Bernie navigating through the puddles
Our beautiful Erie Canal became a beast over night. The rain that began falling in the middle of the night turned the trail into a quagmire. After a great breakfast provided by the church we headed out in the rain to begin what was to be a very slow and exhausting ride. Although the trail was flat we had a 15 mph head wind and the pathway was muddy and extremely soft. It was like trying to bike through molasses. We could barely pedal over 9-10 mph. The rain continued until mid afternoon and by the time we arrived in Lockport our bikes and clothing were a muddy mess.
The best part of the day was arriving at the First English Lutheran Church. Karen our host had snacks waiting and an entire staff to take us to the local YMCA for showers. She had a welcome sign in the front of the church and members of the congregation offered to take riders to the laundry mat. At six a large dinner was served and the desserts were abundant. Their hospitality was overwhelming.
Karen, in the white apron, leads us in a blessing
Tomorrow Karen and her staff are serving us breakfast before we head to Niagara Falls and then to Buffalo where we’ll be staying at a hostel. People are kind.
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