Skip to content
Join our Newsletter
  1. Home
  2. Whistler

Day 53: We Leave the Trans-Can for a Way Less Travelled

Our goal today a long ride of 164 kms from Blind River to the Northeastern Manitoulin Islands, specifically Little Current, Ontario, and De,de,de,de,de,de... Batmans Campground. We cut south off the Trans-Can at Espanola, taking #6 South.
Kerry Dennehy

Day53.jpg
Our goal today a long ride of 164 kms from Blind River to the Northeastern Manitoulin Islands, specifically Little Current, Ontario, and De,de,de,de,de,de... Batmans Campground. We cut south off the Trans-Can at Espanola, taking #6 South. Along the route a burly pannier laden biker caught up to me, named Cayse Ruiter. He had left Tofino early June and was heading for Ottawa on a mission for organ donations. "If people could get over the taboo about talking about death and realize that they could save lives," thus his website...outliveyourself.ca We wished each other well. It was gratifying to see a young 26 year old immersed in a good cause. You can't help but think this journey will be a foundation stone for the rest of his life.

I told him Kelty's story, specifically about our decision to donate Kelty's organs. His corneas allowed gave two others sight, his lungs, his kidneys, his liver and his beautiful heart, gave others a new lease on life. We received a letter from a grandfather who received our son's heart. His letter was so moving, we could see where the ink was stained by his tears. He gave thanks for being able to see his grandchildren again and thanked us and our son from the bottom of Kelty's heart. Please everyone give permission on your drivers licence. It's a phone call away.

We rolled up and down in the sunshine, into Canadian Shield country again, helped by a south wind and glorious sunshine. We pulled into Batmans campground and were immediately greeted by the owners, Lisa and Andre, who had "comped" us for the night. They had saved us a perfect site overlooking the lake and were soon there with a load of firewood, asking all about our mission. Gin gave them a book which I'm sure they appreciated. These islands kind of separate Georgian Bay from Lake Huron proper. Its gorgeous country and the lake here had warmed up nicely.Great site, bug free breeze off the bay, and fresh fish on the Barbie: after a hard days ride, very satisfying indeed!!