No Kill Canada Marathon 2007

Add your comments

2007-11-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

What do you think causes the overpopulation problem with cats & dogs? What do you think is needed to resolve the overpopulation problem? What do you think about prevention(TNR,spay&neuter) for animal control? What do you think about killing cats & dogs for animal control. What do you think is the biggest problem causing the overpopulation problem? Please share your thoughts and leave your comments or send me an email at mjameus@hotmail.com.

What its like being back at home again

2007-11-15T12:56:00.000-05:00

At first I was feeling a little lost. Kinda like coming home to an empty room. Being home didn't feel normal to me. I put everything into this run, being alone and pushing myself everyday. I couldn't just turn it off. It took some time to undo all that. Slowly I'm getting back into a routine again. My crazy friend and I even had a sleep out in the back yard one night to help with the 'withdrawals' of not being on the road anymore. We put a tent up and survived a cool night outside. I think I got it out of my system and am settled into home again. My feet are on the road to recovery and I'm spending my time in a pool these days. I'm working on two books and looking forward to publishing them in the near future. There's so much to say.

Ottawa - Oct 30

2007-10-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

A heart warming home coming.

Dorit had an early flight so we were up and at the airport before daylight. We said our good-bye's and would get in touch again later in the week. I had some time to kill before my flight left so I went for a coffee and just watched the people come and go.

On the plane it felt a little like being in shock. Nothing was really registering in my head. My body feels like its just waiting to kick into running mode again. My brain thinks it should still be focusing on one mile at a time. My mind is relieved that we're on our way home but my heart is full of mixed emotions. I'm a bit sad that its over but excited to have finished.

I thank God for taking me on this amazing journey and for putting so many wonderful and kind people in my path because without them I wouldn't have made it. I'm grateful for the media that took an interest and helped inform people about whats happening to our cats and dogs. I thank all the animal shelters I had the opportunity to visit and for sharing with me what life is like at their shelter and for their support. I thank all my family and friends and everyone who followed my blog for their words of encouragement and support. It should be a testimony to everyone that our animals need our help and we all need to speak out for them.

The time on the plane seemed to go by fast. We landed and I headed for baggage pickup. To my surprise there was about 30 familiar faces waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I couldn't believe it! The excitement hit me like a ton of bricks. It was such a great feeling to see everyone. It made my day and it was good to be home again. Thank you everyone for taking this amazing journey with me. The fight for our pets is still on and will be ongoing. I think there is a book in the future full of drama, adventure, truths, frightening moments, comedy, laughter and tears. Check back soon!

North Vancouver - Finish Ambleside Park - Oct 29

2007-10-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

A press release went out to all the media and animal shelters in Vancouver. I told Dorit before she dropped me off that no matter what happens I was really glad she was here.

It was a rainy day and while I was running across the Lions Gate Bridge the visibility wasn't that great. Although it was still a great feeling crossing the bridge I couldn't see much of the view because of the weather. I told myself again that no matter what happens when I get to the park it has been an amazing journey and I did the best I could and I can go home feeling good about that.

Once I got to the otherside of the bridge I took the trail leading to the park. I passed a number of people walking their dogs. I took a few deep breaths and then my destination point was in sight. Dorit was the only one standing there. In the few short minutes it took me to reach Dorit so many thoughts went through my head. I felt bad that Dorit had flown in to be here and there was no one from the Vancouver media. I find it hard to believe that animals aren't viewed as important enough. I'll be dissappointed later but right now I just wanted to enjoy touching the ocean water and finishing a very long run. However small, I can build on the little successes from this journey. It really is an incredible feeling to live out a dream.

Vancouver - Oct 27

2007-10-25T18:26:00.002-05:00

Today was a very exciting day. I was looking forward to reaching Vancouver city limits. Dorit was flying in later and would be picking me up.

I got onto the Fraser hwy and took it all the way to the King George hwy. There was so much traffic and lights. A couple of areas were a bit sketchy and I passed a few shady characters, a few that I thought might follow me. The Skytrain was impressive and I thought it might be fun to go for a ride. Maybe tomorrow. Crossing over the Fraser River was exciting and scenic. The Kingsway got me to Boundary Rd. and thats when I knew I had made it. One side was Burnaby and the other side was Vancouver. I felt like I should jump up and down or something but I really didn't know what to feel. I was more numb than anything. Maybe because there was no one to share it with or maybe I've just been out here too long. Maybe I'll feel differently when I see Dorit. I called her from the Starbucks and she had just landed and would pick me up in about 45 minutes. I waited in Starbucks for awhile and my brain wasn't really processing much. It was kinda like shock I think. When I saw Dorit I got a little more excited. I got in the car and it didn't really seem real. Even when we got to the motel it still didn't register. I guess it will just take some time.

Abbotsford - Oct 26

2007-10-25T18:23:00.003-05:00

It was a roundabout way of getting from Chilliwack to Abbotsford. On the positive side it was quieter and less traffic. But I had to be on the lookout for dogs. Just about every yard had two or more big dogs. Thankfully they were fensed in except for one pitbull. He surprised me. I had to pull into a driveway while some trucks passed because there was no shoulder. There were hedges and trees on both sides of the driveway and no way to see anything. A pitpull came out of nowhere and looked like he was making a dash for me. I was about to pull out my bear spray and he just stopped in his tracks and stopped barking too. I thought to myself 'cool' and just kept on going. Not sure what stopped him, maybe another angel.

There were more fields and horses to look at and one horse was really close to the fense so I stopped to pat him but I got zapped instead. It was an electric fense. I'm pretty sure the horse laughed at me. He looked like he had rolled in the mud and his head was covered with thistles.

Once I got to the city centre for Abbotsford getting through the intersections was interesting. Traffic was heavy and a bit crazy. If I didn't know any better I would have thought it was downtown Vancouver.

I thought a lot today about going home, probably cause I'm so close to finishing. I'm looking forward now to being off the roads and out of traffic. I know my family will be relieved when I'm safe at home and they won't have to worry about me anymore. This has been pretty stressfull on them. I worry more about them than I do myself.

