I got up nice and early, as it was a bit of a process to get my gear together from the various floors of the backpackers. Down at the docks, I bought my ticket, and had my chance to practise my Swedish with a couple from Stockholm. I can still manage the basics, but I have to say that I have forgotten rather a lot - perhaps I could do with another Swedish tutor again .

Customs for the US was oddly on Canadian soil, and I'm pleased to say that I got another three month visa. Its a huge relief, and I could feel the weight lifting from me. The ferry trip was nothing special, and I managed to breeze through the area where they normally try to confiscate fruit and vegetables from unsuspecting tourists. Stocking up at the supermarket, I met (and I have to get the facts right on this one) an English cyclist who lives in Toronto, and cycled from Calgary and will head towards San Diego. James was a great guy, and is travelling ultra light compared to the huge load I cart around with me. I was slightly envious, but he started mentioning problems he had just had with his rear wheel (guess what, a Mavic again!), and he'd just had to buy a new one. So overall, I'm happy with the setup I have.

We started cycling together, but there was no way to keep up, so we eventually parted company after I'd briefly lent him my pump so he could sort a puncture out.

With the stress of entry into the USA lifted from me, it was a much more tranquil and enjoyable ride today. I camped the night at Fairholm campground, and started to look at my route onwards.

Ornithological notes - I honestly thought that looking for birds would be the same as looking for bicycles. When you ride a bicycle you notice them everywhere, but this was not the case with birds. A few crows is all I've seen, so I will keep my eyes posted.

Youtube note - I received my first comment!! Go me!! (For anyone who didn't get the Dalek reference, it was one of my gaming aliases)