The route today started with a tour along the Welland Canal so we got a close up look at a ship going through the locks.
Once again, along the bike path several people missed a turn and ended up having to turn back. Yes I was one of those riders. Along the path we also passed the Niagara Hydro generator.
And the Flower Clock.
But….
We were starting to get behind so we headed off to the parking lot. Of course, Brian got distracted by some local wildlife
And then was rebuked soundly for going for a ride. I just followed the rules…for once.
There was also the barrel that had been used to go over the falls,
making biking across the bridge look less crazy.
About 10am we all headed across, the Rainbow Bridge to head back to the US.
Nick spiffied up for the event
An incredible view and a smooth crossing was a blessing for the tour.
Peter, Marge, Josh and I decided to explore the US side of the falls and search for coffee and coke. Peter and Marge found their coffee fix but Josh and I were having a tougher time with the coke. While they enjoyed their really crappy coffee(Peter’s description, not mine) Josh and I went down to the observation deck where we proceeded to get very wet as the mist was blown by the wind over us.
We met up with Marge and Peter again, I waited for them to finish their beverages while Josh did more exploring. We were debating about whether Josh had expected us to wait or whether he would just catch up when he appeared…with a cold coke for me!!! A good friend always understands!
It was a cool but sunny day and the ride was going well. Marge and Peter decided to stop for lunch but Josh and I continued riding. A few miles later we stopped at a local diner and had Monte Cristo sandwiches(Josh’s first) and read the article in the local paper about Sea To Sea. As per the article, we were returning to the US after “a side trip to Canada.” Side trip? Seriously?
Dale joined us at the café and decided to cycle along to find shiny objects. Not to be disappointed, we found this mailbox and Josh took it for a ride.
And then with a co-pilot.
But a real biker babe does her own driving.
Dale, Josh and I got separated but I joined Clare’s group as they finished the route. Unfortunately, our group again took a wrong turn which we were able to correct without doubling back but added about 10kms to our 123kms ride. Oh well…I still need to make up some of my SAG kms.
Tonight we are having a campfire with smores. A treat to end the day.
9 comments:
Thanks for the picture of the falls with the rainbow. Those two always go together in my mind!
Enjoy your last week of biking!
Thanks for the pictures of your day. It makes following the blogs great.
Brent
Gayle I am going to pray EXTRA hard for you tonight! I think you are being SENT into this mission field of the Sea to Sea bikers; sent as a challenge for all to really see sides of themselves they may not like or may not even be aware of. You are doing excellent work! And God has a plan for you... Take care, be well, and love yourself. We love you!
Hi Gayle,
I too loved all the photos especially of my friend Nick getting a kiss from you. Strength for the hills that are left in your journey. I continue to be proud of all of your achievements.
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Can NOT believe the summer has passed this quickly and you are almost done with the tour!! I bet you can, though!! Will miss the photos and the journey. There has just been such hope and such promise in it, i.e. in you all and what you are doing.
Interesting how the church will be the church no matter where a person is, biking or sitting in a pew, or on some committee................. there are always those who give the prescription for what a Christian is to look like, act like, talk like and do. Being a rather "old salt", who did not stay in "the box", I can honestly say that I've had more opportunities to share the gospel than the vast majority of "those in the box" !! It's a journey worth taking and has led me down paths straight to those who were desperately longing to hear some fresh, radical perspective about a God who abandoned everything safe and structured to come to seek and to save those who were lost. You have a journey people can relate to, Gayle. You are a Nazarite = "a visible demonstration that God exists". People can see Him in your exuberance for life and for people. God is wildly captivating, not some starched, strident back stabbing bore. Thought of deleting that comment, but am going to stick with it......... COME ON PEOPLE, we are the church of Jesus Christ and He delights Himself by looking very differently withIN and withOUT each of us. Why have we become so impotent. We should be changing the world by drawing all people to HIm and how are we going to do that by whizzing past them on a bike. "OH, there goes Jesus. It would have been nice if He would have sat awhile. I would have liked to have invited Him into my house to chat, but He must have some important business to see to. " I know there has been a lot of money raised and I don't want to discount that, but we don't raise awareness, or inspire hearts if we don't get personal and talk to people. !! Enough of my soapbox. I just get so irritated. There can't be body life if there isn't acceptance of one another. It quenches the Holy Spirit. I appreciate your heart for peace and efforts towards that as well. I hope it is met with an equal attempt to understand that we are not all going to look alike and that you may reach someone in a way that no one else can and vice versa. I sure know that I have had a great deal more opportunities to talk about what you are doing because of the personal stories I have about you. It gets people's attention!! It captures their hearts.
Keep the Faith~ As always, prayers for blessing and abundance and safety for you and all........
great to have met you and if you ever want to visit Boise again, come on over there's always room!! Jeanne Hammond
To many of us, Gayle, you are the spirit of what Sea to Sea should be. Keep pedaling!!!
Nancy
Gayle, Don't the serious bikers realize that the harder something is to do the more of an accomplishment it is. If it was so easy for them, maybe they shouldn't have done it! I think you can have so much pride in finishing the task set before you and doing it with grace. You have done it for all of us who wished we had or could have. We have traveled with you in spirit through your blog. It was the bright spot in my summer following your trip. Stay strong in your determination to rise above the pettiness that some of your fellow travelers have tried to instill. One of my favorite thoughts in cases like this is to heap coals of fire upon their heads by going overboard to do something good for them. Don't let anyone or anything spoil this last week.
YOU DID IT!!! I probably won't respond again,but I will miss staying "in contact" with you. I hope and pray that your adjustment back to reality, fall, and life is smooth. God bless you in all you do and I pray that He uses you and your experiences as you grow in Him and find what His next plan is for your life. KP, GR MI
Gayle,
I can't believe it's the final week of SEA TO SEA. I, too, am going to miss you when it's all over. I feel a kinship with you and I feel angry when I hear about how you are treated by other cyclists. It's very hard to swallow this sort of attitude from a Christian group. That's what makes you special--you GET the big picture. I'm more bothered that some riders APPEAR to be making this ride about their accomplishment and not about the cause in which they are participating. Everyone is on equal footing when it comes to the cause. I suppose it is human nature to show competitiveness and to think one is better than others. That is why there is grace. I will miss the many examples of God's grace that you present in your blog. I find myself getting sad that I won't be part of your life when the ride is over. You are strong. Whether or not you live up to others expectations you stay true to yourself and you try to stay positive and be an EXAMPLE to those around you. I'm so glad you entered my life during this summer.
Godspeed to you my friend,
Luanne Barnes
So just how many SAG kms do you have to make up?
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