Chilliwack - Oct 25

2007-10-25T18:23:00.001-05:00

Once I got to Chilliwack I would no longer be allowed on the Trans Canada hwy and will need to find an alternate route.

There were some hills and windy road until I got to the district of Chilliwack. I came over a small hill and the highway was straight and flat through the town. I passed a bunch of school kids jogging. There was lots of traffic and it was noisier. The noise from the traffic was bothering me today.

I got to the 116 junction and stopped at the Info Centre. A very nice guy by the name of Robert helped map out an alternate route for me. It felt like I was going to be taking the back door through some communities into Vancouver. It was going to be an adventure.

Bridal Falls

2007-10-25T18:22:00.002-05:00

The fog finally lifted just after 9:30am and visibility was better. Today would be a 36 km run. There was lots of shoulder room and I was glad about that yet drivers will still wonder over onto the shoulder from time to time and even if there's noone in the other lane they hug their lane and won't budge or move over. It just makes me shake my head.

An older man on a custom motorized bicycle pulling a small trailor passed me a few times. He was picking up empty cans on the side of the road. When he smiled at me he didn't have any front teeth. I waved at him. I also passed a large tree/bush trimmer machine that took up one lane of the road. He swung around to let me go by. I wonder sometimes what these guys are thinking cause he just kind of looked at me like I was from outer space or something. But he did wave back at me and grinned as I went by. He had the one lane blocked off for quite a ways so I had lots of road to myself.

I was enjoying the scenery but was glad to get to Bridal Falls. I was counting the days now and anxious to get to Vancouver.

Hope

2007-10-25T18:22:00.001-05:00

Seeing snow on the way to Hope brought home the realization of winter coming. It was raining in Hope but was suppose to clear up by tomorrow. I went over to the Info Centre but it was closed. I was looking at the map outside and I heard a voice tell there is gold in those hills. At first I couldn't figure out where the voice was coming from. Then he said again there's lots of gold in these areas. I looked around and a man dressed like a gold digger was standing at the museum looking down at me. I thought to myself he must work here and playing some kind of part. He called me sweetheart and wanted to take me gold digging. I politely declined and went on my way. I'm still not sure if he worked there or if he was a wanderer. I didn't stick around to find out.

Day 188 - Kamloops

2007-10-20T15:07:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. It means a lot to me.

There was more rain today. The highways have nicknames out here and with good reason. They are 'the highway of tears' and 'the killer highway'. I think of that everytime I pass one of those crosses where there's been an accident. My Uncle Bert (my Dad's brother) and Aunt Darlene picked me up and I had a really nice visit with them and stayed with them while I was in Kamloops. It had been alot of years since I had last seen them. I also got to see a couple of my cousins and their great grandson. They were getting snow between Kamloops and Hope and there was a major accident. I decided to take the bus to Hope and bypass that area and would make the run from Hope to Vancouver. My Uncle made me a lunch and they dropped me off at the bus station. The travel to Hope confirmed that once again I had made the right decision.

Day 187 - Chase

2007-10-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

The roads were much better but the drivers are insane. I passed some construction and drivers weren't slowing down even when someone was waving a slow sign at them. A few times I've felt like drivers have tried to squeeze me off the road when there was no other traffic. Getting to Chase was a struggle for me. There's an uphill climb when you get there and once you're over the hill you see the town down in a valley. Its quite pretty. It was a downhill run to the town. I stopped at the rest area for a pit stop. I didn't see any Mountain Bighorn Sheep but there was a foul smell of a dead animal.

I never thought I would say it but I think I've reached my physical limit. Today I used Gidget alot as a crutch. Every step feels like ten miles and my legs don't want to work anymore. It feels like I'm inching my way. There's not much left in the tank. Good thing I'm almost there.

Day 186 - Sorrento

2007-10-18T14:47:00.001-05:00

It was a rainy gloomy day. I went about two km and stopped at the Esso Restaurant for breakfast. The waitress there was really nice. She was very supportive of what I was doing and bought me breakfast and made a donation. It was still raining when I left and she wished me luck and safe travels. The water flowing down the shoulder of the road was a few inches deep and my feet were soaking wet. The scenery along the Shuswap Lake was really nice. When I got to Sorrento I stopped at the Home Restaurant for a warm cup of coffee. The rain wasn't letting up so I decided to stay there for the night. I went over to the Sorrento Inn where I met the Inn cat that they named Canada. She was left on their doorstep as a kitten. She's a year old now. When she jumps out the window they call her Air Canada. I laughed pretty hard about that one.

Day 185 - Tappen

2007-10-18T14:37:00.000-05:00

The road leaving Sicamous was still narrow and little to no shoulders. I started with an uphill curvy climb. The drivers around here are crazy! I held my breath every time I went around a curve or a strtech with no shoulder. This went on for about five miles and then the road opened up like a door and at that moment I knew I was where I should be. That I was right for following my instincts. After a few miles I didn't have that claustraphobic feeling anymore. There were pockets of houses and homes along the lake shoreline. I came up to a community called Canoe. It was more like a logging port. From there it was about six miles to Salmon Arm. It was a gradual climb and then a steep hill down to the city centre. I made a pit stop at Tim Horton's. On my way out of Salmon Arm there was a bit of construction. Stopped was a truck driver I've seen many times on the highway and he always honked and waved. A couple of local people showed me a short detour around the construction. They wished me luck. I passed a few campgrounds that were closed for the season. Just before Tappen the PineView was still open and I stayed in one of their cabins.

Day 184 - Sicamous

2007-10-18T14:26:00.001-05:00

There was a heavy fog this morning. I could barely see ten feet in front of me. I went to the Husky Restaurant for breakfast. They said the fog should lift by noon. I thought alot about yesterday and my near death experiences. I had that feeling that something was telling me not to leave Golden. Sitting at the table across from me was a truck driver and he was telling me how poorly engineered the highway is in this area and that the highest rate of accidents are along Rogers Pass and Golden. After yesterday I could sure testify to that. It made me wonder if these were signs trying to tell me something. I left the restaurant and right beside is the greyhound bus depot. I stood there for awhile, listening to my heart, which I've been doing ever since I left St. John's. If I had a support vehicle I would chance Roger's Pass but my gut instinct is telling me to take the bus over the pass. And thats what I did. As the bus pulled out I was hoping I did the right thing. The highway was narrow and there was little to no shoulders especially across the narrow bridges and several tunnels and around the sharp curves. There was barely enough room for two vehicles. We passed an accident sight where the cement divider had been taken out. I knew then that I had made the right decision.

