My 1st 5 minutes, in small city or big town of North Bay, I made a sale! LOL
After my 4 hours of exploring the Three Towers MTB trails I was sooo very hungry I craved a burger and fries but I was sweaty and dirty so I opted to search Google for the nearest fast food restaurant. I decided to go in to order because I needed a washroom break too. Glad I did! I ordered and as I carried my order to a table a woman called out "M'ame!" then repeated several times. I thought to myself [She couldn't possibly be talking to me. I do not know a single soul in North Bay]. I was wrong. I turned around and Wendy smiled and bursting with enthusiasm said "I LOVE your hat!! Where did you get it?" I was wearing my Cool cycling purple dad cap and my black bamboo Cool cycle top.
Stunned by the sudden attention and feeling a bit sheepish about my sweaty odour and possible dirt on my face I responded "I made it. In fact I sell them! I designed the Cool cycle graphic." After selling them 2 of my hats; Wendy and her husband Marcel were very happy and friendly North Bay born and raised folks, who were so very enthusiastic to tell me all about their town! They told me about the picturesque boardwalk along the waterfront and their favourite Duchesnay Falls hiking trail with many lookout spots out over the gorgeous waterfalls. Above is the pic I took minutes after meeting Wendy and Marcel. Here I am at Duchesnay (pronounced: Doo-sh-eh-nee) Falls.
The entrance to the trail is very uneven ground and you need to have proper footwear! NO sandals! The above pic is of a very steep sandy section that you must climb up (holding onto tree roots) to get up to the best viewing spots for the falls.
I imagine these Falls roar with action in the Spring
The above pic is of a dry falls bed that I was able to cross easily but likely is impassible in Spring time.
The Duchesnay Falls trail goes on for several kilometers. I was exhausted from my morning drive and MTB adventures so I did not explore the trail beyond the Falls. Another trip perhaps.
Off to the lakefront boardwalk along Lake Nipissing! The view is spectacular! Honestly this lake appears to be as big as one of our great lakes (but it is not). I could not see the shoreline across from this beautifully gardened and maintained lakeshore walking trail. A lot of money and town pride has been sunk into this lakefront park. A lot of sturdy benches facing the lake to take a break or sit in the shade of a tree. Huge parking lot too! Quite a few garbage bins and the park is clearly maintained often since I did not see a single piece of litter. Across from the lakefront park directly across the road appears to be an amusement park that is open in summer season. I did not venture over there to have a look. Not enough time. I needed to find a Hotel to shower and rest up for tomorrow's adventure! Below are some of my pics of the lakefront park. There were a lot of people out being active strolling along the boardwalk (as well as several joggers, 2 cyclists, 2 dog walkers and 1 speed walker). Fall colours were at the very peak too!
