Lapeer to St.Clair
54 miles / 827ft climb
Today’s cycle was predominantly through small townships. We have long since left behind the Columbia River windings its way through Washington and Oregon with its beautiful gorges and stunning waterfalls.
We were pleased to have completed the mountainous climbs over the Rockies but immediately missed their beauty and the long descents that these climbs afforded us.
We have long since left behind Yellowstone National Park, its incredible wildlife and natural beauty and the remote ranches and farmland of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
We have long since left behind the hundreds of miles when we passed no one and nothing.
We have long since left behind the rugged, barren, blisteringly hot badlands of South Dakota, the quiet cycling through Wisconsin and winding our ways around its 10,000 lakes.
More recently we have left behind the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis and the quieter shores of Lake Michigan.
Today, we cycled past mile after mile of immaculately manicure lawns belonging to houses of all shapes and sizes. Every house and every neighbourhood seem to be proudly on display in communities where everyone seems to uphold the same commitment to a land owners etiquette. We also saw some unexpectedly, beautiful animals.
Michigan has most definitely carried us into yet another different landscape, one which draws us closer to the end of our adventure.
We stopped for lunch in Memphis (a small town in Michigan, not Elvis’ home in Tenessee) and then cycled the remaining 18 miles in the blazing sunshine.
I was tired today, we all were as a consequence of yesterday’s long cycle, the heat and a late arrival at the hotel. There is not much downtime at the best of times so it is a precious resource.
We arrived at our destination for today around 4 o’clock. A lovely hotel in a stunning location, sitting on the St. Clair river.
Across this river, bustling with both tourist boats and giant tankers alike, I am looking at Canada. We will cross tomorrow into Canada and meet with Steve and Lori with whom we look forward to spending a few days as we cycle the north shore of Lake Erie. Tomorrow will be our last day with Caroline and Paul and we can’t all help but wonder just how quickly time has flown.
Challenging Times 
Shared adventure of a lifetime. Well, until the next one! X
All those miles! What an experience you are having. Sad to part with Caroline and Paul, but lots to reminisce about once back home. X
The farewell to Caroline and Paul will be sad, but what wonderful memories. Plus what great company to have in the form of the Isemans!
Please tell me you’re going to publish these records as a book!
So sad that Caroline and Paul are leaving you, but they have shared a lot of the challenge with you and I am grateful for that. Lovely photo’s too. Take care much love xx