Monday 22 July 2013

What a trip!

I have now spent over 24 hours resting off of my bicycle. Weirdly enough I do miss being on the trip but the break from my bicycle is definitely needed. Our ferry ride was very relaxing, although I still have not gained my "sea legs" yet. We had a beautiful last ride into Sydney, again the sun was shining and for the most part a tail wind. I have to mention though we did have an interesting last night in Newfoundland, high winds and heavy rain. The next day we actually had fog and a massive head wind but we only had 25 k to ride so it wasn't too bad.

This trip has now completed my journey across Canada which I started in the summer of 2002. I now have to cycle the territories (but not for a while);) We were so fortunate for beautiful weather, tail winds, friendly and generous Newfoundlanders, safe drivers, no accidents and spectacular scenery. I feel so fortunate to be able to ride my bicycle every day on a journey like this and see Canada this way. I also feel so fortunate to be Canadian and live in such a beautiful country with so many kind people. I am so glad I chose Newfoundland for this trip, it was perfect tour!..Puffy also agrees with all of the above;)

Before ending my adventure story, I would like to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me during this trip and all of my cycling journeys. Thank you especially to my parents who never doubted my ability to do adventures like this trip, they have always been excited for me. I would also like to thank my husband for joining the trip when he could, then taking a bus to a random place in Newfoundland and then cycling out to meet us, he always trusts me. I missed having my fearless stepsister who I have done most of my long rides with but I really enjoyed my two new cycling touring pals...so many laughs!

I'd like to thank all of the generous people I met along the way and shared Phoebe's story with and who donated to Childhood Cancer Canada, you all wonderful people and I will never forget your kindness and your stories you shared with me. If you still need ideas for how to help, please check out the tab on my blog.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Phoebe Rose for inspiring me to get on my bike everyday and appreciate the world in a new way. Phoebe, you were my rock!

Enjoy the pictures of us on the last few days of the trip!


Camping at Fitzgerald's Pond Park near Argentia

Cycling in the fog towards the ferry


Wearing my safety vest and tutu...no way a car could not see me


Seven islands near Placentia


Oour ship for 17 hours from Argentia to North Sydney


Completing the full circle and back in Sydney, Cape Breton with the World's Largest Fiddle

Friday 19 July 2013

Farewell St. John's and hello long ride to ferry

Hi again! It's me the Tutu Navigator! I sent Puffy back to Ottawa yesterday and now it's just me and Travis left to finish the ride.

We are going to go as far as we can today towards Argentia where we will be taking a 15 hour ferry back to Nova Scotia. It's again sunny today so we're going to try and make it as close as possible.

I may not be in touch for a few days so wish us a tail wind and nice drivers again!

Thursday 18 July 2013

Finishing on Signal Hill




WE MADE IT!!
On top of Signal Hill. Notice in the back the huge hill we had to climb to get there 
and the one we had to go down after!




 Tutu Navigator and husband, Travis


 Cabot Tower on Signal Hill




The cycling trio do their victory dance!
Puffy was taking the picture!

Across St. John's and time to celebrate!

After 16 days and almost 1500 kms we finally made it to St. John's yesterday! I would like to tell all of you that we had the winds at our backs but the Tutu Navigator would not be pleased with me if I did. We did have sunshine once again!

Let's see I left you last when we were cycling along the busy Trans Canada Highway in Whitbourne. The day after, we rode to a place called Bay Bulls about 40kms outside of St. John's. We had a chance to ride on a more peaceful road to the ocean. I'm not going to lie but it was a little terrifying watching all of the transport trucks zoom by. Fortunately for me I get to head back to Ottawa to visit Mae and Phoebe today so I will not be venturing back on that highway again to go on the ferry to Nova Scotia.

Anyway, back to Bay Bulls. I got to see all of my puffin friends on a boat tour run by the amazing O'Briens! I even got to see whales and all kinds of other bird friends like the razor bill. It was like I was in the movie Jurassic Park, birds were flying everywhere. I also got to see whales and see their tale as they dove deeper into the water. As a puffin, I have seen lots of this but my cycling friends were in awe. My battery for my camera died but Princess Francine got a lot of pictures and videos that I will post another day.

After the tour we got to stay on a friendly and kind friend's lawn in Bay Bulls. We overlooked the bay, it was really beautiful!

The next day we headed out for our last stretch to St. John's. Guess what? Another massive hill to climb! This one went on forever and ever. But we finally got to our hostel and took off all of our bags on our bikes and the Tutu Navigator climbed me up to Signal Hill! Take a look at the pictures to really get the view of St. John's!

We had a great time celebrating and today we will rest. I will be going back to Ottawa today with my new friend from Bay Bulls (another puffin friend) and Princess Francine and Handsome Heather will be flying back to Ottawa tomorrow. The Tutu Navigator said that Phoebe and Mae might have some new adventures for me so I can't wait to meet them in a few days!

The Tutu Navigator and her husband will head back out on the road tomorrow for another 140 kms to the ferry back to Nova Scotia. I think they might take two days to get there. The ferry will take about 15 hours this time and then ride back to Sydney.

