Day 23 – Goderich to Thamesford, ON Canada– 9/11/19

Today’s Miles: 64

Total: 1,119

This was the kind of day that keeps a cyclist riding a bike. It was a very warm humid night.  We didn’t have to deal with it in a tent, but as we started riding today, it was very evident.  There was quite a bit of fog this morning as well.  It wasn’t thick enough to be dangerous, but the fog did last until nearly noon.

We rode through many farms today.  It is mostly different kinds of beans and soybeans, corn, wheat fields that have been harvested and we there were pig, chicken and cow barns with the associated smell.  It was fun for me to see all the farms.  Apparently the farmers are doing well.  There were a lot of chicken and pig barns being built as we made our way today.

We had 64 miles to cover today and the temperature got up to 85 with 65% humidity.  Wow, that gets a little warm.  In Idaho, the sweat really doesn’t stick at all with the low humidity, but in conditions like today, you get wet and the air feels a little suffocating.

We are at a wamshowers host tonight.  They are great people; Jim & Norma Poel.  They fed us a great meal tonight and we have spent the evening talking about them and their kids and the trips that Jim and his son Matt have been on.  I am totally amazed that people will take in strangers and treat them so well.

I have been having this clicking take place on my bike over the last couple weeks and this morning I took a closer look at what was going on and noticed that a pedal was wearing out and felt I better get it fixed.  We asked Jim, our host, for a recommendation for a bike shop and when we arrived at their house, he was already in London, ON to buy the part for me and brought it back to the house and helped me get the pedals swapped on the bike.  I mean it just amazes me that they do so much for you. He said, “Just send me the money when you get done with the ride.”  Man there are great people in this world.

Jim and Norma are farmers here.  They even had cows many years ago and farm peas, wheat and specialty beans now. They have a beautiful home in a beautiful area. He has done a lot of cycling all over the world.

Kind of what I seen today from the saddle.

Soybeans ready to be harvested.

Farm houses that look like this are all over.  Its like everyone used the same plans.