Day 3: Welland to Caledonia

The ride to Caledonia was almost entirely on beautiful and quiet rural roads. Sandy did an excellent job of finding us great routes!
The weather, however, was an entirely different matter.  We again encountered thunderstorms--this time with some lightning which prompted us to take shelter.  However the rain did not last long.

We were carrying our lunch as there were no towns to speak of on our route today.  We were looking for a likely place to stop to eat when Sandy spotted a nice row of trees with grass. It was someone's yard, but since they were working in the garden we asked if they minded us picnicking under their trees.  They not only said yes, but brought us chairs, water and ice.  We had a wonderful visit.  The wife wanted to move their family to the country (she grew up on a farm) and since they are realtors they can work from home.  She said it was a tough sell to her husband and kids, but now the family loves it. We learned a lot of local information!

Our final stretch of the day into Caledonia was along a busier road.  There was a nice gravel shoulder but too soft to ride on.  
Fortunately Canadians drivers are very courteous so close calls are rare.  We were supposed to get off the busy road onto a trail that followed the river for the last mile or so, but as we approached we realized quickly that it was under water. We visited with one of the homeowner's whose house was just across the road from the Grand river. She was checking the water levels.  Apparently they've had to release water from the dam to control flooding upstream, resulting in flooding downstream.  They've had lots and lots of rain in the past few weeks.  So back to the busy road and onto the evening's lodging--Le B&B.  One of the owners is French.

We had a hot tub to use as well as a lovely garden and a clothes line and a bottle of wine.  We made good use of all four. The owners were very chatty and created a nice, homey atmosphere. 
 

Sent from Samsung tablet.

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