Day 183 - Golden

2007-10-14T16:54:00.000-05:00

The day my run and life almost ended.

I got up and did all the things I normally do. As soon as it was daylight I started for Golden. It was a cold morning. I had a few layers of clothes on and my mits and tuque. I started out with a bit of an uphill climb. That warmed me up. The scenery just keeps getting better and better. I saw a few bear and elk tracks along the side of the road. There's so much wilderness out here. I tried to make a lot of noise by singing and talking out loud. I passed a warning sign on a post of a bear in the area. I started running a bit faster. I figured once I got past Yoho Park I would be OK.

The shoulders on the highway are not very good. Sometimes there's none or very little. I had a few good hills to climb but it was mostly downhill. Then I came up to the 10 Mile Hill. i wasn't sure what that meant. There's an area for truckers to check their breaks and signs that read ' sharp curves, obey all signs'. There were alot of sudden curves and narrow turns and barely enough room for two vehicles. I was getting closer to Golden and couldn't wait to get off the road. The road followed the curves of the mountain and they put cement railings. I came up to a sharp 90 degree curve and I hugged the cement railing. The transport coming around the corner barely missed the railing and I thought I was going to be squished. I thought this was it. You could barely fit a hair between me and the rear end of the transport. I came up to another sharp curve and a car came whipping around and swirved at the last minute to avoid me. One more time two transports going in the opposite direction and tons of traffic behind them just about blew me over the edge. I thought to myself this is insane and someone might be trying to tell me something. I was never so happy to get off the road as much as I was today. The winding curvy mountain downhill road was pretty wicked and I thanked God I got through it. I don't understand why they wouldn't put a tunnel through the mountain instead of building up these high trecherous roads. Needless to say I was a little shaken.

Day 182 - Field

2007-10-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

I don't worry about tomorrow and I can't think about yesterday anymore. I can only focus on today and todays target is a small town called Field. Its only 27 km away. A couple of marathon runners here in Lake Louise have told me when I get to Field I should rest for a few days cause the run to Golden will be a tough 53 km hilly one. I can't afford to rest. As long as the weather is good I'll keep going. I'll rest when I get home. For today I just want to get to Field and cross into B.C.

It was a pretty chilly morning. I'm pretty excited about getting to B.C. and through Kicking Horse Pass. I came up to a lodge that was closed called West Louise. Its across from a lake. I could see the reflection of the mountains in the water. The reflection was so real like it was hard to tell what was right side up. At the peaks I could see thick ice under the snow. It made me think about mountain climbing and how much fun that would be.

I passed the sign that said Welcome to Alberta. And then the sign Welcome to British Columbia. Finally, only one more province to go. I made a pit stop and took in the view. There was a creek down below and the scenery was incredible.

It was a downhill run to Field. Its quite the drop in elevation. Rock cuts and the water follows the highway. I was captivated by what I was seeing. Once I got to the bottom it was pretty flat. My knees and thigh muscles were sore from the steepness of the downhill running. I came up to a sign that said End of Avalanche Area. I can only imagine what that would be like.

When I reached Field I stopped at the Info Centre and got directions to the hostel. Its just a little town at the foot of a mountain and takes about five minutes to tour the whole town so the hostel wasn't hard to find. It's fairly new and very nice. You feel like you're in a chalet. I went to bed early in preperation for a long run to Golden tomorrow.

Day 181 - Lake Louise

2007-10-11T18:31:00.000-05:00

I was lucky and got the dorm to myself, no one else showed up. I was in bed early and wanted to be well rested cause its 56 km to Lake Louise. I had a good breakfast at the hostel restaurant and then headed out. I was lucky and got a ride to the highway.

There were a bunch of elk grazing just as I left Banff. There were more hills and some steady uphill climbs for most of the way. When the divided highway ended I could see a couple of teepee's about 75 feet off the highway. I almost went to check it out but decided to keep going. I was glad to see the wildlife fences along the highway for most of the way. There was highway construction for the last 10 km to Lake Louise. I was glad about that cause I didn't feel so alone out here.

When I got to Lake Louise I went to the Info centre and got directions to the hostel. I checked in and then went to the restaurant for a hot cup of coffee and some pancakes. I was so hungry. I sat down by the window and watched buses and tourists come and go. There was an elderly man filling up with gas and he had a white beard and long white hair with a red cap on and a red jacket. He sure looked like Santa Claus.

Time for a warm shower and more sleep.

Day 180 - Banff

2007-10-10T18:55:00.001-05:00

It was just starting to be daylight and Magi was on her way for her morning run. I was packed up and headed for the SPCA. When I got there Jennifer and Sonya greeted me as I came up to their front entrance. A friend of theirs, Jacques, was taking pictures. After some introductions we went inside and they gave me a tour of their shelter. Its a no-kill, no-cage shelter and well designed. Cats on one side and dogs on the other. I met all their animals and got to play with a couple of puppies. I was so glad I was able to meet them. It was a brief visit and then it was time to go.

The beautiful scenery and weather continued all the way to Banff. The air was so fresh and felt so good to breath. When I got to Banff I took the Tunnel mountain exit and took the scenic route to the hostel. What a good choice. The view was unbelievable. The road overlooked the river and valley. i came up to three deer right on the side of the road and they didn't even move as i passed them. They just stared at me. I was within touching distance. It was so cool. I reached the hostel and that is where I stayed for the night.

