mid week , September 26-28

Tuesday was nice and sunny. I made 5 loaves of raisin bread for the upcoming Church breakfast this Sunday. They turned out nicely...smelled good too. It was down to the sewing room for most of the day, organizing the blocks for the baby quilt. I spent more time re-arranging....you would think by now that I would learn to first draft out the project on paper and colour it so you can visualize what the project will look like. Oh no, that is too easy. I do things the long way...make it up as I go along, and if I don't like the block then I create another....dhhh. Anyhow, after fiddling I came up with a plan that seems to work. Horray.

I went outside to do some work in one overgrown privot hedge. I got tired quickly and only worked about half an hour before I came in to vacuum. Then it was time to get ready to meet the Quick Chicks for the Tuesday night ride. First time that I have attended since my return. Marci, Barb, Dorothy and some new faces, Heather, Kelly, Cecilia, and Quesqui?? (pronounced like that, but as for the sp??). It was a good pace and great to be out. Unfortunately darkness approaches far too quickly and we can only manage around 25 km. Barb, Marci, Quesqui and I went to the Irving for a bite to eat. It was fun. When I got up to leave I noticed Ron and Tracey having dinner, so I invited myself down to join them. It was a nice visit and we chatted for almost an hour.

Wednesday I cycled to work...figuring I would get to do some web site work. Not to be. The store, although sales not great, remained busy the entire day, requiring my attention. I didn't even get an opportunity to load up stuff to take to the quilt show in Sussex beginning tomorrow. Bob picked me up at 5 and I was dressed in my cycling gear as we headed home to load his bike, feed the cats and then head to the Gondola Point beach to meet the WEdnesday night group. Barb, Henry, Gary, and Leonard showed up. We decided to stay on this side of the river as to not waste time and light waiting for the ferry. I led the group and we went up the back of Meenan's Cove, around Model Farm and back highway to Co-Op. Back the Arterial to Hampton Rd turning on to Model Farm and then back up Meenan's to Arterial and to beach. It turned out to night of riding hills, over 28 km and a good ride. Gary was quite excited to share his news about going on a work related trip to Vancouver in November. I could hear he and Barb chatting as they were riding along the Model Farm Road. He also is a runner training for a marathon on November 5. One of his training buddies commented on his physique and told him that she thought he was getting "heavier" around the middle. I think this has caused him some angst and he was asking us if we thought he looked "fatter"...No, Gary. We all met up at Deluxe where Glen and Dorothy joined us for a bite to eat.

Today Tina picked me up and we loaded product from the store and set up our vendor's table at the Sussex Quilt Show. We were ready for when the show opened at 1. It was never busy, and sales came to a halt just after 3. It was dead....no one shopping. Tina had taken her sewing machine and made a quilt top, using 4 packages of precut squares. She did it on point and it turned out nicely. She says that perhaps tomorrow she will be able to sandwich it for quilting.

Motivational Monday, Sept, 25

On Monday I started the day by planning to bake raisin bread for the upcoming Church breakfast next Sunday. However, when getting Bob's lunch ready, discovered that we were out of bread ourselves. So I had to make our batch first....and decided on a recipe of my own concoction. Honey, whole wheat with 5 grain cereal (Red River). It actually turned out very good....now to remember what I did!!

After preparing the bread I went down to the sewing room and almost completed the blocks for the baby quilt I am doing for Madison, the newest Oliver addition. It is a challenge as I wanted to use fabric from my own stash....especially the Kiddy prints that I had inherited from my mom some years back. The trickiest part is finding the exact shades to match..... I think what I am doing may work. I hope to finish it this morning.

Carole had called and I tried to get her to hook off work as it was a lovely sunny, but windy day, and I needed to get for a long ride. She couldn't swing it so I cycled to ACW, arriving just in time for lunch. Joyce had made an extra sandwich for me...thanks!! I did quilt with Karen, Martha, Joyce, Rose and a new gal, Suzanne for about two hours. Speaking about quilting, I forgot to mention that at the Quilt show, two men were sitting together having cookies and tea, and one was overhead saying to the other "seen many fat quarters?"....and I don't think they were referring to fabric!!

