Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Estamos en Canada! The morning started out with a lovely breakfast made by our gracious host family George and Patti. Let me just say that Patti makes delicious homemade bread, topped with raspberry currant preserves made for a perfect way to start the day. We decided to bicycle an alternate route that George directed us to, it was amazing! The scenery was so beautiful as we rode along side the Kettle River all the way into Canada.

Last night we stayed with a fellow cyclist at the City Park, his name was Dwight and what a character he was! We rode 70 miles, our longest day yet.

Today we continued to follow the map that George drew out for us back to Washington. It really was a fantastic detour especially since we avoided Sherman Pass. Yay for me! We crossed back over the border and met some really nice people, Officer Stevens was very kind to chat with us and wish us well on the rest of our trip. We rode for another two minutes before Officer Brian stopped us to ask about our trek and bicycle gear. He gave us some good advice about bear safety. Rule number 1: "if you see a bear on the trail ride pass it and kick it on the butt." (Sounds reasonable). Rule number 2: "if you see a moose pedal faster because the moose here are crazy." Thank you Officer Brian!

I'm feeling really great so far and enjoying all of the people and places that Chloe and I are visiting. My only complaint is that my Brooks saddle is still not my friend yet, if you know what I mean. But I am optimistic that another 2,000 miles will change her for the better. All of the food so far has been delicious, fresh, and organic. Although, I have to admit that last night I had a bit of a fat girl moment when I started to indulge in a strawberry shake at the 50's Happy Diner in Grand Forks and decided that it would be even better followed by a homemade maple doughnut.Yes that really did happen. After inducing myself into a sugar coma, the sweet owner of the store came over and handed Chloe and I a bag filled with two more chocolate doughnuts! Yum! (But don't worry we gave one to Dwight, I won't tell you what happened to the other...)

We are meeting up with Papa Rice later today! I am so excited! We don't know where we are going tomorrow but I bet it will be someplace beautiful.

Hannah

P.S Thank you to our host families: Papa Jason & Mama Valerie you are so wonderful! I will definitely be back to Mazama for another visit. In addition to George & Patti your gracious company and kindness will stay with us forever, sending you warm wishes for the wedding!