Day 179 - Canmore

2007-10-10T18:54:00.000-05:00

Last night was the last night I stayed at Jen's place. Before we left I said good-bye to their cats; Tigre, Lucas (who slept with me), and the two kittens, Lexi & Leam. I had so much fun playing with them I was starting to get attached to them. I was tempted to take the kittens with me.

They were calling for a chinook today which is good news for me. We drove back to Morley and before Jen left she ran with me for a bit. She's such a trooper. After Jen left I thought about how great she had been helping me out. I would give her a call in a few days and let her know how I was doing.

The scenery out here is so spectacular. I was surrounded by beauty every where I looked and so much wilderness. As I was crossing into Bow Valley the signs read 'Attention Elk Crossing next 2 km' and then a little further there were more signs that read 'Caution Wildlife on Highway'. I hadn't seen anything yet though.

A car pulled up ahead and it was Jim from the Roadrunner group. He stopped to see how I was doing and brought me some bear spray. I thought that was so thoughtful and kind of him and at the same time I hoped I wouldn't have to use it. He left but would catch up with me later in Canmore.

I was trying to take in as much as I could of my surroundings and not really paying attention to what I was doing. I ran Gidget off the road a couple of times. But the water is so clear and the mountains are so breath taking. I wished it was hot out so I could take a swim but it is way too cold now.

I got to Canmore and stopped at the Fast Gas. I called Magi and she wasn't too far and would swing by to pick me up. Unfortunately Gidget wouldn't fit in her car so she gave me directions and I would meet her there. Just as she pulled away Jim pulled up. We looked at some maps together and he gave me an idea of what was ahead. He gave me a ride to Magi's place. He also gave me a contact of someone in Lake Louise.

After I dropped my stuff off Magi took me to The Grizzly Paw restaurant. I had a great salad she recommended and we also ordered a plate of nacho's. There was probably enough food for six people. That was kinda funny. On our way back to her place we stopped at a meeting she had and I met some of her friends. It was an early night and I was glad about that.

Day 178 - Morley

2007-10-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

Time to empty the tank!

Jim & Barb from the Roadrunner running group met us just before 9am at the Valley Ridge turnoff just west of Stoney Trail. Barb ran with me for a couple of miles and then Jim picked her up. They met up with me again a few miles down the road and gave me some contact information for some other runners they knew that I could get in touch with. They were so nice and I thought that was pretty great that they came out on this holiday Monday. I was glad I had the opportunity to meet them.

Right away as you leave Calgary you see the mountains. What a change from the east part of Alberta. I passed the Callaway Amusement Park and an antique store called Wild Wild West. I think I scared their horse when I went by cause he jumped and then ran when he saw me.

The closer I got to the mountains the more spectacular the scenery was and the bigger the mountains got and they are already snow covered. I was a little concerned about that. I was happy to see some trees again. Nice change from all the fields going through the prairies. There was so much traffic today. People going home from the long weekend.

Lots of hills and I was glad I had the front wheel on Gidget. I've been running on flat land for some time now and my legs weren't use to so much up and down. My calves were a bit sore. Just before I got to Morley I watched someone horseback riding. Lucky guy.

I got to the Morley turnoff and went inside the restaurant to change my clothes. It wasn't long and Jen and Allen picked me up.

Day 177 - Calgary

2007-10-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

The Cat House

Kelly and the Meow Foundation & Cheryl from the Calgary Humane Society organized an event today at the Cat House. The Cat House is a store and has everything and anything you need for your cat. Kelly and Jen joined me at the Tim Horton's and ran up to the Cat House with me. They had a tent setup and some volunteers from the Meow Foundation to greet us. There was a reporter from Shaw TV and Global News. We did a brief interview and then it was time for some cake. They also had some drinks, crackers and cheese and some really thoughtful gifts. It was so nice to meet them all. We went inside the Cat House and took a look around. The owner, Joanne was really nice. She had just recently lost three cats in a short time and I could tell how painful it was for her when she told us their stories. We went from the Cat House to the Calgary Humane Society where Cheryl gave us a tour. Its a beautiful new building and they are all very proud of it. Its huge and has made an improvement in the way they can care for so many animals. We left the humane society and went over to the Meow Foundation shelter. Deb met us there and gave us a tour. She loves her cats and you can feel her passion when she speaks. What a success story they are.

This was such a wonderful day. Its encouraging to be with people who share your compassion for animals.

Day 175/6 - Calgary

2007-10-05T22:45:00.000-05:00

6256 km completed - 939 km to go

Jen dropped me off back in Strathmore. It was a very cool morning. I got off to a bit of a slow start. Maybe because of the temperature. I walked a bit, ran a bit, walked a bit and then I was OK. On my way out of Strathmore I saw a garage that read 'CAR/TRUCK/PET Wash'. I thought that was pretty cool. I took in some deep breaths of fresh air. I loved this temperature. It was great for breathing. I ran with the biggest smile on my face. Soon I would be in Calgary city limits.

I took in as much of the surroundings as I could. I wanted to enjoy the experience as much as possible. The thought of reaching Calgary was so exciting. I got to the other side of Chestermere and could see in the distance some of the taller buildings of downtown Calgary. It was an awesome sight. I went a few more miles and now I was getting really excited. I ran to the A&W where Jen would pick me up. I just stood there for a few minutes and let out a big sigh. I stared but not really looking at anything. I closed my eyes and thanked God. I went inside the A&W to change my clothes and had a root beer. It wasn't long and Jen pulled up.

She took me over to the Chariot head office so I could get Gidget looked at. Its a great product and I just wanted to make sure she was in good shape for the rest of the way. Well they gave Gidget a warranty overhaul. New tires, bearings, and threw in a front wheel. They were so nice and so supportive. We were good to go.

From there we went back to Jen's place. Saturday was a rest day and I needed to pickup a new pair of shoes and do a couple of other things. Then Sunday we are meeting with the Meow Foundation and the Humane Society at the Cat House. I was so looking forward to that. Then Monday I would start heading for Vancouver.

Day 174 - Strathmore

2007-10-04T23:02:00.001-05:00

In the morning Kelly from the Meow Foundation called. I was glad I got to talk to her before we headed out and I was looking forward to meeting everyone on Sunday.