I departed at about 2:15 and did a solo ride across the ferry to the peninsula, down Perry Point Road, up the HIll Rd., down Ketchum Rd to the Lower Norton Shore Rd and then back through Hampton on the old No#1 to the Hampton Highway, Model Farm to Meenans and back the Gondola Point Rd to home...about 56 km. It was great to be in the saddle again!!

Back home in time to get Buddy to the vet for his annual shots. That was a feat. Never before have we had such a struggle to get him into the carrier. I feared that I was going to have to call the vet to cancel....after many clawings, scratches we made it. He did let me cuddle him at the vet and when we got him home, we kept him inside....he is a little on the slow mode today and still not very impressed with me.

This morning I have the raisin bread raising...most likely will get 6 or 7 loaves which won't be enough. I will do more tomorrow.

Hopefully the weather will remain good today so I can get out for the weekly Quick Chick cycle tonight. I haven't been out with them since my return almost 3 weeks ago!!

Soggy Sunday, September 24

The KV quilt show occupied much of my time from Thursday until closing on Saturday night. It was a very nice show and it went quite well. I think the vendor's were pleased with their sales; there always seemed to be a good crowd at the booths, looking and somewhat buying. Linda worked with me on Friday for most of the day and then went back to man the store and Tina joined me. She brought back two lap quilts to be bound, which we worked on and managed to finish.
I did sell my "Krazy Cats" wallhanging, which pleased me. Now I feel like I am contributing along with Judy and Diane, whom both sold pieces...I had mentioned previously that the mandate of the "Sew What Quilters" is to support the Animal Rescue League with the proceeds from our sales.
I modelled my "ski bummies" and they seemed to be quite a hit. Originally I had intended on modelling only once, but then was asked to do it at all of the shows. They certainly added a bit of humour and much laughter...
The show provides a great oppotunity to see and talk with the gals of the guild. Darlene and Rena were boasting of new grandchildren born during the week. Sue McEachern was showing off her beautiful 6 week old grandson, Drew. During breaks We would get to sit at a table in the kitchen and talk to the workers on hand...usually Linda, Barb, Karen, Pearl, Phyllis and anyone else working a shift. I also got to meet Tina's boyfriend, Bruce, who arrived Saturday afternoon. He helped dismantle our booth and take the stuff back to the store. I stayed at the show to help take it down. It is amazing how a show which takes 2 days to set up only takes 30 minutes to come down!!! Following the show we went to Marilyn's for a get together with pizza, salads, and liquid refreshment. It is a nice way to end the hectic week and unwind. I was talking to Pat Beshera and Lisa Dunnett who were interested in hearing about my bike trip.
After church today Bob did some yard work while I worked on a quilt for my new grand niece....Madison Oliver. Born to my brother's son, Dustin and his wife Kelly. Hopefully I will finish it this week and get in the mail to Lethbridge.
The rain began mid afternoon....hopefully it will clear overnight as I really need to get for a long bike ride. Tomorrow morning I have to make raisin bread for a church breakfast to be held next Sunday.... I will make 8 loaves and freeze them as I won't have the time at the end of the week because I will be going to the Sussex Quilt show to set up a booth for the store. Once the bread is baked I am hoping to do a 80 km solo ride out to Hampton and then back around the peninsula. Looking forward to it!! I need the exercise.
Mary and I keep in touch with e-mails, and tonight I heard from Sidney... both friends from this summer's trip. Mary also is mountain biker, and has the advantage of the more mountainous trails.... I figure we are quite lucky with the hills that we have and I intend to clean up our mountain bikes to get them ready for night time riding. It is getting to the point now that we are losing the light too early at night preventing us from road riding when we get home from work. The night time riding will give us something to look forward to.

