Day 14, Sat. JULY 15/06
I had a decent sleep although had to get up twice through the night. I guess I am hydrating well during the day. I usually go through 6-7 water bottles on the ride.
We were up at 6, packed up and had a lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs, scones, ham, muffins, all kinds of fresh fruit. I am doing better of limiting portions. They say it usually takes about 2 weeks for your body to adjust to the riding and intake of food. I know see that process happening as I am not as hungry. When one of the groups went to have a shower yesterday at the billeted homes they had an opportunity to weigh themselves. All had lost weight with the exception of Randy. I will admit that we should never judge a book by it's cover! Randy is a large man, 270 pounds. At first glance you wouldn't think he could get on a bike let alone cycle. Well he is from Smithers, BC and can buzz along with the best of them. Mind you he isn't too swift on the climbs!
Another glorious day for cycling. Bright blue sunny skies. There appeared to be a bit of a cross wind, but not too bad in your face. Started off just after 8. I cycled on my own for over an hour. It was so peaceful and beautiful, my time to be alone with God. I have not heard any news or read a paper in over 15 days and that suits me fine. I feel that we are sheltered within our own litle cocoon.
The pasture and fields surround me and the sun dances on the deep blue water in the ponds, it shimmers. The blue hue of the flax crops is beautiful, striking contrast to the yellow canola crops beside. I want to tell you that Saskatcewan is NOT flat. Between yesterday and today I have climbed 18 gradual hills, for those who know the Gondola Point area, it would be like the climb up the arterial from Meenan's Cove. Only difference here is that there are NO downhill when you get to the crest!
We stop for our first break at Hebert at the 50 km mark. It is just before 10 and is already 30 degrees. There is a lake, Reed Lake, which runs along beside the road. There are all kinds of birds: killdeer, American Avocet. I catch up with Chester and we cycle and talk together as the roads are in good shape with a wide shoulder. It was interesting to learn about his life. The scenery again changes and we see lots of sodium sulphate which looks like snow. Very unique and a contrast to the green fields.
We stop in Chaplain for lunch which the kind people of the community prepared for us. It was very hot and we took cover in what shade we could find. Back on the road for the final 60 km to Caronport. I am still intrigued with the trains and the number of them which I can see in the landscape. At one point there is one travelling beside me and I got a nice 'toot,toot'. There were 3 engines hauling 119 cars!
We arrived in Caronport at 3, having only covered 154 km today. We are staying at Briercrest Bible College so have REAL beds tonight!
Don and Louise took us to dinner in Moose Jaw to Hopkins House which was super. I had a prime rib dinner. Scrumptous! Also 2 Ricker's Red. Nice and cold. They went down tooo quick. After dinner we drove to DOG RIVER, to the set of Corner Gas! Great fun. Thanks Don and Louise for a wonderful evening!
I have met a neat gal from Edmonton, Kim Chaisson, who knows Nadine Miekle, an old friend of my sister. Small world, eh.
We were up at 6, packed up and had a lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs, scones, ham, muffins, all kinds of fresh fruit. I am doing better of limiting portions. They say it usually takes about 2 weeks for your body to adjust to the riding and intake of food. I know see that process happening as I am not as hungry. When one of the groups went to have a shower yesterday at the billeted homes they had an opportunity to weigh themselves. All had lost weight with the exception of Randy. I will admit that we should never judge a book by it's cover! Randy is a large man, 270 pounds. At first glance you wouldn't think he could get on a bike let alone cycle. Well he is from Smithers, BC and can buzz along with the best of them. Mind you he isn't too swift on the climbs!
Another glorious day for cycling. Bright blue sunny skies. There appeared to be a bit of a cross wind, but not too bad in your face. Started off just after 8. I cycled on my own for over an hour. It was so peaceful and beautiful, my time to be alone with God. I have not heard any news or read a paper in over 15 days and that suits me fine. I feel that we are sheltered within our own litle cocoon.
The pasture and fields surround me and the sun dances on the deep blue water in the ponds, it shimmers. The blue hue of the flax crops is beautiful, striking contrast to the yellow canola crops beside. I want to tell you that Saskatcewan is NOT flat. Between yesterday and today I have climbed 18 gradual hills, for those who know the Gondola Point area, it would be like the climb up the arterial from Meenan's Cove. Only difference here is that there are NO downhill when you get to the crest!
We stop for our first break at Hebert at the 50 km mark. It is just before 10 and is already 30 degrees. There is a lake, Reed Lake, which runs along beside the road. There are all kinds of birds: killdeer, American Avocet. I catch up with Chester and we cycle and talk together as the roads are in good shape with a wide shoulder. It was interesting to learn about his life. The scenery again changes and we see lots of sodium sulphate which looks like snow. Very unique and a contrast to the green fields.
We stop in Chaplain for lunch which the kind people of the community prepared for us. It was very hot and we took cover in what shade we could find. Back on the road for the final 60 km to Caronport. I am still intrigued with the trains and the number of them which I can see in the landscape. At one point there is one travelling beside me and I got a nice 'toot,toot'. There were 3 engines hauling 119 cars!
We arrived in Caronport at 3, having only covered 154 km today. We are staying at Briercrest Bible College so have REAL beds tonight!
Don and Louise took us to dinner in Moose Jaw to Hopkins House which was super. I had a prime rib dinner. Scrumptous! Also 2 Ricker's Red. Nice and cold. They went down tooo quick. After dinner we drove to DOG RIVER, to the set of Corner Gas! Great fun. Thanks Don and Louise for a wonderful evening!
I have met a neat gal from Edmonton, Kim Chaisson, who knows Nadine Miekle, an old friend of my sister. Small world, eh.
posted by Unknown at 8:46 AM
2 Comments:
MARGO OLIVER
Sounds like you guys are having a glorius time! We read your blog every day, and enjoy the stories. What memories you will have. We are so sorry we couldn't see you on the trip through BC. So close and yet so far. This darn disease sucks! 8 hours+ in a car just wouldn't cut it. Keep up the great work! Will write again!
Jill, I love your blog. It is great to read and keep up with you along your marvelous journey. Tell Bob he can join us in the loft any time he feels the urge. Deb and I did a duet today during communion as Donna was up front. We sang Lord of the Dance. Got some nice compliments. Take care, we are all praying for you both.
Caroline
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