Who knows what adventures are in store for me after today but I hope you had fun with me on this one! Keeping looking out for the Tutu Navigator as she finishes the tour to Nova Scotia!

Monday 15 July 2013

A few shots from the day

Puffy's new fan, Hailey from Marystown

Here I am waiting for the ferry in St. Pierre
 

In Goobies getting on the Trans Canada Highway
Did you know that the hair below the Moose's face is called a "dewlap"?

Getting so close yet still a few days away...Whitebourne for the night

And the wind finally got the cycling crew today but again no rain and only sunshine! We are so lucky!

We had a much calmer boat ride back from St. Pierre and again the Tutu Bicycle arrived safe and sound in Newfoundland. We headed north again along the 210 back to the Trans Canada Highway. This time we got to go down the infamous mile mountain and into Swift Current. I even got to take a dip in the pool...I am one lucky Puffin.

Everyone is saying how I've been just sitting on the bike the whole trip but I tell you I have been doing lots of sight seeing on the ride and taking it all in. Today I think I almost had my hat come off about a dozen times because of the crazy truck drivers. All and all the drivers have been so nice it must be because we are getting close to the city. But wait no St John's yet...I have to go see my Newfoundland bird friends! Tomorrow or the day after we are going to go on a puffin boat tour....I CANNOT WAIT!

Two days left until St. John's and then a few days rest until we say farewell to my two friends who will be fyling back to Ottawa. My trip is not quite done still a few days left after St. John's.

Friday 12 July 2013

Leaving France and heading towards St. Johns

Salut!
Almost rested from over 1000kms of riding and back on my Tutu bicycle again tomorrow. We had a great time exploring St Pierre, on foot. Here are some pictures from a few days ago. I need to catch you up with what we have been up to. Tomorrow we might be sleeping somewhere along the Burin Peninsula so probably no chance to write but cross our fingers for nice drivers and tail wind to push my Tutu Navigator and friends up and over the hills.
Here I am tellling tales to all of you at an information centre outside of Grand Falls


Can you see me? Im on the bike




Looking over the ledge on our way to Terra Nova Provincial Park

My friends ahead of me zooming down the huge hill. We had to climb it the next morning

Terra Nova Provincial Park
Trees that are bent over because of the winds on the Burin Peninsula

Lupins, flowers you see all along the road

I love hanging out in the grass and relaxing

Huge waterslide at a campground we stayed at. Doesnt it look awesome!?

Find me?

Our usual set up at a campground

My usual set up at the campground....comfy!

Where we registered to get on the ferry

Getting on the ferry. Watch out for waves!

I got to look out and try and not get sea sick. I have a weak tummy sometimes.

Someone decided to paint me


I took this one for all of the hockey fans.;;Do you know what this is used for? Its a gqrbqge holder...


My friend Francine playing at the skate park

Looking at St Pierre from the big hill we climbed

Thursday 11 July 2013

The Tutu Crew

photo 1.NEF
Our new friend Jay got some pics of us outside of Grand Falls

55 minutes on a boat and now in Europe

What a bumpy boat ride! We thought maybe our bikes would have fallen to sea after many wave crashes along the way to St Pierre. This island is not the easiest place to get to but it so far seems pretty interesting. My friends have had some long days of cycling and we are all looking forward to a day of rest. The weather is predicting rain once we get back to Newfoundland but no complaining because we have had beautiful weather this whole trip!
Now it is time for me to go and try out a little french and some patisseries!
Aurevoir

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Could Newfoundland have more hills?

Wow what a hilly couple of days! We were told a couple of days ago in Newfoundland you are either going up or down. I have for sure seen the tops of hills and the very bottoms of I think at least 100...well maybe not that many but lots and lots!
Let me describe to you yesterday's scenery as we peddled for hours and hours down the burin peninsula. As the tutu navigator told me, Newfoundland once had glaciers and these rock holders we saw yesterday everywhere are called erratics that were left behind from the glaciers about 10000 years ago. It was so cool to see!
We peddled through marystown late yesterday and found out after 120kms we had to peddle another 15 kms which doesn't sound too bad but remember we had been climbing all day. We made it and slept so well.
Today was a shorter ride into fortune where we will catch the ferry to st Pierre... Folks we are going to Europe! This island is a French colony so I will let you know hopefully tomorrow if I  eating delicious baked treats.
I have to say that I am getting known around here, lots of honks from cars and people are recognizing the tutu navigators tutu. Phoebe your story is definitely being shared and people are so I interested!
Signing out for now and I'll be in touch with hopefully pictures tomorrow!

Monday 8 July 2013

154kms and still trucking on...

Today we need to keep going so not much time to tell. So here are my top 5 Puffy Picks over the last few days:
5. Descent into our campground in Terra nova national park
4.  Lunch at sandy lake
3. No bear sighting
2. Gander airport
And the number 1...
Laundry, we needed clean clothes
Here's wishing for tail wind on the burin peninsula!

