Time for a break from the maelstrom called "the auto industry." So for the next four days, my idea of a "vacation" will be driving to one of the most remote areas in Canada, along Quebec's James Bay Road.
"Why?' is the most common question I get when I tell anyone.
Built to bring heavy equipment and workers to the Quebec Hydro electric project in the early 1970s, it's known as the longest service-free stretch of road in Canada. Six hunderd and twenty kilometres in length, there's only one gas station at the 381 km mark.
From my front door in Ottawa, Mapquest says it's 1,366 km and 17 hours of driving before I can dip my toe into the chilly waters of James Bay. I'm figuring two days up, two days back.
Unlike last summer's Smart across Canada adventure with my teenage daughter Olivia riding shotgun, this time I'm doing all the driving AND the navigating myself. And instead of a quirky 42 hp German micro car, I'm driving a quirky 300 hp German SUV: BMW's new so-called X6 Sports Activity Coupe (psst- it's not a coupe.)
Let's just say, I'll be keeping an eye on the fuel gauge a little more closely this time.
After a few last minute errands that seem to always crop up, (now where did I put the Deep Woods OFF again?), my driving goal today is to reach Matagami, Que., only 670 km north of here. If I can get a good connection, I'll post some notes, pics and video here tonight.
"Why?' indeed.
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