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Today we weaved our way along the coast of Lake Erie on Lakeshore Toad although we only got brief sightings of the lake. We totally blew by 2 large signs saying that the bridge was out in Port Bruce so we had to go back 4 miles to the detour. We met a local bike rider who told us we could make the detour shorter by taking a shortcut down a pretty road that was gravel for a bit, but what does a”bit” mean? Well we took a chance and it was a nice road and the gravel part was only a mile or so. We stopped at a campgr along the way since they had a snack shack- delicious cheeseburger with fresh tomato – Yum. We had ice cream st Twin Sisters in Reyerse and then finished up our ride on a crushed packed stone trail in the middle of nowhere which led to Simcoe. We had a nice happy hour outside at the picnic area at the hotel and then took a cab to Port Dover for music and dinner.   The town is  on the Erie and there were a lot of people swimming, fishing and boating .

 

 

Continue reading “July 27 -Northern Tier- wallaceburg- Port Stanley 33 miles”

 

Last day in USA for a few days.  Headed to Canada…eh.

Left the Port Huron hotel and biked over to the Blue Water Bridge waterfront park and the Gratiot Point lighthouse and saw a Canadian freighter coming into the St Clair river.  It was moving along pretty fast.  We also learned that the river flows at about 11 mph.  We rode on south along the river and saw a lot of refineries on the Canadian side.  Our midway destination was my Florida roof mate’s, Tony and Linda, home in Saint Clair, MI.  It was great to see them and they have a beautiful place on the water.  They were such great hosts having breakfast and later packing a lunch for us.  

The Algonac ferry was just ready to leave when we got on in the rain.  We checked through customs on the other side and headed to Wallaceburg as the rain continued for a few miles.  A short ride later we bought our first Canadian ice cream,  tasted good as ever, and got our change in “looneys”.  A few more miles and we arrived at the Days Inn in Wallaceburg.  We were hosting the map meeting/happy hour and set up for it.

 

🎶On the road again…… After a great day off in Frankenmuth we headed to Port Huron 85 miles away.  The plan was to get up very early tomorrow and cross the Blue Water bridge into Canada in a group with an escort while traffic was stopped.  This was “plan B” to the original plan of crossing over on the Marine City ferry which we found out was  closed due to damage of the causeway.  We were notified by Michigan DOT that the mpbridge was now not an option but that’s another story.  The last best and final plan is to leave Port Huron in the morning, ride 25 miles to Algonac, MI and take the ferry there then ride another 10 miles into Wallaceburg, ON.

Speaking of food, our friends and fellow riders Peter and Susan, who consistently find the best food stops, shared a cinnamon roll with us that they purchased at a bakery in Millinton along the route.

It was a great ride with a nice tail wind and ended in Port Huron around 3 !

It’s all good!!

Today we started off in the mist. However the bike path was really great! It was nice and wide and quite flat. We biked the trail  about 30 miles .we meandered our way through the countryside and eventually came to Frankenmuth. There were no stores along the Route and finally found a small store with about 10 miles from our finish. The owner of the store, joe who is an immagrant from Iraq told us of how he has 3 sons who are now a lawyer, doctor and accountant. Education was very important to him as well as being kind to people. Joe had us come sit behind the stores front counter and rest and enjoy our snacks!! What s great man!

we finished our ride in Frankenmuth which is a German town in Michugan. We will explore it tomorrow!!

 

 Rain jackets were on and off several times.  Some rolling hills but not a bad 62 miles.  

Staying in Clare tonight home of “Cops and Donuts.  Laundry tonight so we don’t have to do it on our day off Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

we woke up early today as we had 45 miles to catch the SS Badger to cross Lake Michigan. It was supposed to be a rainy morning but we only had partly cloudy skies with a head wind. With Bob Hargrave leading the way we headed over hilly terrain. We did get back in the trail which saved us from the wind. We made it to Mackinaw in time for a bite to eat for lunch . We boarded the large car and truck carrying ferry st 1:00 for a 2 :00 departure. It was quite choppy with 6-8 waves but the ride was pretty smooth. We reached Michigan around 7:00 which includes a one hour time change. Marks family was there to greet us. The town also greeted us with a huge fair going on in the downtown area.always fun to hear music and smell wonderful food!

NWisconsin Bell

Mooo !

Great weather again today and we were riding by 6:30.  A group of us went with Bob Hargrave who led us back to the trail and we were on it for most of the 71 miles.  The trail was packed stone and in decent shape but a few trees had fallen across it and as the “first brigade” that morning it was incumbent upon us to clear the way as best we could.

Stopped at a great bakery, Fannita’s in Shawano for donuts and coffee and were soon followed by others on the ride.  If there are donuts to be had our people will find them.  

Just before arriving at our motel in Green Bay we stopped at Lambeau Field with our friend Leo and went with him to find a dedication plaque that his wife Theresa had placed there.  It honors his father and himself as members and shareholders of the Packers.