I traveled west on highway 1 until St. Stephen then took highway 3 north. The first few kilometers on 3 were iffy, really rough pavement through the bush and just as I was second guessing the choice (I hate rough deserted roads, especially in the rain) the road widened and was covered with fresh pavement. The great pavement lasted for another 150 km, meandering through the forested hills, dotted by houses here and there with very little traffic and only one little Bambi standing quietly beside the road.

Little did I know that route 3 had no gas stations. 160 km and just when I thought I might soon have to walk I saw a man coming out of a bakery; yes the road had numerous bakeries, schools, cafes, fire stations – just no gas. I pulled over to ask how far to the next gas station and he told me about 4 miles. Awesome! He asked if I was low and I said, “Yes, probably on fumes by now.” He said, "I'll follow you to the station just in case." New Brunswick is full of wonderful people. I made it. He pulled in behind me to say he was glad and waved good-bye.

Had I not been running from the storm and hoping the fumes in my tank would get me to the next gas stop I would have enjoyed this road so much more.

It wasn’t raining by the time I got to Hartland so I decided to push it a little further … 10 k and the sprinkles started. I stopped for gas and the lady (another friendly New Brunswicker) suggested a great place to stay just past Grand Falls about 40 km away.
I stopped early today and on her recommendation here I sit, inside, dry and warm in Saint Leonard in a little cabin (obviously the old part of the Pres du Lac Inn) off the old Trans Canada.
It’s been on and off pissin’ with rain … but these two don’t seem to mind.

12 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about having to cut short your trip. What a bummer. But it looks like you meet the nicest people along the road. Very kind of that gentleman to follow you to the gas station and make sure you reach it.

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    1. It is amazing the people you meet while gadding about on a motor bike!

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  2. I know the feeling of riding from weather and juggling fuel usage. Enjoy and stay upright

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  3. Great little story about the guy who followed you to the gas station. That was always what I enjoyed so much about motorcycle tripping - the fantastic people you'd meet on the road. Too bad about all the rain though. Okay to ride through a periodic storm, but days of it are no fun.

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    1. Yup when the fun factor goes, stop 'til it comes back - that's how I see it.

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  4. Sure wish I could send you some of this sunshine and hot weather. Sounds like you handle the bad weather like a trooper though.

    The ducks look pretty content.

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    1. The sun will come out...(maybe not) tomorrow but the next day ... I can wait.

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  5. A little rain would feel good if it keeps the air temperature down. 160 km range?

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    1. The temperatures were already perfect here ... now they've dropped to darn chilly. But it's only for a day or so.

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  6. Easy decision. Always stay an extra day. Now chocolate or vanilla, that decision could take a while.

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    1. Yup, should have stayed! A storm over the Bay would have been amazing to watch I'm sure...and I always pick vanilla.

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