Going International

Canada Bound!

August 2, 2009: Marine City, MI to Eagle, Ontario, Canada

After experiencing yet another early morning rain shower, we packed up and headed for the ferry that transported us across the St. Claire River to Wallaceburg, Ontario. As we passed through Wallaceburg, one of the local police officers actually turned on his flashing lights and escorted us through town!

Police escort through Wallaceburg.

The Canadian roads and highways were well-paved, with the exception of the shoulders; there were virtually no shoulders until we reached Elgin County, Ontario (About 30 miles into the ride).

Since this is a long weekend in Canada (its a civic holiday with no official name – Canadians tend to just call it “August Long Weekend”), camping sites were limited. We finally found a place about 2 miles east of Eagle, Ontario, near the banks of Lake Erie.

A real highlight for today came when Chuck, Sue and Mark broke off of the route in Dresden and visited the home of Josiah Henson, one of the first beneficiaries of the Underground Railroad. Henson’s memoirs served as the inspiration for Harriette Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Sue at the home of Josiah Henson.

Distance Bicycled Today: 70 miles

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Marshall riding the ferry to Canada.

Camp near Eagle, Ontario.

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Mostly Smooth Sailing through our Last Day in Michigan

Another Symbol of Amish Country.

August 1, 2009: North Branch, MI to Marine City, MI

The plan for today was to leave early from our campsite near North Branch, Michigan and head  for Algonac State Park just south of Marine City, MI. An early arrival at the park would allow us to plan our entry into Canada tomorrow.

We departed under sunny skies and headed towards Marine City. The route was a little less difficult to follow than was the case yesterday, with the exception of a bike path that ostensibly connected Marine City with Algonac – the Adventure Cycling maps failed to indicate that the bike path had not yet been completed.

Regardless, we all found our way to the park where rain looks like a strong possibility. Today’s riding was likewise made a little more difficult by a constant headwind that existed throughout most of the day.

Camp at Algonac State Park.

A word about the shoulders  along the roads of the Michigan highways and roads:  they are immaculate, trash and debris are virtually absent. The state of Michigan appears to have a very effective adopt-a-highway program.

Tomorrow we will ferry across the St. Clair River and enter Canada.

Today’s Bicycling Distance: 75 miles.

An ore boat on the St. Clair River.

Chuck: Today is our last day in Michigan. We are parked in the Algonac State Park Campground on the St. Luis River.  Ontario is just across the river which is where we go tomorrow and for the next three days as we skirt the northern edge of Lake Erie.  We then emerge from Canada in three days at Ft. Erie and Niagara Falls.

Thanks to all in Pendleton who fulfilled our request for no more rain and some warmer weather.  The past week has been warm, dry in the day and mostly blue sky.  We are out of the vast fields of corn, potatoes, spelt, alfalfa, and other produce which has been our constant companion for this week.  The roads have been mostly flat and lined with beautiful wildflowers. Riding has been a joy.

Transportation contrast, North Branch, Michigan.

Today was 80 miles mostly into strong headwinds. As we approached the end of the ride, we were directed to a poorly marked trail system that caused most of us to get lost at least a few times.  Dennis, Debbie and I crashed a wedding taking place on the unmarked trail.  I was asked if I was with the bride or the groom.

That’s all for now. Keep sending the nice weather – hopefully it is cooling off back in P- town!!

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