Day 27, Friday, July 28, 2006
Marathon to Wawa, 189.67 km
Last night was a frustrating one! Most of us were tired after the long hill climbing day. I actually enjoyed that but it was the frustration of where we would be accommodated. They were dividing the group among three churches and at dinner we were told who would be staying where. Of course you have the few individuals who are above the rules and have set up their bedding space when in essence they aren't supposed to be in that church. That created a shortfall of space...tempers flared and I was annoyed and extremely frustrated. It always seems that those who abide by the rules are at the back of the bus so to speak! Last at the table, last in line for everything. I am beginning to find this tour a bit of a "reality" show!! There are a few that I would love to vote off!! I guess my biggest complaint is one of the roadies who barks orders and quite frankly I am tired of being treated like a 3 year old. I am learning to ignore her. I actually went to bed in tears... having no place that I could be alone, or have peace and quiet. There were too many of us sharing floor space and my sleeping was interrupted all through the night with passer by's enroute to the bathrooms. Everytime they opened the door the light would shine out...and then someone's alarm went off at 3:45...so that was the end of my sleep. We got up at 4:30 and packed up. The group that stayed in the church were having breakfast here...afterwards we had to put the room back in order, tables and chairs stacked. We got gear loaded, and had some prayer. Len gave the talk and it was about forgiveness. His words were a good message; he spoke about the Group and how through the course of this journey how we would offend others and ourselves might get offended....and the reality of the moment...stress, fatigue etc. would cause this to occur...and to let it go, and forgive.
I will admit that I was so tired when I set off at 6:45 that I didn't think I would be able to stay awake on the bike. Bob and I hooked up with Bern again as he is a good engine and we can travel well together. Uli joined us as well. Both of them are of German descent so speak German to each other. Uli is 65, but doesn't look it. He is quite vain about his body. Bern is a sweetheart. He is 46 and like a big panda bear. He always knows the right time to give a hug or encouragement and I find that a special gift. The ride today wasn't anything like yesterday in hill climbing nor in beauty. The scenery was typical of any place in the Maritimes...lakes, trees, swamps and birds singing. We must be away from Lake superior as I cannot see it. There is a freshness in the air and this unique scent, which I cannot describe other than it reminds me of fresh laundry without the hidious scents of detergents. We had a quick stop for water by a lake where everything was calm and peaceful...the water was so still that you could see the reflections so vividly.
I had to play games with myself today to keep motivated. I turned the odometer off and switched it to clock....and watched the hours pass. We had lunch at Winnie the Pooh's home in White River where he was born. He was named Winnie after the owner's home town of Winnnipeg. After lunch you could really feel the heat from the scorching sun and the humidity was high. Luckily a headwind blew to cool things but it did slow us down. We had the usual problems with over anxious truckers who like to show they are King of the road and pass by so close that they force us into the dirt.
The good news is that I endured the 189 km day and arrived in Wawa without quitting, which I had felt like doing several times throughout the day. I do praise God as I knew he carried me through!! We are now bedding down in the United Church...supper was at the Catholic church. The group is divided at 4 places, which causes confusion!! Bob and I are on kitchen duty tonight and in the morning so we have to be with the food and facilities. Tomorrow is the longest ride of the trip...230km to Sault St. Marie. And then rest day. YAHOO!
Last night was a frustrating one! Most of us were tired after the long hill climbing day. I actually enjoyed that but it was the frustration of where we would be accommodated. They were dividing the group among three churches and at dinner we were told who would be staying where. Of course you have the few individuals who are above the rules and have set up their bedding space when in essence they aren't supposed to be in that church. That created a shortfall of space...tempers flared and I was annoyed and extremely frustrated. It always seems that those who abide by the rules are at the back of the bus so to speak! Last at the table, last in line for everything. I am beginning to find this tour a bit of a "reality" show!! There are a few that I would love to vote off!! I guess my biggest complaint is one of the roadies who barks orders and quite frankly I am tired of being treated like a 3 year old. I am learning to ignore her. I actually went to bed in tears... having no place that I could be alone, or have peace and quiet. There were too many of us sharing floor space and my sleeping was interrupted all through the night with passer by's enroute to the bathrooms. Everytime they opened the door the light would shine out...and then someone's alarm went off at 3:45...so that was the end of my sleep. We got up at 4:30 and packed up. The group that stayed in the church were having breakfast here...afterwards we had to put the room back in order, tables and chairs stacked. We got gear loaded, and had some prayer. Len gave the talk and it was about forgiveness. His words were a good message; he spoke about the Group and how through the course of this journey how we would offend others and ourselves might get offended....and the reality of the moment...stress, fatigue etc. would cause this to occur...and to let it go, and forgive.
I will admit that I was so tired when I set off at 6:45 that I didn't think I would be able to stay awake on the bike. Bob and I hooked up with Bern again as he is a good engine and we can travel well together. Uli joined us as well. Both of them are of German descent so speak German to each other. Uli is 65, but doesn't look it. He is quite vain about his body. Bern is a sweetheart. He is 46 and like a big panda bear. He always knows the right time to give a hug or encouragement and I find that a special gift. The ride today wasn't anything like yesterday in hill climbing nor in beauty. The scenery was typical of any place in the Maritimes...lakes, trees, swamps and birds singing. We must be away from Lake superior as I cannot see it. There is a freshness in the air and this unique scent, which I cannot describe other than it reminds me of fresh laundry without the hidious scents of detergents. We had a quick stop for water by a lake where everything was calm and peaceful...the water was so still that you could see the reflections so vividly.
I had to play games with myself today to keep motivated. I turned the odometer off and switched it to clock....and watched the hours pass. We had lunch at Winnie the Pooh's home in White River where he was born. He was named Winnie after the owner's home town of Winnnipeg. After lunch you could really feel the heat from the scorching sun and the humidity was high. Luckily a headwind blew to cool things but it did slow us down. We had the usual problems with over anxious truckers who like to show they are King of the road and pass by so close that they force us into the dirt.
The good news is that I endured the 189 km day and arrived in Wawa without quitting, which I had felt like doing several times throughout the day. I do praise God as I knew he carried me through!! We are now bedding down in the United Church...supper was at the Catholic church. The group is divided at 4 places, which causes confusion!! Bob and I are on kitchen duty tonight and in the morning so we have to be with the food and facilities. Tomorrow is the longest ride of the trip...230km to Sault St. Marie. And then rest day. YAHOO!
posted by Unknown at 7:33 AM
1 Comments:
Jill and Bob
We are praying for you especially when we hear stories like you just related.
Hang in there - WE LOVE YOU
and
GOD LOVES YOU
Mary O
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