Jen dropped me off in Gleichen and would pick me up in Strathmore after work. It was such a beautiful day. No wind, rolling hills, valleys, some horses and fresh air. It doesn't get much better than that. Some of the horses came up to the fence so I stopped for a minute to pat them. After a couple of hours some dark clouds were rolling in. They stayed to the north and south of me and it was as if the whole in the sky was meant just for me and I didn't get rained on.

I got to Strathmore and stopped at Tim Horton's. I changed out of my sweaty clothes and sat down for a warm cup of coffee. I met a super nice couple from Outlook on there way to Calgary to celebrate their 60th anniversary with their family. They were so sweet. It wasn't long and Jen picked me up.

Day 173 - Gleichen

2007-10-04T23:01:00.002-05:00

Today was a very calm day and this stretch of the road had more to look at. There were some nice valleys and rolling hills, more traffic. There was even a gas station halfway to Gleichen. I was looking forward to meeting Jen today. She's picking me up when she finishes work.

When I got to Gleichen I had some time to kill before Jen arrived. Gleichen is a small town and not to many services. I went to the gas station and asked them if there was anywhere to get a coffee. There were no restaurants but the local food store had a take out food bar so I headed over there. The Gleichen Hotel was right beside it and there was a man sitting on the steps throwing up. Not a pleasant sight. I left Gidget outside the store and a lady in an SUV offered to watch her while I went in. I bought a coffee and some snacks and when I left the store she was still there. I thanked her and she drove off. I walked across the street to a very small park with a very large stone monument and sat down. An elderly man followed me and started to tell me how he was trying to walk off a hangover. I couldn't make out what else he was saying and then he asked me for some money. I gave him some change and then he left. Another elderly man came out of the post office and started picking up papers along the fence as he passed by. I said hello and he came over to talk for a minute. He told me they use to have benches in the park but they took them away because the natives would sit and drink their whisky and made a mess of the park. Once they removed the benches they stopped hanging out there. He told me the monument means alot to the town and its history. At one time there use to be a lot of military people. The plates with all the historical names had been removed to be refinished. Before he left he said the town had really changed. Another native man came over and sat down beside me. He was also suffering from a bad hangover and wanted some money. I gave him the little bit of change I had left. Once he left I went back to the gas station and waited for Jen. I called my sister but she wasn't home so I talked to her husband for a bit. Then Jen pulled up and it was great to see her. Her and her husband have two cats and two kittens and I was looking forward to meeting them all.

Day 172 - Bassano

2007-10-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

I wanted to get an early start so I was on the road by daylight. It was so windy today. Mentally I broke my run up into little parts so it didn't seem so far. I was getting closer to Calgary so that was helping to motivate me.

There were so many dead animals on the road. Another beautiful coyote and more birds. I hated to see that. I met a cyclist going to Moncton. We chatted a bit. There wasn't much traffic and not alot to see. I struggled a bit with the last five or six miles but I got to Bassano. I called Jen and let her know where I was. She very kindly offered to host me while I'm in Calgary.

Day 171 - Brooks

2007-10-01T22:18:00.001-05:00

Today was a shorter run and pretty uneventful. It was only sixteen miles to Brooks. There was nothing but fields between Brooks and the next town, Bassano which was another thirty-two miles, so I decided to make Brooks my stop today and do a long run to Bassano tomorrow.

Day 170 - Tilley

2007-10-01T22:17:00.000-05:00

Morning came fast. Barb arrived around 7am and we were off. We stopped at Tim Horton's for breakfast. The drive was long but I didn't mind. I was enjoying Barb and Laney's company. We got to Suffield and had to say our good-bye's. They made sure I got going OK and then left. While I was running I relived yesterday several times. I couldn't believe how far out of the way they went to share their time with me. I'll never forget it. I wondered how Tracey was doing with her run today.

It was pretty quiet between Suffield and Tilley compared to yesterday. It was a long way but I finally got there. As I walked into the town there was a ball tournament wrapping up. I get the oddest looks from people. I must seem like an alien to them. I went to the Tilley Hotel and stayed there for the night.

Day 169 - Suffield/Lethbridge

2007-10-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

A day I'll never forget.

I was up at 6am and wanted to be ready for when Tracey, Barb and Laney got here. I went for breakfast at the Husky Restaurant. It was still dark and raining but it was suppose to clear up. I had just finished packing up all my stuff and I heard a knock at the door. It was a pretty exciting moment. I opened the door and there stood Laney and Tracey. Barb was walking Molson, a dog she was taking care of. And they even brought their own camerman, Moses, from CTV Lethbridge. Tracey was all dressed in her running gear and ready to go. I knew right away it was going to be a terrific day. After Moses did his interview he filmed us running on the highway and then he left. Gidget got the day off and rode in the car with Barb and Laney and Molson. It was so much fun running with Tracey. She loved running too and told me about the ultra marathon she did. She's even going to be running the Vegas marathon after her wedding. How cool is that. Barb and Laney were our check points every so many km. That was so great. They had food and drinks. Running with someone somehow passed the time quicker, it was barely noticeable. Before long we had reached Suffield. It was a great run! And to top it off we hopped in a vehicle en route to Lethbridge. They were so much fun to be with. It didn't feel like I had just met them. We went to Laney's place, where I would stay for the night. I met Laney's husband Byron and their cats. Laney gave me some knitted slippers that would keep me warm in the mountains. She also gave me a couple of her own knitted place holders. She is so thoughtful. Tracey and Barb came back later with a jumbo pizza. I also had the priviledge of meeting Ron, who just celebrated his 80th birthday, and his wife Ethel. They both served on the board of directors for the humane society. Wonderful people. They didn't stay long and then we sat down to eat. Barb told me the story behind Tracey running with me today and how that all came about. We had a good laugh over that. When we were done eating they took me over to their shelter. It took them four years to fund raise the money to build it. Its an amazing storey. I met Jo and Heather who also work their. We took some pictures and they all gave me some very special gifts. What a great group of people and so much fun to be around. It was getting late and time to go. Tracey wouldn't be able to come with us in the morning so I had to say good-bye to her. She was running in the Run for Cure marathon. She had given me a pair of socks with toes to prevent blisters, a Buff and some Blister Shield. Perfect gifts. Maybe she'll come to Ottawa one day for the National Capital Marathon.

