Sunday August 20, Day 50

Campbellton to Bathurst, 117 km
Well, we managed to have a fairly decent sleep. I kept waking up with the sweats and did get out in the dark to find my way to the privy at 12:30. The next thing I knew I could hear commotion around us. I looked at my watch, but couldn't read the hands, finally I turned on the light and low and behold it was 5:50!! We were supposed to be up at 5 and have the gear loaded on the cube van as the bus was coming back for us around 6. Man, I brushed my teeth using bottled water and spit it out the cabin door. We all couldn't pack up at the same time as there wasn't room!! WE had wet clothes all over the place and seemed most disorganized, but managed to get things under control and our were the last bags to get packed on the truck. I didn't get to use the bathroom until we got back to the church where we were having breakfast!! We had a nice breakfast put on by the Knights of Columbus, who also did last night Roast Beef dinner for us. People were still talking about the conditions of last night and during devotions later some apologized for their behaviour; all caused by stress and lack of sleep. We did have a bit of time to clean the bikes and oil chains before heading off at 9. Our first break was at Dalhousie. A group of churches had tables set inside, with nice food set out...and good coffee. It was relaxing to sit for a bit. We knew it wasn't supposed to be a long day, so we took our time as we cycled along. We were facing some head winds, so the speed was down. We followed route #134 along the coast. Our lunch was at the United Church in Nash Creek. Before we settled down to eat, I had gone upstairs to use the washroom and could hear music coming from the church. It was Graeme (from Australia) playing the piano, Then John Snider suggested that we all come inside and sing a few tunes....so, informally that is what happened. It was great. We picked up the hymn book and a few people hollered out what numbers they wanted and we sang. A good healing for the day. We had a rest break at a camp along the Atlantic outside of Belledune and then high tailed to a meeting spot where the RCMP were to escort us through Bathurst to the church. As ususal, with the stops we were falling behind schedule and things become rushed and often we don't cycle with the care and caution that we should. We were heading to the meeting spot when we heard the sirens and saw the police speeding up ahead and then came upon another cruiser by the side of the road with some cyclists. At first I thought it was for our escort but soon realized it was more than that. Apparently, Robyn Lloyd, one of the young gals (will be 19 tomorrow) came upon some cyclists who had stopped for a light...she veared to the right and came in contact with a vehicle which was turning from the side road. She hit the fender and the side of the car, knocking off the car's mirror. She hit her cheek, and her lip and other than being shaken was very fortunate that she wasn't injured more. She left a good dent in the front fender of the car as well. She is a tough little cookie; we were lucky to have a Dr. from Edmonton join the group at lunchtime and will finish the ride with us. He checked her out and said she was ok. She was joking along with us later, so is good to see that she will be fine. We had showers and then went to the Catholic church for service before going to a chinese restaurant for dinner. Presently I am at a billet's home, MOnique. Lovely lady who is putting up Len and Iona, Lance and Bob and I. They have all gone to bed as it is a 5:30 morning for us tomorrow. Bob and I are downstairs, doing laundry and I am doing this. I hope to get at my journal as I am a day behind already. Tomorrow is another long day as we are taking the shore road all around Shippagan etc and will end up in Chatam at some point.... 190 km or so. I look forward to the rest day in Saint John. I am not sure how many of the other cyclists will opt to come to Saint John as it is a rest day and they may just need the time to stay in Shediac where we are supposed to be staying and just rest. Me, I am looking forward to seeing Chris, Claudine, Bev, and my church family, John's Girls....and anyone who ventures to St. Luke's for the propsed lunch. I think the time is 1:00 that we should be there. I also my see if the bus will stop at Bikes and Beans as Bob needs new tubes. He gave his last tube to Robert!! I also want some Liquid X lubricant.....and a few 650 tubes. Going to bed as it is now 11:10!! Ugh...hope I don't cough all night!!