The flight to Toronto went without a hitch and an hour later we were driving north. We stopped in Parry Sound for some groceries, a snack and coffee. Since it was after 8pm at that point; 9am Japan-time, we both had caffeine withdrawal headaches coming on. Oh yes, the last bit of the flight was a bit bumpy so that they didn't come around with coffee and we never got any at the airport.
We had an unexpected bonus on the flight. When we checked in they asked if we'd be interested in upgrading to Business and did we mind being separated. I said that we'd love the upgrade (who wouldn't) but not separated. Of course we didn't know if that would actually occur until just before boarding, when our names were called. Well, Business Class includes the lie-flat seats. The better food is nice, of course, and more space, but the lie flat is amazing. We actually got some sleep. We were side-by-side in the cabin but it's like being in separate cubicles. We could see each other's head but were far apart. It was impossible to talk, actually, over the white noise of the aircraft.
In spite of being able to sleep, the 13 hours time difference still hit us like a sledgehammer. Yesterday we both had a snooze in the afternoon; me for one hour; Sandy longer.
Once at the cottage, the first priority was water. Jason had let us know that something went wrong with the UV Purifier. They had planned to sleep in our basement and keep Cassie here but the water leaked from the device and triggered the alarm and water shutoff. That is how it's supposed to work. I can only assume that water had drained out of it and heat from the UV light killed an o-ring. Anyway, I tried and tried to get it sealed, not sure what I was doing wrong or what has gone wrong but a) it wouldn't seal and b) the built-in alarm in the UV power supply wouldn't stop. I ended up simply bypassing it. It's never really been necessary; overkill. We've had our water tested and it's good, from 300 feet down. If I ever do replace the unit, I'll build in a valve bypass just as I have with the water softener.
Yesterday I disconnected and reconnected, making it a neater job. I also researched the unit and of course, many years later, parts are more expensive than simple replacement. If I decide to replace, it will be a project for Christmas or next summer. Two T's, three valves and I'd have a bypass in place.
With feeling somewhat dragged out and rain outside, I didn't get to one chore - going into town for mail. I'll do that today. During one break, I sat at the beach and threw the ball for Cassie and rocks for Chili. We never saw Kim all day. Perhaps today. Jason stopped over in the morning and said that they were about to leave (he and Lorraine). Gavin & Amanda had left the day before. Kim and Chili are staying. They'll all be back for the weekend; Sandy will be here; I'll see them on Monday.
Another first priority was bike assembly. I leave early tomorrow (Wednesday) a.m. for Ludington MI and the start of the Mac & Cheese 1200k on Thursday. Unless something goes wrong along the way, that will wind up on Sunday and I'll be back here Monday afternoon. The bike has survived another trip and will make this next one in the back of the SUV, no need to pack.
7 down; number 8 coming up. So far so good. I sure hope that the weather is better for this one !
Sandy did a bunch of laundry; I sorted out my clothes, bike clothes especially, and re-packed for the next ride. That's almost done. This one has two drop bags (don't know why, as it's a loop) so it's a little more complicated from a packing standpoint.
It's supposed to rain again today. Hopefully there will be breaks so that I can load the car as I will head off in the dark tomorrow am.
Backing up ... one of my airplane chores was doing my blog from the ride. I finished that off here and issued, wanting to get that out of the way before the next ride. I also caught up with financials, not quite as difficult a chore since we were "only" gone two weeks. It seemed longer due to the physical distance, the time difference and the cultural difference.
There are so many carryovers from Japan. I'll have to get used to NOT bowing to a person at a cash register. It's such a polite culture. We were eating dinner last night and remarking how odd it was to be using knives and forks, vs chopsticks. I'd like to go back but it's a long, long way. I think that we'll hit somewhere else in Asia first - Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, maybe China or Taiwan. India is also on our list but that's not quite the same. We will be in Asia again in October - Israel. It's counted as part of Asia, not Africa. Apparently from a tectonic standpoint, it's actually in Africa but ...
Onward !
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