Sep 08, 2013

The forecasters were right it started raining overnight and didn’t let up for much of the day so we donned our waterproofs which worked well and gradually got ourselves into a manageable rhythm. We (well me) were grateful for the lower maximum speeds today especially on the concrete highways as they were very wet and slick and we were wary after seeing lots of shiny patches on the concrete yesterday so it was gently as we went. We planned to travel more rural roads away from large amounts of traffic and road spray and it worked well and also meant we saw lots of lovely little communities and some incredible real estate especially on any lakeshore we came across.



Glad we got some photos on our way to dinner last night because the camera didn’t surface until briefly at lunchtime today and when we got into Wellington. This is a Collingwood street scene. Attractive town with a population of approximately 19,500.



We liked this Mural in Collingwood. Happy not to see graffiti anywhere.



Look what we found on our walk back to our accommodation last night. The music out the back on the deck sounded pretty good!

It was a shame it was so wet today because we travelled through some spectacularly beautiful and productive farmland and even some leafy forest areas which were reminiscent of the UK. Norm was pleased we found some gently undulating terrain today with some corners as he has found the last few days with long long straight stretches of flat road mesmerising and not his favourite riding…I agree.



We had lunch at a bar and grill next door to the Art Deco style Roxy Theatre in Uxbridge and loved the quirky building behind as well. Note the curved (half tank) roof of the theatre which is the same as what was the old theatre at home in Traralgon.



Wellington is a gorgeous place and would be a great spot to drop and explore for a bit. What a welcome sight, this is the veranda directly in front of our suite tonight. Lovely! I really should have been sipping a cool drink while Norm washed the bikes (which were filthy disgusting) and he used the drink bottles we had been using and no longer will since one leaked over everything in my pannier.



And this is the view from the veranda to the main street and to the restaurant across the road where we will dine tonight. Even in a downpour (God forbid) we shouldn’t get too wet.

Bits and Bobs:

Interesting to see the different variation of road kill on the roads here compared to home. We have seen evidence of squirrels and raccoons with an occasional deer and even an eagle yesterday. A change from wombats, rabbits, foxes and the occasional wallaby or kangaroo….not looking forward to encountering a deer, moose or elk and in fact also not a bear or mountain lion. We Aussies aren’t used to NOT being the end of the food chain. We saw signs today to beware of deer n the spring and fall and it is the fall now.



A resident squirrel at our Collingwood accommodation



A sign on the door of the bar and grill where we had lunch today. Appealed to my sense of humour. You can also see opening hours.

Last night’s Accommodation:



Joseph Lawrence House B & B
492 Hurontario Street
Collingwood ON L9Y 2N1

A lovely stately home beautifully furnished and comfortable. Would be lovely to spend several days here. We had the Oxford room (1st floor) with ensuite which was tastefully decorated and comfortable and I could have stayed in the bed all day!. The common sitting area and breakfast room were lovely and the large side veranda sitting area a superb spot to sit with a glass of wine in the evening (shame I didn’t have one). The gardens are a delight and the owners own quarters are not intrusive on the guest space nor (I hope) the guest space on theirs. Our hosts were welcoming and helpful but left us to do our own thing so we were happy. Happy to recommend it and good value for money with breakfast included and my goodness what a breakfast it was...my first ever candlelight breakfast!

Also enjoyed our dinner at the ‘Admiral’s Post’ a pub / bistro but with a good menu and great service.