77 miles ridden – 1276 feet climbed.
The sun was peaking through the clouds when we left. Maybe we would escape the forecast rain? Or maybe not because within 5 miles we saw lightning and heard thunder and we were all pulled in to a coffee place to wait out the passing storm. Once the sky brightened we left and as soon as we did it started to rain. It rained for about 2 hours, nothing too heavy and it was quite manageable until we came upon a road closure that required us to take a 3 mile detour on an unmade road. Dirt and rain made for messy riding:
Nevertheless the sun eventually came out and it turned into a very nice day. The countryside continued to change as we turned each corner – some like UK, some like France, some like Holland – but as we neared Niagara it became more developed.
Ontario seems to have developed much earlier than the part of Michigan we cycled through with plenty (in relative terms) of buildings and graves dating back to the 19th century. Some are mixed with much more modern things like these graves dating from the 1870s with huge (and I mean REALLY huge) wind turbines behind them:
Just before we reached Niagara we crossed the Welland Canal via pretty magnificent lifting bridge:
The Niagara Falls are as spectacular as you might imagine but I have to say that the city of Niagara (Canadian and US sides) is a bit naff – a bit like a crowded wannabe Las Vegas. They are however not the only ‘falls’ in the area:
Tomorrow (rest day) we will do our laundry, go on the Maid of the Mist boat into the horseshoe falls, and most importantly meet Darin’s Mum.
And of course we entered our 9th state/province as we crossed the Rainbow Bridge into the US:
Niagara Fall are pretty spectacular but I’d have to agree that Niagara itself is something of a let down. Enjoy your rest day.
Shame we are just missing you at Niagra by about 20 or so days – it would have been great to have been there to cheer you on! Fortunately we are staying at Niagra on the lake – i am told that is prettier. We do intend to do the equivalent Maids of the Mist trip from the Canadian side so will be interested in your opinion. There is a bridge like the one at Welland Canal in Plymouth – maybe you will get a chance to see it there. Sue is here right now and getting extremely excited about your re-union – not long now. Have fun on the remainder of your epic journey.
Did Maid of the Mist this morning. Only 30 mins so has to be done BUT wear open shoes, do not wear long trousers and definitely put on the poncho they give you! It gets very wet. Hope all is well with you all.