Pukaskwa in the Spring Day 6, May 24 2024
I woke at around 6:00 am and finalized packing. I wasn't hungry, so I just got on with it. I needed to leave by 7 anyhow, to give myself some time at Kettle lakes to explore. After everything was packed, I hit the road. I find a good audiobook just helps pass the time. I stopped at white river to check the whinny the pooh statue.. unfortunately it hasn't stood the test of time, perhaps the town council isn't looking after it, or something. The paint has all worn away in the sun and he's all grimy with age. It really is unfortunate. The town seems to be tight knit still, I got a sausage and egger from the A&W there when I used their facilities. The man working the counter was a black man who must have been around my age or a bit older, judging by his greying moustache. He was running the place like a café, and had everyone's orders memorized, he as chatting with some locals when I came in and took my order and it was served up pretty quickly. I was back on the road after about 10 minutes of stretching my legs. In Wawa, I filled up at the Esso, and picked up two cans of 'peace tea' for the road, I'm still low on fresh water, so I want to stretch it for the final go. Now for the long drive. Learning from my mistakes last time crossing this span of emptiness, I stopped whether I needed to or not, anywhere there was a turn-around or a rest stop to stretch my legs, and this made the trip a lot less trying than the first time - though I might just be used to it. Before I knew it I was on the other side fueling up at the Canadian tire gas bar in Timmins like hardly any time had passed. This trip has been like a whirlwind, It seems like all the time I spent trekking around, driving, cooking, etc. is just is gone now, and unfortunately I bet the next time I notice a change I'll be sitting in the car, with Cola sleeping beside me on the way back to Toronto, and then I'll be back at my desk at work, wondering If I even went in the first place. I guess I need to make an effort to actually go out more. I should go somewhere the weekend after next, even if it isn't too far, even if I don't take my full kit. Just to get out, just to try to keep some of the fitness I gained on this trip. Once I arrived at Kettle Lakes I did a walk around the park, the place is pretty much vacant this time of year, other than the odd trailer that appears to be also vacant.. like these folks just rent the site to store them? Anyhow, I did one trail as well. Unfortunately there’s not much to see here, but it’d be a great family park with nice beaches. I had a good sleep, and the next day I headed out early and then I arrived back at my parent’s place just before sunset, tomorrow I have to get everything organized for the trip back home. Maybe next year I’ll have to do two weeks and go somewhere else, at a more relaxed pace.