Part One-Thunder Bay to Rabbit Blanket Campground

July 4th, 2019/Thunder Bay to Nipigon

Day's total/KM 106.8/elevation gain 634 meters
Total to date/KM 3567.8/Total elevation gain 21307 meters

I took advantage of the showers prior to leaving the KOA. Cooked breakfast under the shelter on a real electric stove. Weather looked good, they were calling for a 60% chance of rain. 
On exiting the KOA I steered towards Lake Superior and followed Lake-shore Drive. I had stopped at a junction to check my routing wanting to avoid the TC for as long as possible, that’s where I met Jim. He was out for his morning ride, we chatted then he suggested we ride together, he’d show me the back routes. We peddled our way through shaded quiet twisty roads with frequent views of the lake to our right. Eventually ending up at his residence, a beautiful home overlooking the lake. We walked out front and I dipped my feet into Lake Superior. He shared his knowledge about the history, winter and summer life on the lake. We eventually parted at the junction to the TC, it was a fun and memorable morning, “Thank you Jim”.
I carried along for a couple of kilometers then crossed the highway, ate lunch at the truck stop. I spotted earlier an over sized transport with Police escort moving a blade from a Wind Turbine, I couldn't resist checking it out. I was soon East bound once again. The next 70k was hit and miss for a ride-able shoulder. I tried my best to watch traffic and kicked off to the gravel when I felt unsafe, I did that a lot.
I arrived in Nipigon around 5, nice little town with all the amenities. Camping was not far from town, just down the hill next to the marina, great spot to pitch, quiet, along the shores of Lake Superior. 

July 5th, 2019/Rest Day/Nipigon

I had to time a General Delivery pick up in White River for Monday, I chose Nipigon for the one rest day. I have to admit the heat was draining and I’ve clocked some reasonable kilometers these past days. I gotta remember it’s not a race. I slept in as long as possible, never seems long enough. I made coffee and yes the usual, rolled oats, they were getting a bit tiresome. Showered, updated the blog, caught up on a few other thing, finance tracking etc. I went into town for lunch, then more groceries, looking to find alternatives for breakfast. Washed the bike at the local car wash-never done that before, not sure it was a good idea. Back to camp for some real down time, mostly sat under the shade of the gazebo. I returned back into town for supper, Chinese Food was on the menu. It wasn’t the best but was the only show in town. Not far from camp I spotted an old rail bed, the tracks were long since gone. I rode along and explored up towards the highway thinking it might be an interesting exit for tomorrow’s ride East. On the ride back a group of boys were gathered, swimming and jumping from the dock and trestle.  Each one edging on the other but always in a caring way. It took me back to my own youth and the carefree days of summer. 

July 6th, 2019/Nipigon to Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

Day's total/KM 81/elevation gain 1016 meters
Total to date/KM 3648.8/Total elevation gain 22323 meters 

The exit along the rail bed didn’t pan out. I backtracked thru town then East on the TC. Some decent climbs today, no sooner did I go down then it was straight back up again with little to no relief. Back to the headwinds as well, they were cool which was welcoming, blowing off Lake Superior. The shoulder continued to play now you see me now you don’t. My intent today was Terrace Bay, there was camping but I was told the decent was a good one, that meant back up and out in the morning, it wasn't going to happen. I was told the pitch was on the beach with no shade. I opted to call it a day at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, pricey place to camp as are all the Government of Ontario Campgrounds, $42.66 for tenting, most I’ve paid yet! I was awoken early to sounds of breaking branches and thrashing in the bush. Unlikely it was four legged with all that racket, sure enough there was a voice. The couple next to me partied well into the night and well I guess into the morning. I glanced over to their site, hmm-several empty bottles of hard liqueur on the picnic table. At this point they had both retreated to their tent for a little shut-eye. I ate breakfast, packed up then headed to the washroom. When I returned the party goers were well into packing and split before me. Not sure if they should have been driving.