I pulled into Mississaugi Provincial Park at around 10:30 PM to find the office closed. I was still reeling from the Toad Induced REM Episode Disruptions from my last visit – yet I still found myself drawn to the same collection of walk-in sites – like the moth to the flame. At least this time I picked a different spot that offered more privacy. The rain was now coming down quite hard, but the small clearing that would be my home for the night included a leafy rooftop canopy that helped keep me relatively dry. I wasn’t keen on carrying my gear back and forth from my bike down the winding path to my spot however. So with the bike turned off, I pushed the feather-weight WeeBR down the trail right onto my site. Now I would have quick access to my gear, making setup easy and efficient. Here is just one instance where my LED headlamp was indispensable. Out of all the gear I own, this is the one item I use all the time. It takes up little room, provides hands-free functionality, and shines bright for what seems like an eternity on 3 AAA batteries. It can even be used as a tent nightlight (the inside of my Nemo Andi has a little mesh sleeve near the tent peak for this very purpose).

http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E47-PBY-…1715588&sr=8-4

It was clear that I wouldn’t be building a fire this evening. But when the weather turns miserable a trusty weather and wind-proof lighter is a necessity. This is the one to bring if you need a reliable torch in all conditions. I never camp without it.

http://www.amazon.com/Windmill-Delta…1717620&sr=8-1

And while we’re at it – this is always a good investment. Mine stayed in my tankbag for comfort and easy access.

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swi…718743&sr=1-16

I was becoming more efficient at setting up my tent and sleeping ensemble too. Within 30 minutes my abode was ready. It had been a long day and I was eager to lose consciousness. There would be no distractions this night. The bush was silent, and the random rhythm of the rain tapping against the walls of my tent provided a soothing, mesmerizing sleep soundtrack until dawn. The pitter-patter of rain became the figure that buffered any sounds from the background outside. Falling rain was the only sound I’d hear through my entire slumber. Rarely have I slept so well than when warm and cozy in a dry tent listening to the sound of rain. Maybe it’s the contrast of knowing that you have escaped the peril – you don’t take for granted that only a thin layer of material separates your tiny, toasty piece of nirvana from nature’s inhospitable elements. What else could explain why sleeping to the sound of rain is so comforting? I am a good sleeper. But this was the best sleep I had had the entire trip. It turned out that I would need this sleep. Today would be another long day.

On the way out, I rode to the Park Office and paid for my stay and reveled at the thought of having had both my best and worst sleep of the trip at the same park. I was now on my way again along the remote and scenic Deer Trail Route.

http://www.northernontario.travel/mu…eral&Itemid=60

I wanted to honour the commitment I had made to capture more vistas from this part of my trip and hopefully re-capture the thrill of adventure I carried with me the last time I rode through here. These next two photos bring back these memories.

Here is what the hilly remote paved trail looked like just north of the Park.

A view along the Little White River.

This area is full of solitude. But I almost made an intimate connection with a black bear moping along the road while I was negotiating a blind corner near where the photo was taken below. I think the one saving grace was that my now baffle-less exhaust trumpeted a warning of my arrival which prompted the bruin to make haste – to run to the hills and run for his life. It was clear that I wasn’t going to be sneaking up on wildlife like a Prius in EV mode.

The road along the river.

I eventually made it back to Hwy 129. One advantage of re-tracing my route was the comfort in knowing beforehand where I would be stopping. I filled up again at the Aubrey Falls gas bar and then continued on my way. I had meant to take some photos of the Mississaugi River where the topography takes an interesting and meandering course at Aubrey Falls Provincial Park, and now I had my chance. There were countless cart paths leading from the highway toward the river. I uncovered a hidden gem that served as a great lunch stop. The photo below shows my view. I had no problem finding the beach.

A view further down.

Highway 129 was truly empty this time through. I had ridden 120 kms before I was finally passed by a lone car driving in the same direction. And I was taking my time enjoying the scenery. After the requisite re-fuel at Syd’s in Chapleau, I steered the bike north and then west, edging ever closer toward Lake Superior once again. I had been incredibly lucky weather-wise on this trip. Every day had been sunny. However, that would change once I made it into Wawa. The weather along the northshore of Lake Superior can be really unpredictable. My ride went from clear sunshine not 30 kms inland from the Big Lake, to fog and rain coming into Wawa.

This photo of Wawa Lake – resembling a T.V. dream sequence – was taken as I was about to enter Wawa along Hwy 101.

Once in Wawa I filled up the bike, and then found food and shelter at the local Subway (they had lost power but fortunately could still make a sub). Concerned about what lay ahead of me, I called my friend Paul from Thunder Bay to ask about weather conditions for the last 500 kms of my adventure. From what he could glean online, he felt certain the weather I was encountering in the land of the big goose was an anomaly and reassured me the skies would clear up by my next stop in White River, ON only 90 kms away. I knew the route well and reasoned that I could easily stay the night at any one of a variety of Provincial Parks along the way if needed. I put on all my raingear and prepared for the worst. The last time I had ridden in the rain had been during my Thunder Bay to Winnipeg excursion and the experience left me cold. But I felt I had learned from my mistakes and made sure to purchase waterproof boots and gloves to compliment my Gortex dry top and pants for my next trip. I felt like a warrior going into battle. I was confident I would prevail. I really thought it would be different this time.

Click here for the final chapter…

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