Battle of the Blogs

ERIKA
Derek and I have decided to combine blogs, especially since we are now spending nearly every moment in each other’s company. After two days of rest in Ottawa, and a brief visit at the Otesha House, an organization that Derek was a part of for two months last summer, we began our venture into the back roads of northern Ontario. I've come to find out that this area is infested with mosquitoes, deer flies, and countless other flying and crawling things that when flying around one's head and landing on one's face can render a person incapable of performing even the simplest task. Each day, it is us versus them.

The first night after leaving Ottawa, we found a great spot by a lake where we could cool off for an evening dip. Little did Derek and his Dad know, I harbor an irrational fear of lakes. I went in anyway, as one of my countless futile attempts to overcome this fear. Derek plunged right in, swimming way out, wondering why I stuck close to the shore. When my pride got the best of me, I decided to forge bravery and hitch a ride on Derek’s back. Unfortunately, I nearly drowned him.

DEREK
With Erika in tow, I paddled with power and grace, effortlessly delivering her safely to shore. Following a gourmet Kraft Dinner meal, we partook in a stone skipping contest, in which my Dad was the undisputed champion.


We set up for a waterfront campfire, and just as the flames grew high, the mosquitoes arrived in a bloodthirsty happy hour frenzy. The flames were immediately extinguished and we sprinted to the safe haven of our tents.


My Dad had come to the conclusion that he had seen enough of the country and it was time for him to catch a plane back to Vernon. In the morning we said our goodbyes and parted ways. See you in a couple months Dad, thanks for the company!

ERIKA
Derek and I set out west, with our sights set on a small town not far past Algonquin Park called Magnetawan, where we plan to meet up with two of Derek's friends. We have about two hundred and fifty miles to cover in ten days, which leaves us a lot of slack.


While cycling on one of many back roads, the scent of nearby strawberry fields got us in the mood for fresh fruit. We stopped at a berry farm for an hour-long, quart-sized berry gorge. Just when we couldn’t think of eating another morsel, the owner of the farm started asking us about our loaded bikes. Amazed by our journey, she treated us to another pint of raspberries, which we graciously accepted.

DEREK
Quiet farm roads the following day led us to the Bonnechere Caves, a little-known tourist destination. For a small fee we joined a tour group that we followed ninety feet underground into the "young" 12,000 year-old abyss. In the claustrophobic darkness we traveled through the history and tales of the caves.

As fascinating as the caves proved to be, what we were more interested in was the rocky waterfalls that churned and crashed nearby.


As we enjoyed the scenery, I noticed how the rock shelves bordering the river would made an ideal platform for a tent. It was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed. Following our spelunking expedition, we stopped to visit the falls and have a snack. 

We washed up in a surprisingly warm pool of water at the edge of the river while trying to stay out of view from the waves of camera toting tourists passing by on the opposite side. Our original plan of laying out our sleeping bags directly on the rock shelf, and spending the night tent-free, was foiled. True to their schedule, out came the mosquitoes with an aching hunger, and we were driven back into the safety of the mesh. But luckily, we were still able to enjoy the stars, as the sky was open and the tent fly remained rolled up. Mosquito issues aside, we still had the pleasure of a nearly perfect night.

ERIKA
The following day, we supposed we would zip through Eganville, but the rain had other plans for us. We made a pit stop at the Country Store, where we drank coffee and hung out on the couch. After a sufficient rest, Derek said, "Ready to go?" A look out the window showed rain, lots of it. We decided to wait it out. But how would we occupy ourselves?


Derek trying out the Inversion Table at the Country Store in Eganville:



It didn’t take long before "Popeye the Good News Man, Ambassador for Jesus," selected us as his new students. With no escape route in sight, we were made to listen to tales of his truck-driving days in New York, stories involving armed robberies and thieving prostitutes.

DEREK
Maintaining a conversation with someone like Popeye is simple enough. With a bit of eye contact, the occasional nod, and a few affirmative grunts, the one-sided discussion can flow for hours. But in time, this becomes draining and we begin searching for an escape route. "Wow, look at the time!"


But as luck would have it, a man with a striking resemblance to Willie Nelson stepped in and took over for Popeye. With what started as a conversation about camp stoves quickly escalated into a full-on demonstration of how to properly wash windows, with a piece-by-piece explanation of every tool needed to make a storefront display window shine and sparkle like crystal.


What I was really hoping to see was not clear glass, but clear skies. Although this seemed doubtful, there was a break in the rain, so we jumped on our bikes and fled Eganville as quickly as possible. It was imperative that we put some distance between ourselves and this exceedingly verbose village. We needed some peace and quiet.


Now we’re relaxing in the town of Wilno, famous for carrying the title of "Canada’s first ever Polish settlement." Here’s a shout out to all you people of Poland.

DERIKA
Bye for now!