Thursday, September 21/06

Happy Birthday Diane Haggerty!!
The week has flown by. I went to the Lion's arena on Tuesday to help hang the quilts for the Kennebecasis Valley Quilt Show, which begins today. This year is a new venue for the show, and I actually like it better than the old arena where the show had been held previously. Here, the area is smaller, brighter and the lighting is better showing the true colours of the quilts. I was up and down the ladders helping the ladies get the last of the quilts hung....there is always discussion on "how to" and after fiddling, diddling and precariously hanging off the ladder the quilts seem to get in the proper places. The show looks lovely. Indeed, there are many, many talented quilters in our area. They all should be proud of their works!! Last night was the Gala, the opening. Bev, Stacey, Diane and I went together. Everyone seems to show up wearing their finest duds, make up applied....and it is hard to recognize us "all dolled up". Sandra Daigle looked hot...as well as Anne Grant; Jean was wearing a lovely green top and the colour suited her so well. The awards were handed out and Sue MacEachern, Juliet Knowlan, Judy LeClue and Diane Haggerty all took home cherished awards and prize ribbons. They are all exceptional quilters and their works are stunning. Bev also had a quilt entered and it is super; along with an heirloom family quilt which she did the hand embroidery on. It is a piece of art. Judy, Diane and I have formed our own guild "The Sew What Quilters" as an offshoot. Membership is limited and closed at us three. Our mandate is to support the Animal REscue Leage, so in essence the proceeds from any work we sell goes to them. We do special projects, challenges, and often go on outings, whether they be quilt related to hiking or eating!! Our club uniform is "lime greem crocs", but Treasurer LeClue often forgets to wear hers' at our functions. Most likely she has misplaced them somewhere!!! Judy and Diane both won their awards for works they had done for our guild....our challenge "self portraits" and Judy for her "Sew What Quilter's" banner. They are amazing pieces!! I feel left out. All of our works are hanging together, theirs adorned with ribbons...and then there is mine!! I think I will make my own ribbon, just to hang on my pieces, not to feel left out!!
I am waiting for Tina to pick me up as we are heading off to the store to pick up things to take to the show. We will have a vendor's booth there as well. Lots of fun. This afternoon is the "fashion show, with our creations". I will be modelling my "ski bummies"....ugh. Haven't even tried them on...hope they fit?
We were supposed to be going for a club ride tonight, although I don't think that we will be able to make it. Bob having a "retirement" due to attend afterwork and I am sure that I will be held up at the show. I am hoping to get out on the weekend, although the weather doesn't look too promising. I think it is almost time to dig out the mountain bike and begin some night time riding. I heard from Mary last night via e-mail. She is mountain biking and loving it!! She lives in Calgary so has advantage of real mountains close by. My "special son" Bernd called last night...wow, it was great to talk with him. Hearing his voice brought the cycling trip back to reality.

Wonderful weekend.....

I picked up my repaired bike at Bikes and Beans on Friday evening....new chain, cassette, tire, hubs repacked....and $$$$ later, but a well oiled and smooth running machine...
Saturday was a great day. Lovely sunshine and warm....much like summer. WE had organized a 130 km ride and Dorothy, Glen, Dana, and Barb joined us at the ferry to celebrate was Bob and my 34 WEdding Anniversary!! We cycled around the Kingston Peninsula, then along the back of the Belleisle to Belleisle Creek where our first stop was at the store for cookies. The countryside around here is amazing. WE are so fortunate to have the luxary of selecting a different route any time we want to go for a ride....and the scenery is second to none. Lovely farmland, rolling hills, or the waterways.... I always am in awe and always enjoy the outings. We continued on up through to Collina and then down through to the old Trans Canada which led us into Sussex, where we had a lunch. I made the mistake of ordering "fries" with my Denver sandwich and burped all the way back home. My bike worked great and When we arrived back at the ferry landing, some 130 km later, I felt super. It was the longest ride Dana and Barb had ever done and they seemed pleased although Dana said his butt was sore and wondered how Bob and I did this day after day for the entire summer!!
Sunday, after church, Bob and I tackled the long overdue job of house maintenance. WE washed the vinyl siding and did windows. The place was overrun with large spiders, webs, and daddy long legs.... Good to have that job done although Bob now feels that we need to replace the roof before winter....
We both attended a Bible Study last night, which was interesting and from there it was on to celebrate Joan Lawrence's birthday with cake at Lisa's. It was nice to see some familiar faces who wanted to know about our trip. Most of that crew are wind surfers and they had just returned from a trip to the Magdallen Islands. We watched a CD of photos from their trip. Amazing.
I have heard from Warren, Betty, Reg, Adrienne and Bernd who are adjusting to life after the trip. It is great to keep in touch.
This is the week of the Kennebecasis Valley Quilt show, with the Gala opening on Wednesday night and the show to open on Thursday, located in the Lions Club Arena. I am going back to work at Town and Country Quilts this morning....and will most likely get some extra time helping out during the show as Tina will have a booth set up there.

