Today I left the country.
We left Detroit and headed north. Leaving town we didn't roll though really any neighborhoods that were as bad as the ones coming into town. It was mainly busy roads so not much for pictures. Art thought it would be good for us to ride in groups so Alex was my ride buddy for the day.
We could definitely tell the moment we hit the suburbs. Just one turn and bam a quaint little main street with lots of people out for lunch and shopping. I couldn't also help but notice a sudden shift in the makeup of the people in the town as well. We went from a predominantly African American city to a predominantly Caucasian suburb. I know this is something that America is constantly struggling with and I don't have answers, but to see it first hand caused me to reflect.
The suburbs got really fancy as we headed along the shore of Lake St. Clair. It's perhaps not one of the main great lakes but large amounts of trade still pass through it.
Algonac was our destination and the last point in the United States for a bit. We hopped a small ferry and crossed to Walpole Island. The ferry only holds a few cars at a time and the customs offices on both sides seemed no larger than a state park office. Price of the ferry: $3. 2.50 if you walked so only 50 cents more for a bike. Not bad at all. The operator had change in both US and CA dollars depending on what you had.
On the Canadian side we were greeted by a couple nice border patrol agents who asked us about where we were headed, where we had come from and how we knew each other. Oh and also if I had any weapons or firearms on me (I don't). My answers must have passed muster because we were all quickly on our way without incident. Hooray and phew.
So. Hello Canada! Country number 2. We are currently in the province of Ontario
Walpole Island is reservation land so it was neat to see signs in both the indigenous language and English.
We decided to continue on to the town of Desdem for the evening. This would lengthen today a bit but shorten tomorrow. Along the way we stopped for some water and Gatorade. The water part was easy. The Gatorade was more adventurous. The first pack didn't have all 6 bottles. The 2nd pack had a bottle that was only half full. The 3rd pack I brought to the register finally was complete. A hassle, but a fun story.
Played road farmer again seeing vegetable crops of tomatoes, peas, and squash as well as sugar beets and wheat harvest in full swing. The smell of the straw reminded me of growing up on the farm.
We found an Airbnb option in Dresden. Nothing fancy but very functional. I had a really great conversation with the owner about how they are working to build up this part of town again and how they're living their dreams though a bait shop and bee keeping supply. The bait shop is called the Crappie Store. (Perfect. No notes) She and her daughter had so many great questions about our journey and I was happy to share.
Tomorrow we continue our Canadian adventures.
'til next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 71.49
Feet Climbed Today: 115
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