Larry's post below about Phaffing about on Bates Island (one can get arrested for that, but that is really none of my business) was mentioning that there are going to be likely delays along Hgwy 17 near Renfrew this coming summer. Here are a couple of alternatives:
1)According to Google Maps when heading from Bates Island to River Run it is about 19km less to travel through Quebec (107 km) than through Renfrew (126 km). The Quebec route crosses back into Ontario at Portage-du-Fort. This route is not only shorter but:
- It is more scenic
- It has more poutine stands along the way for any visiting German friends.
- It goes by Quoyn Falls park and huck.
- One does not need to go by that hideous contraption called Scotiabank Place.
2) One should also be able to bypass Renfrew while staying on the Ontario side by turning off Highway 17 shortly after Arnprior and hooking up with River Rd (via Dewars?). I've often wondered if this would be a better route even without delays on 17. It would be about 10 km shorter, and that is a hell of a lot when you are tugging a kayak up river behind your bicycle.
A potential added benefit on this route is stopping and scouting 1st Chute on the Bonnechere River. This drop is slated for extinction soon due to civilizations desire to air-condition sidewalks:
http://www.wesa.ca/en/data/files/download/News/1%20-%20Welcoming%20Document.pdfhttp://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=45.501704,-76.557578&spn=0.001703,0.00545&t=h&z=18http://richardmcguire.com/photos/bonnechere/pages/DSC03614.htmThe drop has been run before and has it been called a 4+. There might be a playspot at higher levels at the bottom of it?? I don't know about access as I've only been there in the virtual world so far.
note: I started a new post here instead of distracting from the important issue of phaffing about in Larry's post. I do majorly agree with him there, although I've probably been a little guilty myself at times.