Friday....September 15. Back to Normal?

Since my arrival back home, many people I have spoken with all tell me how much they miss my blog....and wanted to know if I would continue. I figured who would want to hear about my life as it is just so plain and simple, nothing exciting? So, I thought I might jot a note now and then....

Well, we have been home now for over a week. And at this point, after catching up on housework and tackling some of the yard work, it doesn't seem like the trip ever happened. This morning during breakfast, I began to read some of my blog postings out of the bound copy that my good friend, Bev, had made for us. Even reading about some of our days and stops , it has become a blurr.....and for that I feel sad. I did dig out the road map of the route we followed, which Bob had outlined in a black marker, just to get a glimpse..... But overall, it is hard to realize that I did cycle Canada. Many people get excited and overwhelmed by my feat and yet it seems like it was no big deal and I can't comprehend that I did it!!
I did miss the Quick Chick ride on Tuesday night as I had a KVQGA meeting to attend. It was great to see the guild members and friends who welcomed me home. There were a lot of things that I needed to find out about before the upcoming quilt show which takes place this coming week. I always look forward to it, although it can be tiring for those volunteers who have to do the work. I intend to help out as much as possible, but I am going back to work at the store (Town and Country Quilts) on Monday. I will be tackling something new as we set up the web site to take on line orders etc. Should be fun.
I did clean up the bikes last week but we never had an opportunity to ride until Wednesday night when we went out for the group ride. It was great to see everyone again and more especially, great to be back in the saddle. I had become so preoccupied with catching up on everything that cycling was put on the back burner. Boy, did it feel great to be riding......there is such a neat feeling to be cruising along, big smile on face.....something only a true cyclist can relate to. We did the long route around the back of the Kingston Peninsuala trying to accomplish before darkness set in. Carole and Mark paced ahead. I think Carole must have had extra gels or just a great burst of speed as she was ahead the entire ride. Glen and I waited at the Warden road for several minutes for the others and then decided to go back where we found Barb with a flat....which Bob, Dana and Dan were fixing...after 3 tubes discovered it must be a problem with the tire; it was getting quite dark at this point and we were still about 10 km from the end. Carole and I raced ahead as she was going back to the ferry landing to pick up her truck to go back for Barb and Dorothy. Later we all met up at Deluxe for a quick fix of food.
I spent much of WEdnesday setting up the office again as I had retrieved all of the Jordive work back. ugh. The paperwork.....seemingly endless. I have decided to tackle it slowly....the biggest problem I had was hooking up the answering machine, fax machine and phone... which all connected together. I had one wire crossed which Bob fixed when he got home from work and then voila...all systems working.
On Thursday I took my bike in to Bikes and Beans for an overhaul. Ouch. Looks like it will be a few cents to get out of the hospital....chain well worn, well past the mark...which may result in me having to have a new cassette as well. Lower hanger, bracket and new shifter cable and a new rear tire plus rim has to be trued. Front tire still has some useage. The bike has been working on the rough side for most of the trip through Newfoundland and more especially on the ride this past WEdnesday. The weather is supposed to be nice this coming weekend, so hopefully we can get in a good long ride, back country somewhere.
I will tackle some office work before heading down to the sewing room....I have to complete my "wearable item" for the upcoming Quilt show. I am creating "ski bummies"...quilted panties to wear when you ski. They keep your derriere warm!!