Sunday 7 July 2013

Good sleep at Brookdale Campground and now on to Terra Nova

Wow another day of wind at our backs and sun in the sky! I would have to say I am the luckiest bird on the planet!

We are right now taking a break somewhere in between Grand Falls and Gander. We were pretty tired last night so we stopped in Bishop's Falls and had a great sleep and swim in the campground pool. Our host from Brookdale Campground, Phil greeted us with a smile and some funny tales. He also gave my friends some nicknames: Heather is now Handsome Heather, Francine is now Prince/Princess Francine and Delta Daun (Tutu Navigator). I am so impressed with how friendly everyone is and how giving they are to our ride.

In the last few days we've had over $100 of donations for Childhood Cancer Canada so thank you to all of the friendly strangers who have stopped to chat to us and donated to the cause. Phoebe and her family will be so excited!

Before I share some pictures I thought I would introduce you to the two wild ladies I am cycling with. The first is Heather, or Handsome Heather. She is the master of questions. She is always thinking and asking questions that we have no clue of the answers. She also loves Blok Shocks and all other foods. She loves to laugh and makes we laugh when I am bored on my bike.













And then there is Princess Francine. She is the power of our group. She is also like our mother and always wants to make sure we are ok, are we drinking enough water? do we have enough food? Something else about our princess is that she sure likes to shower but unfortunately the Newfoundland black flies have caught on and love her royal blood.





Canadian and Newfoundland Flag


I be chillin' at the Deerlake Campground!


Beautiful Sandy Lake


My two cycling pals


Outside of our B and B, Indian River Brook B & B 


Taking a boat ride in Springdale



Doreen's Newfoundland Music "Ugly Stick"


The lovely Doreen and her puffin friend!
Doreen is also the author of two Newfoundland children's books 
and our host at the Indian Brook B and B. She is also the musician of 
the ugly stick. She is one wild woman. Thank Doreen for your hospitality!


Me with Doreen's grandson's Flat Stanley


Old fire truck

One last thing, we wanted to give a huge shout out to our new friend, Jay who we met at the campground last night. He stopped today and gave us water on the road sounds probably not too exciting for most people but it will probably be our highlight of the day! Thanks Jay!




Saturday 6 July 2013

Flying by Grand Falls and onto Bishops Falls

Here I am again and now in grand falls. We are just cruising these days in Newfoundland. I've made so many new friends, Doreen from Indian Brook B and B and her friends. I also met Doreen's grandsons flat Stanley. If you don't know who that is when I have real computer ill post some pictures. So many pictures to share. My tutu navigator, Daun wanted me to apologize to all the young readers who might be finding spelling errors in my tales, great job finding them, but it's tricky to tell tales on an iPhone;)  well hopefully tomorrow I can finally post some pictures of me on a boat in Springdale or on an old fire truck or even by a Newfoundland music stick. On the road again for the puffster! Oh and next tale I want to introduce you to my two riding friends, heather and Francine.

Friday 5 July 2013

Farewell Deerlake...

After a beautiful ride from Corner Brook we ended up at the Deerlake Campground. I tell you there are some blackflies here! My two friends cycling with us, Heather and Francine, have gotten eaten alive (meaning lots and lots of bites). We were so thankful for lots of wind at our campsite.

I was also interviewed by CBC Corner Brook yesterday while waiting for the Tutu Navigator to have our bicycle looked at. Don't worry just some minor adjustments, apparently our bike is quite heavy! I will also hopefully have an interview on Monday by phone by CBC but probably friends in Ottawa may not get this station. I will try and post a link if I find the interview.

After leaving Corner Brook a nice lady pulled over to say hi to us and offered a place to stay but we had to keep going. So far, the people of Newfoundland have been so kind and helpful.

I can't share any pictures today because I can't attach my camera but hopefully in the next few days I'll share some more...I am getting so good with technology especially for a puffin!

I just wanted to say thank you to Cycling Solutions for their help with my bike in Corner Brook!

Today, we may go further than Sheppardville so check a map and look for South Brook (south of Springdale) and if we are feeling really good we might just go there!

Talk to you soon!

Thursday 4 July 2013

Riding on the Rock-Corner Brook Day 3

Hello friends!

We've now been riding, well I've been basking in the beautiful sunshine while my Tutu Navigator pedals up and down hills, for three days now. We haven't had access to any internet until now. Let's see, over the passed couple days we've seen lots of trees, mountains, water and trucks. I even saw 2 huge beaver lodges and some toads yesterday. The first day our stove didn't work so we had to make our oatmeal on the fire pit but Tutu Navigator figured it out the problem and so last night we had a huge feast of dahl, veggies and couscous...I would prefer my regular fish food but I'm with three vegetarians so I guess I won't complain since I do get to relax all the the time..hehe.

So far the wind has been on our backs and the sunshine in the sky but I think I should go now into town to do some shopping but check out some of the pictures we've taken so far.

Tonight we'll be in Deerlake and off to the east! Aurevoir for now!

Oh wait I forgot to tell you that I've been able to talk to lots of people so far and share Phoebe's story. I've also gotten some more donations. We're going to continue to share stories!