Big Chute Ride - Marine Railway

The day got off to a less than auspicious start…Text message early in the morning from Don, “Hey Fred,

Heather say’s the Petro Can service center has been shutdown all summer”. A quick change of plans

to relocate the meeting place. Sent out a quick e-mail and text to everyone as to change…Not soon enough

for all. Call from Darek at 9:10. "Where are you guys, I’m hungry and need a coffee?" I call Donna and her and Dave

are also at the Petro Can…Yikes!...A quick set of new directions and 10 min later everyone’s at the new meeting place.

 


Polish salute from Darek













Hiram and Brenda rolling into the Tim’s on their new ride

Hiram’s new bike- 1700 Road Star

Newfie flag??

Donna appearing very excited for today’s scoot



Decided to drive by the closed service center to check for any

missed souls. Word has it many of the Petro Cans along the 400

series has been bought out by Canadian Tire



Looks like the gas bar and a convenience store is open!



Arrival in Coldwater after 45 min on the 400. Boy can I use a coffee



There was no one to be seen. Like a town from the twilight zone



I think we’re in the bible belt. How do I know you ask?

Because nothing’s open on Sunday!



Heading out of Coldwater. Next stop, Big Chute



Mike demonstrating push steering



Big Chute Rd and impending twisties..Gotta love it

One of many picturesque scenes







The railway allows boats access to the Great lakes by crossing over

The land bridge..Reference - Mike the teacher

Everyone was intrigued by how the railway worked

Here comes a boat



Rolling mechanism

Boat being dropped off at the higher body of water



Everyone was captivated







Boat coming in to be lifted



Getting seated at the Moon River Lookout



View from the window



Donna succumbing to lead poisoning from the blue glasses

And then there were 4. Our waitress suggested the wait might be

lengthy , “ I hope you’re not in a rush”. Donna , Dave and Mike

decided to lighten her load and attend some pub fare down the

street.

After lengthy discussion we all ordered the chicken on a Calabrese

Bun. We figured ordering 6 exact same dishes would speed up delivery

Turns out the food was delicious and we met up with the rest of the

crew in synch

Beautiful foliage along our route



Pristine pavement in some areas and not so pristine in others





Note: sand on the side of the roads





So much sand in fact .Donna seems to have accumulated some.



Sand everywhere



Some tall tales being told

Everyone being thoroughly impressed with Donna’s off road capability

Well…I can say for the record- Hiram has regained his riding prowess

as evidenced  by the freshly laid bare metal. Definitely dragging his

knees today

Bailed off the highway on our way home and took a more sedate

Ridge rd into Kempenfeldt Bay.

Came across an accident scene, very fresh. Had to abort planned

route and improvise

Final stop before home. Dave and Mike stayed on 11 and high tailed

It back..Darek was in dire need of a coffee

Winding our way back through roads less traveled

The End