The aftermath.....Sept 5, and 6

The ferry ride settled down somewhat to calmer waters about 12 hours into the trip!!I went down to the lounge area and found Reg, Janice, Iona, Wendy and JIm. We went to the cafeteria to have a bite to eat and then I said my final good bye's and wandered off to the gift shop where I purchased a neat print of a fishing village...it was the image that I had in my head of what St. John's would look like. The ferry docked and we headed back to Saint John, stopping in Sackville to have a bite to eat before arriving in Quispamsis just before 10 p.m.
Both cats were indoors and seemed to recognize us. Yaga immediately proceeded to go over to the wool rug and scratch his paws and tear out the fibre....guess he was showing me!! He needs some TLC as he has a few knots in his fur. Buddy came to be cuddled and let me hug and hold him several times in the night and also continued his routine to sleep on our bed.
Chris and Claudine had been out to clean up the house, and there was a lovely bouquet of flowers on the table. Christopher had painted my front door and it is lovely. Also on the table was a note from Bev with a bound copy of my daily blog, complete with photos that Bruce had put on the internet!! Amazing. She is so thoughtful and creative!!!
We unloaded our bags and man it didn't take long to mess up the place. Also went through the two months of mail, sorting junk from important stuff. The work to catch up seems overwhelming!! Trying to sort out the bank account another issue, but I will take my time. I went to bed around midnight but was woken up by the alarm going off in another room. It took me a minute to find out what the noise was and where I was!! I didn't sleep well the rest of the night and was up early to attack the work. Chris came out to pick up Bob for work, and he plugged the photo CD into our computer and was looking....but had to leave to get Bob to work. Did laundry and then called Dianne to see if by chance they were going to town as I needed to renew my license. She invited me over for breakfast and I took the CD of our photos to view. It was great to see she and Blaine again. I went back home for a bit to tackle more chores and we headed into town after 1. Renewed lisence and then hit the mall. Bought Bob's birthday present.....boring, clothes for work. Stopped at Superstore and picked up a chicken, potatos and salad stuff to make dinner. Afterwards I tackled bills and then took $$$$ next door to David who had been pet sitting and mowing our grass. Bob and I then went down to the Gondola Point Ferry to meet up with the WEdnesday night riders. WE went to the other side and met Glen, Dorothy, Dana, Simon, George, Carole, Barb, Henry. It was nice to see everyone, although I missed Gary who apparently was at a meeting. We went to Deluxe afterwards and sat with them for a bit. BAck home to sort out more mail. Things are coming.
I am hoping to find time today to begin to tackle a clean up and overhaul of my bike. I think we may do a good ride on the weekend.......

Sept 4 and 5 - The days After

St. John's enroute to North Sydney
The overnight at the Salvation Army Temple was nice. We shared the room with Don, Joyce, Bob, myself and Kevin and Anna Russell. The SNORING from the 3 males, unreal!! At one point, Bob sat up in the dark and was staring at snoring Kevin....I reminded him that he had been in tune also, so to go back to sleep!

I was up around 6:30...Joyce and Don around 7. Don wandered off for coffee. Kevin and Anna had left earlier to watch the sunrise from Signal Hill. We had breakfast, packed up and managed to get everything loaded in car and our bikes on rack. We said our final farewells and were off, sightseeing and exploring St. John's. Our first stop was back to Signal Hill...where I found my bike mirror, which obviously had fallen off yesterday (and I didn't notice until last night). We watched some ship traffic navigate through the narrow gut opening. Next downtown to walk. Unfortunately it was a holiday so the gift and novelty stores were the only things open. We walked several streets, stores and then asked about a good place to find a seafood meal...we were thinking about lobster. We were told about Kaye's and found it. We decided against lobster seeing it was $27.00, and Joyce and I had a seafood chowder. We both felt it was just ok, nothing great.

