Day 25, Wednesday, July 26, 2006

We had wonderful accomodations last night at the Evangel Church in Thunder Bay. A very large complex and there was more than enough room. We turned out lights at 10 and I think I fell asleep immediately. The problem was that I woke up, in the darkness and pressed the light on my watch and I couldn't tell if it was 11:30 or ten to 5!! I dozed off and on but had the deepest sleep from 4:30 on....I didn't want to get up when 6:00 arrived. It was cloudy with some rain falling, but it wasn't heavy. We had breakfast and I felt tired, most likely due to the big push yesterday. The group is learning Lianne Klaussen's song, This is my Canada, which we sing prior departure each morning. We headed off and it took some time to get through Thunder Bay to the highway on the other side. We stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial; he was a committed young man to do 26 miles each day!! And to think I complain about a sore butt!!

We headed out again and at about the 30 km mark the roads became deplorable!! It was awful as the sides would break away to NO shoulder and we had to share with the traffic. This is THE MAIN road that connects east and west and to think that it is ONE WAY traffic is ridiculous. SHAME ON YOU ONTARIO!! SHAME, SHAME. Cycling became treacherous, difficult and tricky. The truckers were impatient, giving no room, passing by only inches from your side. We stopped for a morning break at the 45k mark. A lovely lady who runs the Esso and restaurant provided the snacks which was nice. At that point Bruce had decided that cycling was too dangerous and we began to load bikes on trailers when a trucker assured us that the roads got better, with wide shoulder. So, we set off on bikes once more. Well, I kept waiting for the improvement and obviously what the truckers see from their vantage IS NOT what we experience! We were pulled from the road at the 57 km mark as it was just too dangerous for a large group! The bikes were mounted to the trailers and we waited by the side of the road awaiting the shuttling of vans to take us to the lunch break site. It didn't take long before we began to sing. My the men have wonderful voices!! So talented. The large green aphids were landing on us. Our turn came and we were taken to the lunch spot, and it began to rain. It didn't last for long. It was decided that the bikes would remain on the trailers and we shuttle the remaining 25 km to Nipigon. Not something we wanted to do, but understandable.

The road from Thunder Bay to Nipigon is apparently one of the worst in the country. We are told that it gets better and let's hope so, for we have a 220 km day tomorrow. While we waited for pick up at the lunch stop Janice, Kim and I painted our toe nails. We arrived at the rink to shower and the group is divided between the Anglican, United and Catholic churches. Bob and I have found a room in the Anglican, St. Mary's, which is brand new. I will walk next door to see the old church. Speaking of Anglicans, there is Paul Abell doing this leg of the tour. He is from Thunder Bay and is friends of David and Edie Boyle...who are now at our church. Small world, heh!!. We just had a great dinner and I am stuffed. Bob did some bike maintenance while I hung wet clothes and semi organized the room.

I have to go and e-mail Aaron as it is his 25th birthday tomorrow!! My baby!!
Tried to make a few phone calls, but cell not working here. Good old Telus!