I didn't want the day to end.

Day 168 - Medicine Hat

2007-09-28T19:06:00.001-05:00

The landscaping to Medecine Hat was much the same, rolling hills and miles and miles of fields. Its kinda cool that you can see for miles around. I checked into the Satelite Motel. I got directions to the SPCA. It wasn't far from the motel. I met Sheri and Val. They were nice and Val gave me a tour of the shelter. I had called the Medecine Hat newspaper earlier and they sent a reporter over. That was great.

When I got back to my room I called Tracey who lives in Lethbridge. Her and her Mom, Barb, volunteer at the Lethbridge Humane Society. She had given me her phone number before I left in April and told me to call her when I reached Alberta and she might beable to run with me. I was hoping she was still interested. After I spoke with both Tracey and her Mom I was so excited because not only was she still interested but she was going to run all the way to Suffield with me and her Mom and a friend of theirs, Laney who also works at the Humane Society, was going to be our support vehicle for the run. And not only that they invited me back to Lethbridge with them for the night and they would drive me back. I couldn't believe it and I couldn't wait to meet them. I was really looking forward to tomorrow and having someone to run with.

Day 167 - Walsh

2007-09-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

Today was a very exciting day cause I was going to cross into the province of Alberta and i couldn't wait. I ate a good breakfast at the restaurant. I went a couple of miles and came up to a valley. It was so beautiful to look at. As I went down and through it and up the other side I started singing the song, "downin the valley, the valley so low. hang your head over, hear the wind blow." I laughed at myself for that one.

I went about ten miles and came up to an overpass for the trains. Before I got to it there were warning signs that read "Wind Gusts." I thought to myself its already really windy how bad can it get. Lets just say I was glad I had Gidget to hold on to. She kept my feet grounded otherwise I might have been blown around like the tumbleweeds I watched blow past me. I had to hold onto the wire railing a couple of times when the traffic went by. Wow! I was glad to get past that area.

Mile after mile I knew I was getting closer to Alberta and I was starting to get really excited. I came up over a hill and I could barely see the signs but I knew they were there and it wouldn't be long now. I got closer and past the Saskatchewan signs and rest area and there it was. Welcome to Alberta. There was no one to see my happy dance. I was a little happy! I went a few more km and stopped in Walsh.

Day 166- Maple Creek Junction

2007-09-28T19:04:00.000-05:00

This morning I started singing the song, "Hold on tight to your dreams." I was getting closer to Alberta and getting excited about that. I'm not much of a singer. If Gidget could talk she would tell you I can't carry a tune. If she had ears I'm sure she would wear ear plugs.

I saw a couple more antelopes running in the fields. I love to watch them. They are so graceful. I met a cyclist from Calgary who was on his way to Winnipeg. It made me wonder about the other cyclists I had met throughout the summer. All of whom are home by now.

It started to rain a few miles before I reached the Maple Creek junction. I was glad to see a restaurant and a motel.

Day 165 - Tompkins

2007-09-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

One minute I'm kicking myself to get up and the next thing I know I'm five miles down the road wondering how I got this far. I wonder if you can ever run out of things to think about.

I called my sister Chris this morning before I left to wish her a happy birthday. She was already at work but it was only 6:30am my time. As I was leaving town two dogs chased me down the highway. I was worried they'd get hit by a car. Fortunately there wasn't much traffic and they made it back to there yard safely.

I tried to keep my mind off the wind and my sore feet. Short of counting the fense posts I tried to think about what other people would be up to today or what I would be doing if I wasn't out here on the highway. I passed a few crosses that had been put up where people died from accidents. There were so many dead animals on the road again today.

I came up to a field with seven antelopes running around. I watched them for awhile. Just past them was a field of so many black cows I couldn't count them all. Then I passed a pool of water with some trees around it that looked like an oasis. I looked for the vending machine but no luck, just a flock of geese.

The headwind was so strong today. I use to think of it as endurance training. Now it just wears me down. I made it as far as Tompkins. There was a herd of pinto horses, at road into Tompkins, they all ran to the fense I thought it was the calvary coming to meet me. I love these little towns. The windows in the stores have hand-written signs like 'be back in 20 minutes, gone to doctors appt' or 'sewage bills due today'. I'm here at the library and had an interesting chat with the librarian. They were getting ready for a craft sale.

Tomorrow will be a long way to Maple Creek....I better get a good night sleep!

Day 164 - Gull Lake

2007-09-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

It finally stopped raining. They haven't had rain around here for awhile so I guess they really needed it. Its still cloudy and windy but its suppose to clear up later today.

Its a long way to Gull Lake from here, 35 miles....eek! There's just nothing between these towns but fields. Even the farmhouses are so far off the road. I passed a couple of Llamas, horses and they all seem to rush to the fense and want to follow, or maybe they're looking for carrots!

It was starting to warm up and to my surprise Jim and Helene pulled up in their transport again. Since I saw them they had gone down through the states and across the rockies. We chuckled about that since I hadn't covered much ground compared to them. They brought me a nice snack and seeing them again cheered me up. But they had to go and we said our good byes. Maybe I'll run into them again.

I passed more dead animals on the road. There are so many. A beautiful coyote and all the birds and foxes. Makes me sad. Before I hit Gull Lake I ran into a hitchhiker going the other way. I said hi but that was about it. Finally, I reached Gull Lake.

Day 161/163 - Swift Current

2007-09-22T16:46:00.001-05:00

I finally had a good sleep where I slept through the night. I was glad cause it was so windy today I had my work cut out for me if I wanted to make it to Swift Current. It was minus one with the windshield factor so I was bundled up.

