Once back on the highway it was about 30 miles to the border, then 40 miles on from there to my stay for the night in Thunder Bay. And it was mostly nothing all across the Grand Portage Reservation all the way up to Grand Portage itself, where there's a lodge, trading post, and casino. I bought some candy, used the bathroom, and made use of the last cell data I'm going to get for awhile to message people and take care of things. I was amazed at how many people came up to me while I was there, asking me questions about my bike and my tour. Generally no one has really given me any notice throughout Minnesota. I had one fellow tell me he didn't want to discourage me (in a tone that was clearly meant to) but I was going to be in for an awfully big climb as soon as I left Grand Portage. I told him it was alright, that I've biked a few mountains in my day. He gave a real non-commital mutter to that and walked away. I didn't mean to shut him up...but then I guess I did.
And that steep climb, Mt Josephine as a sign called it? Yeah, it was no big deal. It was a little work to be sure, but I have low gears for a reason. ...Though I will say I did pass up the opportunities for some cool shots of scenic vistas on the way down because I wasn't interested in burning any more brakes as I sped my way down.
And before I knew it, I was at the border. After my awful time getting into British Columbia before, I was all ready for another terrible ordeal, having all my bags checked and the whole nine yards. The border guard asked me some simple questions about where I'm from, what I do, where I've been staying, how many days I'll be in Canada and why. Then out of nowhere he suddenly asks where I have any weapons, clearly to catch me off guard and see my expression. I answer honestly that I don't, no firearms, no mace, and no on the narcotics (including marijuana) too, no, no, and no. And then he says, alright, there's a washroom just over here if you need, enjoy your time in Canada. I ask in a little surprise, "That's it, I'm good?" And yeah, that was it, I was good. I guess Western Canada border crossings really are tougher, just like I'd heard. It was quick and easy. When a lady stopped me with a pamphlet on fire safety after I came through, I even couldn't help commenting to her I appreciated how easy they made the process.
The rest of the ride up to Thunder Bay was largely uneventful, aside for me developing some unpleasant indigestion I then dealt with most the day. Ontario looks like Minesotta, save for everything being in kilometers, the guard rails looking different, a stronger smell of manure from the farms, and much browner water for some reason. Once I got to Thunder Bay however, it was all the fun of getting into a city, but now with less aid from Google. I turned somehow off the highway when I shouldn't have, then thought I could make up for it by crossing a bridge that turned out to be closed, and had to bike all the way back to return to the highway. Then I messed up and didn't get off the highway when I legally had to, and a highway patrolman car pulled me over. It was fine though, he was polite, understanding, and helpful as could be. This is Canada after all. And honestly, while I was nervous in my navigating, cars always passed properly and never once honked. Because it's Canada. I got on bike trail and was able to follow that most of the way, and only got a little turned around at the university. Hell, I even only knocked on one wrong door because I mixed up 30 and 20 in my head.
My host is cool and lives in a neat house. She's very high energy and talkative, and is extremely well traveled, with lots of great stories. She's also done her share of bike touring, across Canada, some of the Pacific Coast, and over in Asia even. After my shower we went to a nearby bar and I got a drink and a plateful of nachos (burning away more money I shouldn't, hah). Then we came back and drank tea while enjoying the lovely view from her balcony. I also checked out her bike after working on mine, and was able to tell her it definitely needs in to the shop (her drive train is shot for one thing, with lots of miles clearly put on it). She apologized for being boring and calling it a day, but honestly, I was more than fine with getting this little bit of alone time, and soon I'll be off to sleep myself. It's another big day tomorrow.
Be careful along the road between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. 1300 heavy trucks every day take this route. The TransCanadaHighway also warns cyclists about bears when camping along side the road.
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