We’d had two weeks of great weather – granted there were a couple of hot nights, but overall sunny skies and warm weather. On our last night that broke. The rain started in the night – and for those of you who have been in a tent or camper in the rain, you know the lovely sound it makes, especially at night – I don’t know why, it just seems cosier. But it did mean I was doing the morning take-down in waterproof jacket, boots, and hat.
We wanted to be in Milton at a decent hour, so BN could get home to her family, and I could get back on the road to eastern Ontario. We were on the 400 by 8:15, and in Milton by 9:30. There had been some tense moments around Barrie & Canada’s Wonderland as the rain really intensified, but we made it unscathed.
Aside: thank you JL & BN for all your work getting my bike, bbq, etc stuffed into the compartments – not sure what I would have done without you.
I pulled out of my driveway at 11:15 and the torrential downpour started at 11:16. Of course it did. It was coming in waves – dear God. Then I got a text from BN (my car plays texts aloud – all is hands-free): tornado warning. Tornados? Seriously? It seems the best advice for RVers in a tornado is to shelter under an overpass.
Okey-doke.
Now the only food I’d had all day was a spoonful of peanut butter at 7:30am. I was starving and had planned on lunching in Bowmanville. But there was no time for food, dammit – food is for wusses, Lainey – you’re trying to outrun a tornado! So I soldiered on.
Fortunately, by the time I hit Port Hope, all weather threats were gone. Trenton On Route: 5-min power nap (I was tired), chicken sandwich from the convenience store, a Timmie’s coffee, and back on the highway.
But the fun was not done yet. I was cruising in the right lane and saw a ways ahead of me that there was a white truck (bigger than a panel van, smaller that a 16-wheeler) kind of drifting on to the shoulder and/or slightly into the middle lane. Other vehicles were going around it, but I was worried that as I overtook it, it might sway into my lane so I was hesitating. Then I realised it didn’t have any license plate. So I got past it, then told my car phone, “Hey Google, call OPP non-emergency phone number”, and reported the truck for reckless driving and lack of license, on the eastbound 401 at km marker 472. (Yes, I know, I’m a clype, but seriously – he was a threat to safety)
Anyhoo, made it to the campground, made a cup of tea, and watched Last Holiday before bed. What a day.