Read Part 1 HERE !
Because of the previous day's ceaseless rainfall, we had thought it a better idea to steer clear of gravel paths. A ridiculously informative website enabled me to select a trail that aligned most accurately with our needs, including time restrictions and location preferences.
Uhthoff Trail commenced in Orillia, then crossed Hwy 11 into the township of Severn. Categorized as an "Easy" thirty kilometres with parking available by Lake Couchiching, it was also listed to be part of the Trans Canada Trail. Curiosity piqued, we had loaded our bikes back into the car in preparation for a quick ride.
Two-way, paved bicycle lanes curved about the shoreline, just between Couchiching Beach and its several parking lots. We followed this path until Jarvis Street, where I took a daring turn into the woods instead of continuing on paved asphalt.
Contrary to our initial belief, the ground was not sodden at all. We swung onto Lightfoot Trail with ease, then followed its slope-less path to the next intersection. It remained sturdy underneath our wheels, while the trees diffused harsh UV rays from the skies above.
Contrary to our initial belief, the ground was not sodden at all. We swung onto Lightfoot Trail with ease, then followed its slope-less path to the next intersection. It remained sturdy underneath our wheels, while the trees diffused harsh UV rays from the skies above.
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Past Wilson Point Road was Millennium Trail, which eventually turned to gravel and wound underneath Hwy 11.
We persevered until just past Division Road, then readily stopped for a break by a small creek.
We persevered until just past Division Road, then readily stopped for a break by a small creek.
The entire trail was largely devoid of elevation changes - and defining landscapes too for that matter. Uhthoff made for a rather uninteresting ride, but nonetheless a good escape from UV rays and muddiness. Trenches had been dug on both sides of the trails, presumably to assist with drainage of the main path.
Gigantic dragonflies accompanied us the entire way. The trail wasn't short on mosquitoes, small bugs, or chromatic beetles either. Absentmindedly having omitted the repellent on our packing checklist, we were promptly eaten alive, regardless of whether we shifted out of the shade or not. A total of seven were sustained on my arms and legs, all of which caused an atrocious allergic reaction. For the following four days, I was not exempt from my share of swelling, itchiness, and tautness.
Our return trip spanned just under thirty minutes. Back at Couchiching Beach Park were separate changerooms and bathrooms (sandy but far from nasty) and a bottle refill station (with filter!). Other highlights included ample parking, which could be expected to fill up quickly during weekends and peak summer season, and a large field for frisbee and football endeavours. Many secondary school students were spotted soaking up the sun after their final days of academia.
After re-supplying our bodies with fluids, back to Mariposa we went!
After re-supplying our bodies with fluids, back to Mariposa we went!
In a mere three hours, the number of pastries had decreased significantly. Fortunately, the Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun and cookies we had been eyeing remained in stock.
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A Brewed Coffee and Latte were also secured as complements, and, by golly, were they easy on the wallet. Majority of the pastries were extremely economic, almost unthinkably so. Whether it be Texas Donuts or assorted danishes the size of our faces, they were cheap. Our ever-indulgent Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun was only $2.99!
Cookies were sold at a measly sixty cents per unit or $6.99 per dozen. Even a half dozen only set me back $3.50! It was insane to think that $3.50 was the baseline for many Toronto outposts.
We happily sipped and nibbled away, making note of the lids and double-cupping procedures for hot drinks. Stumbling weedheads aside, round two at Mariposa was a pre-dinner retreat of sheer delight. The pristine bathroom stalls were another bonus.
As dinner time rolled around, we headed southbound yet again - this time in search of evening sustenance.
Our stroll eventually led us to Port Orillia and its stunning, all-around azureness.
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There's a new brewery to keep an eye out for.
With few eateries of interest, we retraced our path to the corner of Mississaga and Front. Viet & Thai wasn't our top pick, but it was seemingly the quickest takeout spot in the neighbourhood.
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A family-operated establishment with more municipal recognition than it deserved, we entered the premises to find decent dine-in traffic. When we informed the man behind the cashier of our takeout intent, a grouchy woman was summoned from the kitchen. She scribbled our requests down, frowning the entire time.
"How long will it be?" I asked.
She glanced up at me, expressing silent exasperation. "Ten minutes?" she impatiently replied, as if I had knowingly walked into her restaurant and demanded food on the spot.
None of the diners we spotted were of Asian descent, which we ought to have taken as an indication of authenticity.
She glanced up at me, expressing silent exasperation. "Ten minutes?" she impatiently replied, as if I had knowingly walked into her restaurant and demanded food on the spot.
None of the diners we spotted were of Asian descent, which we ought to have taken as an indication of authenticity.
Our meals appeared some while after on the counter. A man with thinning hair, the husband of the duo, called out to us. We settled the bill with coloured bills, as Viet & Thai was a cash-only enterprise.
Street parking along Mississaga St was stress-free and only $1.25 per hour, but we had existing funds and chose the restaurant out of pure convenience. Unveiling our orders later allowed us to realize our mistake.
Thai Red Curry with Beef and Rice was the TEENSIEST $10.50 portion of food I had ever laid eyes on. The rice had merely been dumped into the container; the broccoli and beef bits were no larger than the size of my thumb. The spice level was ridiculous as well: a sharp, piercing sensation like a dagger down one's throat. Coconut rice had not been an option either.
Thai Red Curry with Beef and Rice was the TEENSIEST $10.50 portion of food I had ever laid eyes on. The rice had merely been dumped into the container; the broccoli and beef bits were no larger than the size of my thumb. The spice level was ridiculous as well: a sharp, piercing sensation like a dagger down one's throat. Coconut rice had not been an option either.
Vietnamese Curry with Shrimp and Chicken was a questionable yellow shade with an excessive amount of oil floating at its surface. It was a slightly large portion that had been separated properly into its containers. In spite of this, its overall blandness and ingredient quality (or rather, lack thereof) was appalling. Frozen shrimp, frozen chicken bits, and unpeeled shrimp pieces were unforgivable. The chicken bits had not been cooked to the point of dry done-ness (a common aspect of Thai cuisine), but it suffered a severe loss of texture, likely from being tossed into the mix amidst partial defrosting. The same case was evident in the shrimp, and even the beef slices of the Thai Red Curry.
Vermicelli noodles were clumped at one end of its Styrofoam container. Basil leaves and crunchy raw bean sprouts filled the rest of the space. In retrospect, the noodles were probably the highlight of the entire meal: its texture paired well with the curries. That said, a price tag of $12.50 was still outrageous.
Vermicelli noodles were clumped at one end of its Styrofoam container. Basil leaves and crunchy raw bean sprouts filled the rest of the space. In retrospect, the noodles were probably the highlight of the entire meal: its texture paired well with the curries. That said, a price tag of $12.50 was still outrageous.
Viet & Thai Restaurant possesses a convenient location, but I'd highly advise steering clear. Thai Plate, or even Thai Bamboo fare far better. Moreover, my preferred Khao Soi was not to be found on this menu.
Do yourself a favour: Drive a bit further.
Do yourself a favour: Drive a bit further.
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