After lunch, which was now mid afternoon, we drove near the university before heading off in the direction to catch the ferry. We took the scenic route...through more more impressive vastness of nothingness. We could see the ocean at one side and then would climb high above and follow a range that stretched forever. No wonder the explorers felt that the earth was flat! We found a nice place to eat in Placentia. Then headed off to the ferry only to discover as we were getting in line that I had left my wallet in the restaurant. We were able to swing back for it... and the waitress had it! She had called ahead to the ferry to have them advise me, but I had noticed it missing first.

We sat in the terminal having met up with Janice, Reg, Iona, Len, Wendy and Jim. We shared some good laughs. We got on board just after 11:20 and I fell asleep only to be awakened by the loudest snoring!! There were 2 people sawing logs!! UNREAL. I do believe they woke the loudest offender and permitted him to lie on the floor (normally a no no) just to stop him from snoring. The room settled down and I was able to catch some sleep.

I am writing this on board, some 8 1/2 hrs. into the 14 hour crossing. It has been a rough and rocky crossing....much, much worse than the crossing to Port Aux Basque. Don isn't feeling too great. Joyce, Bob and I have had breakfast and now I am heading off to watch the movie.

Day 64 - Sunday, September 3/ 06

THE FINALE - Clarenville to St. John's, 185 km.
Amount cycled 114 km.

Slept so, so. There wasn't any noise, but I just think the realization that the end was at hand..the emotion, thinking of saying good bye to this group and the excitement of finishing this journey and to know I cycled Canada, well..wow!

We had a communion service last night, which was nice, but before that we had a little ceremony where Bruce spoke and later he and George handed out certificates.....and we all went up to receive them, just like excited school kids. We were later than usual to settle in for bed. Even though we were allowed to sleep in til 6:30, most were up early. We were seeking out our special friends for hugs and exchanging momentos, addresses. I got a bit teary knowing that I would most likely not see many of these people again. We packed up, loaded gear and the most amazing thing was that God provided a wonderfully sunny and warm day for us to finish. We had a bus take us about 110 km out, closer to St. John's as we were expected to reach Signal Hill by 3. That made for an enjoyable riding day.

The road was good, scenery unreal....so rugged and rustic. The sunny day certainly enhanced everything! I rode with different cyclists, and spent some time alone, reflecting. Linda Lloyd had joined the group at the Irving stop and it was nice to see her smiling face again. I am sure she was relieved to see her daughters, Merim, Adrienne, and Robyn! After our lunch I cycled with Mary for a bit, then eventually drafted behind Sidney for a few km before reaching the meeting spot. We had a police escort for the final 14 km leading into town. I was so impressed with the beauty of St. John's when it came into view. It was difficult to take it all in as we were concentrating on cycling in the large pack through the city....to Signal Hill. We started up and began to climb, and climb, and climb. I thought I was going to lose a lung! And at one point I thought that I might have to dismount BUT I struggled on....I think this was the toughest hill of the journey!! Mainly because there were so many people at the top waiting and you wanted to ride up in style....I can honestly say it wasn't stylish as we huffed and puffed BUT WE MADE IT! What a marvellous feeling; the people cheering and clapping and there were Don and Joyce with the biggest grins and hugs!! It was amazing. Many tears of happiness to have achieved our goal.

The view from Signal Hill absolutely AMAZING! WOW! We had about 20 minutes before we had to head down to The Salvation Army Temple where we had dinner and would be staying overnight. We were cycling to Salvation Army Citadel for our closing service, which was held outside. The band was playing and we all cycled in together. It was a nice service...Sharon and Warren spoke. Lorne Pritcher, a director with the CBS for Newfoundland led us. He did a great job arranging our stay and stops through the province.

