Saturday, 8/28, up for the short (15KM) run to Port Huron, and it is raining. After a short ride, they seek refuge under the awning/overhang of Stavros Restaurant---the first of a number of "Greek" establishments they would encounter in the next few days.

As the rain let up, they proceeded to the BLUEWATER BRIDGE to cross into Sarnia, ON, Canada, US customs informed them that they could not ride across! But before there was time for explanation, the CO pointed and said put the bikes and gear in there---a US Customs pick-up truck---and after a brief inquiry as to citizenship (the Swedes had to show their passport) the group was hauled across and deposited with Canadian Customs.

Larry had ridden from Oakland with an American flag on his bike, and a few days earlier, Hans had also started to "fly the stars and stripes"---but a few miles into Ontario, they discovered that "both flags had decided to stay in the US", and no one was aware of them being lost/left behind.

Shortly after departing Sarnia, Will, who was about 200 yards behind, went down crossing a wet RR crossing. Immediately a woman stopped and "ministered" to him, cleaning and bandaging so he could proceed, but he had lost contact with the "front three". About an hour later, after the rain had stopped, he saw a "Veterinary Office", and turned himself in as a "wounded animal" seeking medical care. After some convincing conversation(as only Will could), an 18 year old and the senior assistant cleaned his wounds and applied fresh/dry bandages before the VET showed up!

Leaving, they immediately see a sign--91 KM to London--the afternoons destination.Riding on ON 22(the London Road) parallel to The 405, they pass numerous family dairy farms, all neatly mowed and presented, with the name on the silo, and most with the Canadian flag displayed. Larry was particularly impressed that on previous trips, the flag had not been so prominently flown. Other than pasture, the fields were corn(probably for feed) and beans and wheat.

Someone at Rosies had recommended the Golden Pheasant Motel and Restaurant in London, and they immediately learned that the proprietor was Greek, having emigrated to Canada 16 years ago. Dinner was Ocean Perch with a great Greek salad, and followed by Coconut crème pie---and they settled in for the evening.

Sunday, 8/29, they arise to a dense fog, and the plan is to split up for several days, as Larry goes to Cambridge--Ann had flown over for several weeks to visit her 84 year old Father, who lives there. He went East on ON 8 Thorndale in the rain, and stopped for pancakes at a "Greek" Restaurant----operated by the cousin of the Golden Pheasant---who informed him that they "control" a number of the dining establishments in the area. Continuing East through Bright and Plattsville, he saw a sign proclaiming--"PERFECT OPTIMISTS--EVERY KID COUNTS"---and on to the reunion at Cambridge. He remembered it as it was in 1987, his first visit to Ann's home and parents, with beautiful scenery as he rolled into town. Dinner included corn on the cob and a 3 bean jalapeno chili.

Monday, 8/30, Larry had his visit and rest day, cleaning the bike, and then to the medical clinic at the mall to get his stitches removed. After lengthy questioning about his "health insurance #", he is ushered in to meet Dr. Tim Atkins, who immediately berated the "sewing job" Larry received in Wisconsin---"must have been a Rookie who stitched it too tight and he used black thread instead of blue" (hard to distinguish black from hair!), he says. But after a bit of scraping, and several different instruments, he removes them, and when Larry checks at the desk, he is told that it is "gratis" and "welcome to Canada, and have a safe trip".

Tuesday, 8/31, and Good-byes are said as Larry, with a tailwind, takes the "wine route" toward the Falls. Larry remembers Ann talking about the early 60's, and JFK challenged "youth" to walk 50 miles, so she said she walked to Hamilton and back by the evening of the same day---50 miles. Apparently this is a "family" joke, and Larry could not convince her that she did not do 50 miles in one day. His route through Hamilton seemed to confirm a "shorter" distance!

Along the Lake Ontario shore, he passes through Winona, Grimsby and Beamsville---which is bedecked with signs acknowledging Tonya VerBeek--Silver medal winner at Athens in wrestling! This is prolific farmland, with fruits and vegetables of every kind, in addition to the wineries. After St. Catherine's, he crosses the Welland Canal, constructed in 1818-1837 with private funds to pass boats/barges between Lakes Erie and Ontario--utilizing a system of locks. Then he joined Will, Inga-Lill and Hans at the Falls by late afternoon.

Hans and Inga continued to "play tourist" taking the boat (complete with raingear) to get the close-up view of the Falls from below. Reports are that Will slept in, then biked around to get various looks at the Falls.

Wednesday, 9/1, and to the Whirlpool bridge, where they were informed that they could not cross without the "fingerprint card" required by US Security! So they headed South to the Rainbow bridge, where the crossing afforded a spectacular view of both Falls. No issue entering at this crossing, and with a light tailwind they were in Lockport by 10AM.

After breakfast at the Sugar Shack, they continue on NY 31, then South. Temp is in the 75 to 80 range with blue sky and flat terrain. They pick up a "bike trail", and pass through Alabama and South Alabama(almost without noticing) and arrive in Oakfield, where they meet Donna and Jim Dwyer on the "village green" where they are supervising about 12 people who are constructing seating for the Labor Day Festival(budget $10,000) that includes family/childrens activities and fireworks.

They continued through Batavia where Terry Platt "offered them a good deal" at his motel, but they pushed on to find Will, finding there was no motel in LeRoy. This was a smallish. apparently wealthy town with Victorian Brick homes, streets lined by elm and Maple trees, and the "smell of success", with it own paved airstrip. They learn that it is the "HOME OF JELLO!"

They are approached by the local constable just as Inga-Lill hears Will's voice, and the officer tells them he has their fourth rider. When Will finishes his discussion with a group of VN vets, they proceed to Avon, South of Rochester, and near I-390 for the evening.