Day 36 - Dryden, Ont. To Ignace, Ont.

Day 36- - Dryden, Ont. To Thunder Bay, Ont.

June 18, 2026

Start Time: 6:50 am

Stop Time: 12:30 pm

KM Travelled: 108 km

Elevation: +652/ - 572 m

My resting and preparation strategy worked! And I’m ready to get going again this morning. My next rest day will be in Thunder Bay – 350 km and two overnight stops between here and there.

Getting ready this morning I take extra care to assess my big toe wound for infection and wrap it up to protect it on the ride. I’m mindful that the dulled sensation in my foot could result in an infection going undetected – which could contribute to big issues.

Before leaving the hotel, I give the bike rear derailleur and shifting system a good check over to make sure there was no damage in my fall the other day. Everything looks to be in good order. I’m pleased I even know what (in general) to be looking for.

The landscape has lots of brush – again having many similarities to BC (minus the mountains).

When I booked my accommodation for Upsala (tomorrow night), the fellow on the phone alerted me to the active wildlife along the highway. He said he always warns people as many travellers who are not familiar with moose and bears think they can approach and feed them. (Oh my!)

While I’m riding, I’m continuously always on the lookout for wildlife along the side of the road. I’m especially on the lookout for bears (because I want to avoid them like the plague). I know what it feels like to have mamma bear energy, and I never want to have to deal with a mamma bear face-to-face. While riding along, I spot something to the right that looks likes weird black sign. The sign moves and takes the shape of a moose! I have the luxury to stop and watch her for a bit. Moose don’t scare me when riding a bike (unless it’s rutting season).

When I was in Dryden, there was an open house information event at my hotel about nuclear waste (which seemed odd and caught my attention). Apparently, Ignace has been ‘selected’ to be a nuclear waste storage site. I don’t know much about toxic waste dumps, but, it does not sound like something desirable. I imagine this must be a challenging development for the region, not only with the storage of the toxic materials in this pristine wilderness, but also with the transporting of it (2-3 trucks per day) from the nuclear reactor in southern Ontario. Definitely a hot topic.

I arrive at the campsite much too early again. There are lots of bugs! I pay the early check-in fee and I’m allowed to sit in the screened gazebo until check-in, 4 hours away. I now LOVE screened gazebos – there were no bugs bothering me. Every camp site needs one of these!

After hearing about active bears in this area, I have no desire to tent. I’ve rented a small cabin – it’s so cute. I feel like I’m staying in a trapper's cabin. There is no running water, nor electricity, but I have access a short walk away. I have to use my camping supplies as there is only a bed and mattress. This cabin reminds me of some books I’ve read about people who lived either a year, or their entire lives in the wilderness. (I find these types of books very interesting).

I’m having a beer when my neighbour comes home from work – he is originally from Newfoundland, but is now based out of Toronto. He’s here temporarily working for a company – he saw me earlier in the day when I was biking. He says the workers keep an eye out for the bikers. My neighbour does not drink anymore (I hide my beer behind my cup of noodles) – and we have a lovely chat about his wellness journey. He shares about the value of just spending time on his own (like sitting beside the campfire) and being quiet with his thoughts. His work truck reminds me of Landman, so I tell him – he laughs because his colleagues say he’s just like Tommy (main character in Landman).

Before settling for the night, I pop over to the main office to charge my devices and ask about the nuclear waste storage. As suspected, it has been super controversial and has polarized the local community. Property values have tripled due to the increased demand for housing.

Time for some shut eye. My cute little trappers cabin is a welcome safe haven from the hungry bugs and bears outside. Sleep comes easily.