63.97 Miles for the day, plus about two miles on a ferry to Canada. Leaving Yale, MI, I figured I would be in Canada later that day. My plan was to get to Marine City, Michigan and take the Blue Water Ferry across the St. Clair River to Canada.
The route through the Marysville, MI, area wasn’t well marked and, therefore, confusing. I made a number of wrong turns, but after losing maybe an hour, I did find my way. The bike route through there was really rough. The road shoulder surface was in terrible condition and the actual bike path, where it could be found, was even worse. The ride was bone jarring. My vision was blurring from all the bumps.
Finally, I arrived in Marine City but couldn’t find the ferry. I rode up and down to no avail. At last, I asked a couple, Matt and Laura walking their dog, Quincey, if they knew where I could catch the Blue Water Ferry. They looked at me a bit puzzled. “Why, that was seriously damaged last winter and is out of commission.” My mind raced, why didn’t I check to make certain first?” when I had a WiFi connection. Anytime I considered calling, I was out of range of a T-Mobile connection, which is most of the upper mid-west.
While the Quincey and I made friends, Matt jumped into action. He was on his phone and called down-river to the Algonac ferry crossing. They were open for business and would be until late. I was saved! It was about ten miles south, but if I had crossed where we were at I would have had to head south on the Canadian side anyway, so it all worked out. I rushed to Algonac to catch the next available ferry, not knowing the schedule. It turns out they run constantly and I didn’t need to hurry.
Thanks to Matt, Laura and Quincey, all was well. Otherwise, I would have had to go all the way back North to Port Huron, 29 miles (47 km). I would not have been a happy camper, but it would have been on account of my own stupidity. Give Quincey an extra treat for me. Do leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
The ferry only takes a few short minutes and I landed in Canada. A quick pass through customs and I was on my way. My goal was to make it to Wallaceburg, Ontario before nightfall. I hustled along and after about ten miles (16 km) I made it to town. My phone was of no use, so I stopped at an intersection to assess the situation and take a guess on which direction there might be a hotel.
A couple pulled up next to me in their car and could tell I was lost. We chatted for a bit, there were delightful and interested in what I was doing. They told me there was only one motel left in town. It was across the very bridge that I had decided against, so thank you. I rode about a mile to the Days Inn and found a room.
Successfully sheltered for the evening, it was time for dinner. I asked at the front desk about possible destinations and they suggested a new place within easy walking distance, Crabby Joes. I ordered their cashew chicken, it was absolutely fantastic. I would order it again in a heartbeat. I told my server that she wasn’t qualified to work there, she wasn’t crabby at all.
Fed and tired, I ambled off to bed. I was in Canada.