Last day in Michigan, Ontario tomorrow

We've travelled 950 some miles since we left home 15 days ago. We went off the Adventure Cycling Route to take hwy 23 South along the east coast of Mich bordering Lake Huron. We are glad we did that. It was beautiful route. We stayed in two nice State Parks along the shore. Last night we got to Mayville, it started to rain! We were tired and chilled; we went into the store and asked if there was anyplace to stay around town. People directed us 10 miles back, the way we came or 20 miles out of our way. On a bike that's a long way. One of the store workers, Hannah, felt sorry for us and came back and told us she had an empty apt. she could let us stay in. She took her lunch break to open it up for us. It was under renovation and kind of dirty, but it was warm and dry. Another trail angel!
We are headed for St. Claire or Marine City tonight. We will take the ferry across the St. Claire River into Ontario tomorrow morning. We can stay at Ken and Patty's tomorrow night...people Doug and the guys met last year on the ride.
We are feeling good, no bike problems, just cruising along!

Macinac Bridge today

We are at an internet cafe about 40 miles west of the bridge. This is the first chance I've had to write more than a title. We are doing well. We have had rain and headwinds everyday, but today the winds are at our back! Sunshine is predicted for tomorrow. We haven't seen the sun since MN. 11 days ago.
The people of the UP are incredibly friendly and nice to us. We stayed at a B&B in Foster City, and the owner offered to let us spend an extra night at no charge! A local guy there offered us his car if we wanted to go somewhere. Last night we stayed at a B&B in Blaney Park (that's a whole story in itself). The Owner let us take his car to drive 9 miles to a restaurant. $39 a night including breakfast and pie and ice cream the night before!
We should cross the bridge today...

Rapid River, MI 60 miles light rain

Stuck in Felch, Mi: Thunderstorms!

More rain!

On the Road Again

Day 1, Year 2

We left Shoreview (home) and rode to Amery, WI: 71 miles. Perfect weather; 70 degrees and sunny. We rode through White Bear Lake, onto the Gateway Trail and past William O'Brien State Park. We crossed into Wisconsin at Osceola. We thought about staying at St. Croix Interstate Park, but decided to keep going to Amery. We found a county park, 7 miles north of Amery. We pulled in just as the rain started. As no one was around, we set up our tent under the picnic shelter and stayed very dry.

Day 2

Amery to Trego 64 miles, rain all day! We had lunch in Cumberland; soup and sandwiches and hot drinks to warm us up. We rode to Mark and MaryEllen's cabin. We warmed up in the hot tub and dried out our clothes. Thanks Mark and MaryEllen!

Day 3

Trego to Cable 42 miles, light rain at the end. Easy day. Therese bought new bike shorts in Seeley. The bike shop owner convinced me that the pricey ones were worth it! We'll see. Tonight we'll stay at our cabin!

...and they're off!

Mom and Dad rolled out of the driveway at 10:15 this morning! We all decided that it's much more difficult leaving from home than from a location farther away. It helps to have that train or plane ride to mentally prepare. There were just too many things around the house to do, but I assured them that Rita and I would take care of them. Once the bike seats were adjusted, panniers attached, and pre-trip photos taken, Mom and Dad headed north on Richmond Ave. for Day 1 of their trip. After two quick stops in the first 3 blocks to fix the computer and check the front tire, they were on they're way to Maine. Tonight they're hoping to make it to St. Croix Falls, WI. If they forgot anything, they're only 60 miles away, so I may be making a trip to deliver or pick-up items tonight. Look for a new post with photos tonight! Enjoy the trip, Mom and Dad!

Colleen

Tandemonium Continues

We're heading East on our tandem this summer. We're making preparations to leave home on June 14. We plan to take 5 weeks to get to Bar Harbor Maine. We'll spend some time with Doug's family in Maine, then take the train home from Boston. We've decided to leave the BOB trailer at home and use only front and rear panniers. On our test runs, we seem to be riding faster without it.

Thanks for following our progress again this summer.