Day 57: Day of Delights

Today was a delightful ride for several reasons:

1. The day began with a ride along the Niagara River through tranquil forests, beautiful gardens, and impressive views of thegorge.
2. The border crossing went well enough to be classified as a miracle. We gathered near the Rainbow Bridge and crossed in mass-nearly 200 cyclists wearing our Sea to Sea jerseys. What a sight! I think we gave the Falls a run for their money.
We had been told over and over to make sure we had our passports with us. They opened some booths for us and, to our astonishment, waved us through before we could show them our passports. I pulled over to the side and stopped to fish my passport out of my bike shirt pocket; the agent had to tell me twice, "Just keep coming." I figured the passport check would come later. Nope, that was it. Nearly 200 cyclists waved across the border because...
Perhaps because the Director of Operations, Ed Witvoet, had such trouble getting a visa to plan the Tour. After four months of waiting, it was the chief of the Rainbow Bridge Crossing who got him his visa. And it was that same chief who oversaw our easy crossing. Ed's difficult time paved the way for our easy time.
3. Once across the bridge, many of us went and looked at the Falls from the American side. Spectacular. There were two spectacles today-the creation spectacle of Niagara and the redemptive spectacle of Sea to Sea. Glory be to God!
4. We rode in groups through the city of Niagara. I rode with the Quists and VanWoerkems, 4 fellow members of Eastern Avenue CRC. At the edge of Niagara we stopped for coffee. When it was time to pay; the waitress informed us that the gentleman in booth 1 had paid the bill.
5. We rode with a TAILWIND.
6. At a stop sign, a couple pulled up and asked about the ride. They wondered why we were ending in New Jersey. I told them about the Rallies we held in areas where our denomination was strong. When they heard we were CRC they asked about Calvin College. When we finally parted they seemed eager to make a donation. A surprising connection at a stop sign in rural New York.
7. The evening was also full of blessings. When we arrived at camp there was free pop-the spaghetti dinner was amazing-we held a campfire after Peloton, made smores, and listened to country western music, played by three musicians who wanted to do something nice for us. They were even talented.

The only blemish on the day is the snorer I am presently camped beside. I've gotten to know most of the heavy snorers and their tents over the course of 8 weeks and usually pitch my tent out of range-50 feet for some, 100 feet for others, depending on their decibel level. This snorer joined the tour in G.R. and caught me off guard. I'm wearing earplugs, but they only muffle the sound. If worse comes to worse, I'll pick up my tent and move.