Just as I was leaving there was a field with Llamas and as soon as they saw me they all rushed to the fence as if to see me off. I said good morning and thanked them for the greeting. The babies were so cute.
Oooh the wind. The wind and the rolling hills were like trying to lift something and someone is pushing down on you. The gusts were up to 45km. They pretty much stop me in my tracks.

I didn't think trains could sneak up on you but they can. It happened three times where they came up beside me a scared me with their horn.

I came up to a coyote and he didn't see me right away. He looked like he was going to attempt to cross the highway. Then he saw me and ran but he kept looking back at me until he disappeared. I like to think I saved him from getting hit by a car. I also came up to a couple of horses that ran with me along the fence. I wished I had had some carrots to give them.

The wind never let up and it slowed me down considerably. I made terrible time today. By the time I got to Swift Current and called the humane society it was after 5:30pm and they closed at 5pm. I tried a couple of times just in case someone was still there but no answer. They were outside of town so it would be too far for me to get there. It was Friday night and after five so I didn't have any luck reaching the local paper either. I was dissappointed about that.

Rained out.

Day 160 - Herbert

2007-09-20T19:59:00.002-05:00

I had another restless night. I fell asleep around 2am and slept on and off. Before I left Chaplain I met Ida who brought me to her home so I could use her phone. Public phones are scarce in these small towns. I left a message at the humane society in Swift Current hoping I'd beable to met up with them when I got there tomorrow.
It was another overcast cool day and the winds had picked up again. I passed the salt fields which looked like snow. There were more dead birds on the road and more geese flying south. Some cows chased me along the fense, I thought that was odd, and I watched some horses running in the fields. I passed a hitchhiker lying down in the ditch. He was OK though cause he did say hello. There were more trains and a driver came very close to me on the shoulder. I thought he was going to hit me. He must have been sleeping or something. I actually jumped over to get out of the way. I finally got to Herbert and was glad to be out of the wind. Tomorrow I would be in Swift Current.

Day 159 - Chaplain

2007-09-20T19:59:00.001-05:00

The morning was cool again and overcast but it warmed up after awhile. There was chance of rain today. The rolling hills continued and no services before I would hit Chaplin. Gidget is doing really well. Sometimes I think she keeps me going. The trains have been keeping me company in a way. The tracks follow pretty close to the highway and they pass almost every hour. Sometimes I think about how nice it would be to grab on and get a ride. Sometimes I try to keep up with them and then just watch them disappear. Some of the trains are so long.
I saw some geese today flying south. Made me wonder if I was going to reach Vancouver before winter. I sure hope so.

There were more dead birds on the side of the road. It started to drizzle just as I was getting to Chaplin. Then I saw this transport truck pulling over just ahead. This was unusual until I saw who it was. My sister Chris's inlaws, Jim & Helene. I couldn't believe it. They had passed me earlier and hoped they would run into me on their way back. I sat in the cab talking with them for a short while. They gave me something to drink and a fresh cinnamin bun. It was so good. We called Chris from their cell phone and she thought that was so cool. It was time for them to go and we had to say good bye. I waved as they pulled away. They had made my day. It was going to be a rainy cold night.

158 - Mortlach

2007-09-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

I heard Ray and Karen moving around so I figured it was time to get up. It was so dark in my room I couldn't tell if it was morning or night. They had put coffee on and were starting breakfast. Karen brought my clothes up from the dryer. We chatted some more while we ate and Karen even made me a lunch to take with me. That was so nice of her.

Ray dropped me off back at the Information Centre on his way to the shelter. It was a much cooler morning and I felt like I was bundled up for winter. Running was warming me up and I thought about how great it was that I got to spend that kind of time with Ray and Karen. They had been so nice but it was also great talking to them about things that needed to be done to solve the overpopulation problem. We also talked about other things and had some good chuckles on ways to come up with the money needed.

There were more rolling hills again today and still a gradual climb. The winds weren't as strong today so I was glad about that. Today seemed to be a better day for running. I went about fifteen miles and stopped at the Husky in Caronport. When I pulled out the sandwich Karen had made me she had stuck a card inside with some well wishes. That was such a nice surprise I couldn't believe it. It cheered me up instantly. I went the rest of the way to Mortlach and stayed at the cookhouse. It was a cute little town. The lady at the corner store gave me some of its history and a few postcards. She was really nice. I also went over to the ice cream store for a treat before I went to bed.

157 - Moose Jaw

2007-09-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

I ate breakfast in my tent, bagels and peanut butter. I heard someone walking near by. It was a maintenance guy. I chatted with him for a few minutes before I left.
The uphill climb continued and there were more rolling hills now and there was still a prairie headwind to push through. There were so many dead birds and foxes on the side of the road.

I got to the Information Centre in Moose Jaw and called Ray at the humane society. He gave me directions to their shelter. On the way a reporter stopped to interview me. Ray had called them. I got to the shelter and met the staff and Ray gave me a tour. They were all so nice. Ray was very kind and invited me to stay at his place for the night. He and his wife Karen have a bed & breakfast for cats they run from their home. We had dinner and some great conversation about solving the overpopulation problem. They gave me a tour of their home which included going out to the barn to see their two horses. They also have a rescued dog named Simon and five of their own cats. Their B & B rooms for the cats are built into the basement part of the home and its a great environment for the cats complete with lots of TLC. Before we called it a night we sat down and had some more great conversation. Karen told me if she had a million dollars she would put it towards spay & neutering. They shared with me their struggles to advance the humane society to where it is today over a seven year period. Now thats perserverance and trully a success story in itself. They are two very caring people.

Day 156 - Belle Plaine

2007-09-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

I didn't feel very well today, just generally blah, maybe because I've been having restless sleeps. My legs were heavy starting out but on the positive side my poison aok has settled down finally.

