Coastline

Day 64. Tobermory to Owen Sound. 74 miles. 3916 miles TTD. 2880 feet elevation. Weather pleasant

My route today was basically the length of the Bruce Peninsula. If you look at the route profile at the bottom, you can see that I have not been exaggerating about the number of hills, even though none are very big. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the Bruce, as it’s called, was named after an English earl. It’s interesting how many things in this area are named after British nobility. I guess since Canada didn’t have a war of independence, they don’t have quite the disdain for the monarchy like we do in the States.

The day was pleasant as I traveled through quiet back roads lined with thick, green forests. Then I would break out of the forest onto a beautiful beach, or onto a cliff with a view dropping into the water, or into a lovely small town. I probably stopped more times today than on any previous day, and I stopped more times because I wanted to rather than because I had to.

Much of my route today was along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. I enjoyed it so much that by the end of the day, I was thinking maybe I should continue on that trail rather than following the GNBR. I’m still up in the air on that decision, but I only have a day or two before I have to decide because I’m either headed into the wilderness north of Lake Ontario, or I can go down to Lake Ontario and follow the shore on the Waterfront Trail. Honestly, after 60 days of more rural riding, I’m a little inclined to hit some urban areas.

The last few kilometers were also beautiful as I was able to follow a multi-use trail into Owen Sound. The surface was good, and I had a tailwind, which made for a pleasant finish to the day. This area isn’t like Colorado, but it’s incredibly beautiful.