Day One

Before you start reading, I have an introductory page which talks about how the three of us all happened to become acquainted.

Chuck and I started our day on the driveway packing the bikes, enjoying a cup of coffee while waiting for Bill to arrive. The boys have recently purchased camping gear that’s super light and high tech; I have to check my jealousy as all my well-loved gear is over twenty years old but, with the exception of weight, still gets the job done.

We’d originally planned a breakfast stop at Quitters until finding out that it’s closed Tuesdays. We’re feeling pretty good and continued down the Trans Canada trail to Carleton Place. Chuck really enjoyed this part of the trip (in fact he wouldn’t shut up about it for the remainder of the trip — that and his taint)

Heading south out of Carleton Place, once again along an abandoned railway, brings us to a road that sweeps south along Mississippi Lake. Unfortunately, this road turns out to be under construction. I suggest a detour that would avoid the construction and Highway 7. Bill’s skeptical.

Update: L.O.L stands for Loyal Orange Lodge. Some additional information.

“At one time, there were 30 Lodges throughout Lanark County. After the closing of the Carleton Place Lodge in 2015, only the Montague Lodge and the Smiths Falls Lodge (No. 88), remained. The Almonte Lodge (No. 378) amalgamated with Carleton Place in 1987, Franktown in Beckwith Township (No. 381) in 1992, and Drummond Centre in Drummond/North Elmsley Township (No. 7) in 2013.”

Perth

Next stop is the Perth Brewery to stock up for the campsite and the grocery store for breakfast. All that’s left is the final stretch to the park. It’s getting close to sunset.

We put up our tents, cracked open a beer and I put on chili for dinner. Many laughs during dinner and throughout the day but all of us were more than ready to hit the sack.