Monday, July 2, 2012

Day 11

From Virginia, MN, we planned to head to a campground about 35-40 miles from Fort Frances. Galen & Edith had offered to come camp with us part way between Fort Frances and Dryden to break up the 118 mile day, so we would have skipped the night in Fort Frances and just kept biking the next day. (Have I said Fort Frances often enough? I'm gonna say it a few more times yet.)
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But on our way to Virginia, Sharon told us that if we rode 99 miles the next day, that would take us all the way to Fort Frances! That way we could sleep a little later the next morning, and then head toward Dryden to meet Galen's along the way. We liked this idea, and decided to try it!
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So we headed out for another big day. The beginning went fairly well. There were some hills, but not too major as I recall. But as the day went on, the hills kept getting bigger. And it kept getting windier. Is windier a word? More windy. It kept getting more and more windy.
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We stopped in Orr, MN for lunch and to rest for about an hour. I took a nap on the sidewalk while Nevin chilled out next to the ice. I was pretty tired at this point, but I really wanted to make it all the way to Canada!
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While we were hanging out in Orr, the owner of the campground where we had planned to stay came by and wondered if we were the ones who were thinking of staying at his facility. He wanted us to stop in and let him know whether we plan to stay or ride on. When we got to the campground, it looked like a really pretty place to stay! It was right by a lake, with a beautiful view. But we really wanted to make it to Canada. So Mr. Campground Man refilled our waters while entertaining us with some conversation, and on we rode.
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Into the wind. The Big Wind. It seemed like it was just as strong as on day one! This, combined with the hills, made for a very long, tiring day. But finally. FINALLY. We saw International Falls, and then the border! We had reached Canada!
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We found the place for pedestrians to cross and went inside, where the questions began. Soon we moved outside to the bikes, but the inquisition continued. I'm not sure why we got so many questions-
Where are you from?
How old are you?
What are your jobs?
Do you have any alcohol, tobacco, guns, pepper spray, or mace?
What is your relationship?
How long have you been on this trip?
How far have you come today?
Where are you staying tonight?
Do you have reservations?
Who knew about this trip?
What is your final destination?
Route?
That's not how you get to Sioux Lookout.
Can I see your map?
...Oh. I was wrong. That is the right way.
*Looks through map search history on my phone.*
*Exits map and sees photo of Galen, Sophia, Evan, and I. Sticks phone in my face.*
Are you married?
(No. That's my brother and his kids.)
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...and more.
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Finally, he was apparently satisfied with our answers and let us go. We got to our hotel at about 10:30. By the time we had showers, laundry done, and were settled in, it made for a late night and some tired bikers, but WE WERE IN CANADA!! Such a good feeling, and only a few more days to go!
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Welcome to Canada:


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