I had a successfull, although long, day. It took sometime and trips to the library, the Land Registry Office, and Knox Presbyterian Church, but I found where my Dad use to live in Goderich. The thing that made it tough was that, back in the time of the 1911 Census, there were no street addresses. However, I did find that he lived on St. Vincent and that street is only on block long. A very nice lady in the Land office pulled out the right book and I found the particular plot. Referencing that to a present map pinpointed the house. I went over to the house and met some of the family now living there. They had no idea about the history of the place and couldn't decide amongst themselves whether they had been there ... read more

Odometer at start: 32496km This day started with a latte and great scone at Coffee Break in Marquette. The owner is an old guy, which means he is my age, and a keen cyclist. He had lots of photos in his window of local races, so I had to ask him what goes on here for cyclists. He said the highlight of the year is a criterium they have every fall. They do the regular catagorized races for the aces, but they also have several open events. he was pretty proud that the open event this year had people from 7 years old to 72. I thought that was a great idea. I left without getting his name. I really need to make a point of doing that if I'm going to do any travel writing ... read more

Odometer: 32065 Weather: Clear and hot with lots of wind. Rain overnight. I was up early and off to my favourite coffee shop for a light breakfast. I had what they call an English Muffin. On the west coast, in Seattle, they properly called it a crumpet. Is that an indication of the diversification of cultures in the US? Sitting and looking out over the idylic scene from the coffee shop, I was tempted to stay in Duluth for Independance Day, but that was to be a day away and would mean two more nights in the motel and a lost travel day. I decided to carry on and aim for my previous plan, which was to be in Marquette for Independance Day. By the way, last night I reduced my load somewhat by throwing away ... read more

Odometer: 31200 In the morning it was clear and warm, with the sun feeling like it was going to be hot later in the day. My plan was to stay in Minot until noon. I would find out where the local ham radio guys have their Saturday morning coffee clatch, join them, and find out what goes on around here. When I heard the forecast was to be 90F, I changed that plan and got on the road while the temperature was still moderate. I stopped a bit down the road at Towner for breakfast. I could have been in an Alberta town. This is cattle country down here and the gang collected in The Ranch House Cafe was comprised of familiar types. The breakfast included a 'country sausage' that was huge in diamater. I had ... read more

I think I've overplanned - again. I'm in such a state with my lists and stuff to organize that I can't get it settled in my mind that I'm ready to go. I wish I could simplify this, no camping stuff, no travel books of maps and things, just my credit card and sufficient clothes and off I go. I don't think I've ever had the bike weighed down with luggage this much before. I tightened up the suspension a bit just to make sure the bike rides OK with the extra load. I was up at 3:30am remembering things I forgot and treking out to the kitchen to write them on the notice board so I didn't forget. Next Les was up at 4:40 trying to talk the magpies into SHUTTING UP so we could ... read more