Saturday, July 31, 2010

Continuing thru Ontario..July 28-31

Before leaving Sault Ste Marie, I had looked up Flying J gas/diesel stations to find locations and prices. The one in Sault turned out to be for commercial rigs only so were hopeful the one in Sudbury would be available to us. Turned out it was not, after "eventually" finding it...However, the manager there gave us the name of another station that had reasonable prices so plugged in the GPS and off we went. It was on Lorne St., and called Dumas' Your Independent Grocery Store (with attached fuel station) and the cheapest fuel in Sudbury. Our biggest fill yet with over 400 ltrs.

Continuing on down the road, passing a lot of gorgeous scenery and interesting small towns we arrived just north of Parry Sound when we decided it was time to find a spot for the night. We were fortunate to get into a KOA in Sequin (10 min south of Parry Sound)with 50 amp power. Unfortunately, Dale could not get the satellite to work due to all the tree so he was not a very happy camper, that plus a high price and also no sewer connection. Had to discharge the tanks at a community staion on the way out of the park. We needed to dishcarge and take on water as from there, we were really not sure what we would find down the road due to the long weekend now upon us.

Arrived in Orillia (via a couple of interesting back roads..OK so I can't read road signs and "suggest" left your other left turns) Pulled into an empty Wal Mart lot to get our bearings. Dale turned the generator on so we could keep the air conditioning going and it overheated again. He thinks it is a thermostat..this will be the third one since we bought the bus. While in Orillia, Dale made a few phone calls and one was to the Church of the Nazarene campground in Pefferlaw. He had spent a few years there when a youngster as his dad was the caretaker/overseer in the mid-forties and it was in our plans to spend some time there to visit old memories. (did I mention that Dale's background/upbringing was strong Church of the Nazarene??) They had parking available AND a 50 amp hookup. So, on the road again, and 40 minutes later we arrived.

The drive was down the east side of Lake Simcoe and talk about cottage country, and so many farms, small towns and beautiful old homes. While this is not my first trip to Ontario, I am always thrilled to see the wonderful brick houses. While there are lots of properties for sale, the signs of depression/economic downturn, is not as evident as it is further north.

The northbound traffic was incredible. Single lane traffic as far as the eye could see. Locals told us that was Toronto/Hamilton and areas south etc etc emptying out for the long weeked and generally during the summer, every Friday is the same; repeated again on Sunday night, or Monday if it is a long weekend. And we thought Vancouver was bad.

We are parked in a nice grassy area with a few trees so some shade. Plus, we have put out the awnings on the south side to give some relief from the sun. With the 50 amp hook up we can, when needed, at least get air conditioning going.

It is family camp here at the campground this week so a very busy place and LOTS of young people, which is so great to see. Church services morning and evening, youth, young adults and adults..something for everyone.

We didn't make service Fri night or Sat a.m., as we both are still feeling rather ill and had put in another terrible night. Went over to Sutton this afternoon and loaded up on cough medicine and throat lozenges, enough that we were able to make the music service for a short time tonight. Nothing like good old gospel singing to make you forget your troubles. And the voices of the soloists..sends goosebumps up my back just thinking about it!

Now back at the bus and trying to get ourselves settled; finding a position that gives relief from coughing. I talked to a lady after service and she advised that this cold/flu thingy has generally having people feeling lousy for up to 7 weeks. Oh, joy, I am "only" in my fourth and Dale has just started. Think I caught mine from Kevin just before we left..will need to have a chat with him!!

Till next time hope everyone is enjoying their travels and having a good summer.

No comments:

Post a Comment