We cycled back to The Temple, unloaded our gear, and set up our room with Joyce and Don. We did take a drive downtown and walked and stopped on George St. before heading to bed.

I rode around the parking lot twice to have my odometer turn 7,300!!

Day 63, Saturday, September 2, 2006

Grand Falls-Windsor to Clarenville, distance 244 km....
km cycled, 163 km.
Couldn't e-mail yesterday's blog as there were no accessible phones with an outside line. I din't sleep too well..my fault because I was TOO LAZY to dig out my sleeping bag and I was cold. We had to be up at 5:30. It was one of those mornings where I couldn't get going to pack up, organize or do anything...slow mode. I had a good breakfast and we were on the road by 8.

It was very cold outside, around 4 degrees! I had on my jersey, my black long sleeved tight jacket, arm warmers, my vest and my wind jacket...and I was still cold. We hit wet pavement and at about the 20 km point Bob hit another crack on the white line. He was able to recover without falling but unfortunately behind me was Kurt who hit the same spot, tire got caught and he fell hard into the street. He was shaken, has a good bruise and raspberry on his hip and his front tire blew, just like a gunshot! We were also riding with Warren and Kevin from Australia. Warren and Bob changed the tire and trued the wheel and we were back riding in about 15 minutes. The sound of a cylist falling is awful...a sound you don't want to hear!

We stopped for a snack at about 50 k and another fueling at 88. At this stop Warren checked Bruce's spokes and tightened a few. The theme line for this trip, which we say every morning before heading off is "Through Our Spokes, God Speaks." After truing Bruce's wheel, he came out with the Newfie translation "True Our Spokes, God Speaks" (in Newfoundland the "h" is silent). We continued the ride with Kevin getting a flat, which was fixed only to have the new tube leak. Bob had a spare, which was patched and it seemed to hold. We had lunch upstairs in a motel in Gander. It was nice to come in from the cold. I wrang out my jersey with paper towel, which dried somewhat. Back out into the cold for another 40 km.

Newfoundland is a vastness of nothing but trees, rivers and lakes. I would term it "rustic" rather than beautiful. I saw very little of any wildlife; a few ducks, crows and two mice chasing something. Actually I don't remember seeing any road kill. Heck, we got excited if/when we saw a house!! We hit the spot where we were to end the day, but were given the option to ride until 4, which we did...and made it to 163 km. We are staying at a new school in Clarenville, a great facility. We have eaten a wonderful meal and await a "communion" service at 8. Again today all the motorists wave and honk and cheer us on.

Tomorrow is the final day as we reach St. John's and ride up Signal Hill!! I can't believe it! My odomoter hit 7,196 km. today!!

Day 62, Friday, September 1, 2006

Corner Brook to Grand Falls, 268 km
Amount cycled...85
The morning started far too early, just after 5 when Option 3 riders were up, packing up, looking for items of clothing etc. They were very noisy and the beams from their flashlights were dancing all over the room. It was to be a morning to sleep in until 6...that never happened. There is a "little conflict" in the group over the riders whom some think are given priorioty over the rest in order for them to achieve their goal of cycling Port Aux Basque to St. John's in the 4 days. I think that will be adressed in tonight's meeting.

Anyhow, back to last night where I met up with Gail. She looks well and seems happy. Her daughter, Robyn and Meghan (Robyn's 4 year old daughter) had been living with her for the past two years and she had just driven them to St. John's where they moved in with Robyn's boyfriend. Gail asked about all the folks at St. Luke's. I only had about 1/2 hour time with her as it was getting late and I knew People in the room would have light's out. I didn't have a good sleep.

It was very gray and cold and WINDY. We had a nice devotion led by Len...talking about "life after Sept.3...and the adjustment we will have to make; and about how people just won't understand this journey that we have been on...all the aspects, friendships, conflicts etc..the whole package. It truly has been remarkable.

