Niagara Falls, Ont. to Medina, NY 52 Miles July 16

Glenn, from Clarkson Bicycles showed up with Carol's bicycle at 7:10 AM and we left with a full breakfast from Quality Inn. We continued on the Niagara Parkway and saw the Whirlpool Bridge and the Horticultural Clock. I saw two women working on the clock and asked if I could snap a photo as they were setting the clock. They informed me, "We are not setting the clock, we are clipping it." I smiled, snapped a photo and we all scattered just as the rain came. Actually, there was not much rain, but much lightning and thunder.

We had a lot of confusion getting to the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge leading back into the US. It turned out we missed the turn, because the sign which said "Bicyclists to US" was not facing our direction. We followed the arrow on our return, and were directed by the Canadian officials to merge into the truck lane. We followed instructions. Then the American official directed us to merge into the car lane. We followed instructions and made some drivers quite angry. The official did protect us by threatening the driver with jail if he hurt us. We cleared customs quickly, then found ourselves in the midst of some confusing highways and had to backtrack a little to get onto our route.

After a few miles we were on the Erie Canal Towpath. This was refreshingly quiet with calm water and no traffic and we were able to unwind from the previous stress of getting across the bridge.  Pam and I stopped at a tall bridge to watch some boys who were ignoring the no trespassing signs to climb up to the top and jump into the canal.  We warned them that we didn't think this is what they should be doing, as we stood there with our cameras to capture the moment they jumped in.  Were we encouraging their delinquent behavior?

In Medina (MeDYna) we were met by Dave Miller who led us on his bicycle through the old downtown which dates from 1823, along with the Erie Canal. Dave treated us to cold drinks at the renovated Shirt Factory Cafe. Maureen Hungerford also joined us in town. Maureen opened her lovely home to us for the night. We are being treated royally, each with our own room.

Dave Miller and his wife Gail prepared a lovely dinner for us with other guests who are active in the local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Dave is president and Maureen is the Volunteer Coordinator.

Dave took us in the car to the local grocery store and helped us clean our bicycle chains. Maureen helped us to do our laundry and made sure we are all taken care of for breakfast tomorrow.

Dave and Maureen informed us that their local Habitat Affiliate would be making a donation to our cause.

Every day we lay our heads down and feel grateful.