Imaly City to Sarnia Ontario Canada

We started out today with a huge thunderstorm with lots of rain and lighting.  Everyone got pretty wet going out. A policeman stopped by to tell cyclists not to leave but many had already left as it was a 53 mile ride to Marine City where we would take the ferry into Canada. They needed to be there by 12 noon so many wanted time to get there.
I did not ride and rode with Phil and Barb to Marine City.  Along the route I took a number of pictures of people biking.
Once in Canada at Sombra, we were warmly welcomed by family and friends from Chatham and Sarnia.  It was great with lots of treats including the famous Tim Horton's coffee. Thanks to our Canadian friends for such a warm welcome.
In Sarnia the people are going all out by serving us a huge banquet. It was an amazing dinner.  Thank you Sarnia for your generosity and hospitality.
Tonight we expect another huge storm so people are camping inside the gym.
Today we had another major accident that for a cyclist who went down on railroad tracks and broke his femur.  He is now unable to finish his trip to NYC and will be brought back to Grand Rapids by ambulance to have surgery and rehab. So sad for Paul and his family.  May God give you both strength and peace to handle the disappointment.
Another item when we all left everyone was asked it they had their passports on their person and everyone I asked said yes. Dave Geerlings got to the board on the ferry and realized he in fact did not have it on him.  Fortunately for Dave, as a copy of his passport had been submitted for preapproval and his name was on the list, they would let him go this one time, but don't let this happen again. Funny as Dave is such a precise and organized person.  We will not let him forget this one.

Jan Quist , with Betty Adams and Betty Bandstra

                         Kitchen truck loading onto the ferry.  'A little scary as it just fits.

Christeena watching ferry leave port with the kitchen truck

Jan /quist and I

Sandy Westra and Paul Hoekstra from 2008 reconnecting

Old friend Diane Plug

Barb Mellema and old friend Cynthia Aukema from 2008 riding together into Sarnia

Bike decorated with flowers

Cake decorated with Sea to Sea by Sarnia

Gym decorated in Canadian colors red and white to let Americans know Canadians know how to show hospitality and welcome visitors.

Good Friends John and Marg Hagens at whose home I am staying tonight. Great to visit and share good times together. Thank you John and Marg.

Sign at 1st CRC in Sarnia welcoming Sea to Sea cyclist

 

Tomorrow I hope to try and ride again and hope my Achilles tendon does not give me trouble. Hope to ride with Jan, Barb, and Jane into London.

Saw Paul and Teresa Hoekstra from our 2005 and 2008 rides.  So good to see both of you and miss having you on this ride. 

 

So until tomorrow night may everyone have a blessed night.