Option 2, my group, were led out of town for 20 km by a police escort. It was very, very windy with the wind in our faces. Option B riders broke into 3 groups. At one point Hank went to the front to give Graeme a break and there was a bit of a stall and Yvonne hit Graeme's wheel causing her to fall in the road, Angela fell over her, Bob swerved to avoid her which cut me off and I hit the ditch...my mountain bike experience came into play! Luckily there were no severe injuries and we were back in the saddle in no time. Newfoundland has not been kind weatherwise...we have had rain, wind and hills. We struggled to maintain an average speed of 20.

I made it to the lunch break at 85 km and immediately racked my bike. I had been riding over 4 hours to get there. Our group was to do 170 km today. No one made it and we all begged to get into the Grim Reaper. I think the furtherest some of our group did was 120 km. We are at a Pentecostal Church on Park St. in Grand Falls. It is a lovely facility to house and feed us. We had a good dinner and a nice "healing" service.

Bob was having trouble with his hub toay. The Bike Doc. came over to the church to service bikes. He replaced Bob's axel. Hopefully the weather will be kinder tomorrow. Jack, Scott, Vincent and Dustin accomplished the entire 268 km today!!! Kudo's to them. I think they are a tad on the tired side right now. Tomorrow is a 230 day for them... I think 150 for our group. People in Newfoundland are happy to see our visibility...they stop to give us money for the Canadian Bible Society.

Day 61, August 31/06

Port Aux Basque to Corner Brook. 148.56 km
After I posted my blog yesterday I was walking back to the church for lunch and came upon a hair salon " Curl Up and Dye", and on a whim went in. A girl tok me right away and I had a wash, cut and dry. The stylist, Kelly Clarke, was very nice. I told her about the trip, the Bike for Bibles mission and she did not charge me, nor would she accept a tip!! She said it was her contribution to our cause. I was most grateful.

Back for lunch and we sang Happy Birthday to Chester, who turned 76! He is amazing, fun and witty. He gave a little speech and then said that he had arranged a little cruise for us later in the afternoon.....what a hoot. Our little cruise was a nightmare for many of the cyclists who were ill...many ended up in the sick bay. I was quite sleepy and dozed off and on. Watched a movie..The Pink Panther. We docked after 10:30 but it was after 12:30 before we got nestled into the gym to sleep. Everyone was zonked! We were supposed to sleep in til 5:30 but someone set their alarm for just after 5!! Why?? Woke us all up...many grumpy people because of this.

It was rainy and we cycled to St. George's Anglican for breakfast. We were on the road by 8. There were about 15 of us doing Option B, about 14 in the fast group and the rest went in the vans, driven out to their start point. The scenery was interesting through the rain, ocean on one side, mountains/hills on the other. Many a good gradual hills all morning. I started out cycling behind Bob, but went ahead when he stopped to put on his rain coat. Was alone for a bit, not far behind Yvonne and Graeme. Curtis caught up and we stayed together for the day. It was miserable slogging...cold and wet feet, constant rain in your eyes. At one point Graeme swerved and almost fell into the road. His tire got caught in an invisible crack on the white line by the side. It scared him. When we stopped at the 102 km for lunch, I went to the bathroom and wrung out my clothing, which made me feel somewhat warmer. I found out that Bob who had just arrived got caught in a crack and fell. He ripped his jacket and has a raspberry on his hip. The afternoon ride was tougher, colder and heavier rain. Bob cyced with Curtis and I. His crank was making a terrible noise, but after an hour it subsided. Arrived at our destination at 2:50 with the Grim Reaper waiting to transport us. I had dry clothes in my day pack and quickly changed. That felt so much better.

To the Salvation Army where we are spending the night. I was on my way home from the laundromat and stopped at Tim's for a doghnut. I asked "do you know Gail Olsvik?"...I knew she managed a Tim Horton's in Cornerbrook...lo and behold it is this one!! Her sister is working here and called her...I anxiously await her arrival!!