There was a gradual uphill climb this stretch of the highway. Pretty much all the way to Belle Plaine. And the winds, the prairie winds. Its like pushing a wall sometimes. The mosquitos were out today and biting. I was glad I had some After Bite with me. Lots of grasshoppers too. I passed some dead birds of all sizes and a few dead foxes hit by cars. A few cars honked and waved but there wasn't much till I got to Belle Plaine. I lost my voice from the wind and blowing dirt. I felt like I was shouting when I talked to the waitress at the restaurant. There wasn't much in the way of services in this town so I set my tent up around back. I put on some dry clothes and then I called my sister Marie to let her know where I was. She was sick with a cold and she still cheered me up. I was a bit homesick today. After I talked to her for a bit I went inside for something to eat, I was so hungry. Then I settled into my tent. The plants around me glowed in the dark, it was kinda cool. There were dogs barking seemed like all night. The train came through every hour and the tracks weren't far from me. The temperature was much cooler now at night.

Day 154/155 - Regina

2007-09-14T19:51:00.002-05:00

Finally some sun and clear skies but I could see my breath in the cold air. It didn't matter though cause I was excited to get to Regina. Running kept me warm. It was only 24 km to Regina.

I made really good time considering I only left at 9:15 and got there by 11:30am. I called Gail at the Regina Humane Society and she would only beable to pick me up at 1:30pm. I got out of my wet clothes and went for something to eat while I waited for her.

Gail picked me up and it was a few miles to their shelter. She had called CTV and they sent a camerman over. I also talked to a reporter from the Regina Leader-Post. They would include the interview with an article they were running tomorrow on pet adoptions with PetSmart. I met all the staff and Gail gave me a tour of the shelter. Everyone was so nice. Gail even contacted the Humane Society in Moose Jaw for me so they knew I was coming. That was so helpful.

I'm glad to be able to visit with the shelters but it breaks my heart to see so many abandoned animals and I can't help but feel responsible that so many of them will die. I feel so guilty when I look at them. It hurts me that I have to walk away knowing what their fate is when we can change that for them if we just try.

Day 153 - Balgonie

2007-09-14T19:51:00.001-05:00

It was so cold again this morning. This kind of cooler/wet weather came sooner than I thought and I was a bit unprepared for it. I had left some stuff in Ottawa and didn't think I'd need warmer clothes before I hit the rockies. I'll have to do some shopping when I get to Regina. Today was much the same as yesterday, windy, wet and cold.

Day 152 - Indian Head

2007-09-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

It was starting to get much cooler now at night and I could smell winter coming in the morning air. There was even frost. I could see the dark skies a head of me and there was a strong head wind again today. I was just praying that there wasn't any rain in those clouds.

I went about ten miles and a camper truck stopped on the otherside of the highway going east and someone got out and shouted my name. It was Richard's Mom and Dad. Richard rollerbladed across Canada for cancer and they had driven the support vehicle for him and were on their way home. We crossed paths in the province of Quebec. I was happy they stopped but they were anxious to get home. Richard finished his trek last Saturday. Congratulations Richard!
It wasn't long and I ran into rain and it wasn't going to pass. I was wet and cold. I had my raingear on, some gloves but that didn't stop the chills. There was still a few miles to go to Indian Head and a wonderful person by the name of Penny rescued me out of the rain and brought me to the motel. I was grateful for that. I turned the heat on in my room but had to take a cool shower because of my poison oak. It was sooo itchy. I took more benadryl and covered myself in cream. I didn't sleep well that night.

Day 151 - Wolseley

2007-09-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day! It was cool, clear skies, a slight breeze and the temperature would go up to 20 c. It couldn't have been more perfect. I felt good running and was making really good time. Perry had left earlier today to pick up his son in Regina. On his way back he caught up with me just this side of Wolseley where he stopped and introduced me to his son. His sister was with him too and they took a couple of pictures. He then ran with me for a little bit. They were so nice.

I only had to go another mile and I stopped at the diner in front of the Wolseley Motel. The owner's name of that motel is also Perry. He's also a musician and sings country music. The name of his band is Backroad Cowboys...check them out! He too was very supportive.

Day 150 - Broadview

2007-09-10T19:33:00.000-05:00

I've also discovered that the prairie winds are much stronger than I am. The headwinds today were incredible. I must look pretty funny on the highway trying to push my way through the winds and getting blown around when trucks pass me. The winds just didn't let up. I made it as far as Broadview and stopped at the Sweet Dreams Motel where I met Perry. He was so supportive he was even going to run a bit with me tomorrow. I was looking forward to that.

Day 149 - Whitewood

2007-09-10T19:32:00.000-05:00

I've discovered that getting caught in the middle of a thunder storm on the prairies is not a good thing. There's no where to take cover.

When I left Moosomin the dark clouds seemed to be going east and I was going west so I thought the storm had passed over me. It was 48 km to Whitewood and the skies going that way were cloudy but they didn't look like rain clouds. There wasn't much between Moosomin and Whitewood except alot of fields. As I ran the dark clouds seemed to pass to the south and north of me. It wasn't until I got to about 18 miles and I could see the dark clouds starting to come together. It kind of reminded me of the movie Twister. I went a couple more miles and the black clouds were above me now and the thunder was unbelievable. It finally struck me that I was in the middle of no where and I was about to get poured on. I just prayed that it wouldn't hail. The only thing I could do was keep running. I didn't out run the rain but the good news was it didn't last too long. Just long enough for me to get soaked. My feet felt like they wre swimming in my shoes. I looked back at the skies and it was so eerie and black. There were still more clouds coming from the west and I hoped that I would make it to Moosomin before the next down pour. I changed my socks and kept going.

I passed more dead rabbits and birds today. I got rained on a few more times but I made it to Whitewood before the second heavy rainfall.

Day 148 - Moosomin

2007-09-10T19:31:00.000-05:00

I had to dress a bit warmer today cause it was quite a bit cooler in the morning. There were a few more hills and I ran through some construction. There in the distance was a beautiful site. A sign that said Welcome to Saskatchewan. I was very happy about that. The shoulders on the highway were much better, they were paved.

I got to Moosomin and headed straight for the pharmacy. I bought some benadryl and anti-itch cream. I took a cool shower and covered myself with the cream I had bought and that helped alot. Then I phoned my sister Chris, talking to her always inspires me. The benadryl had made me pretty drowsy so it wasn't long before I fell asleep.

Day 147 - Elkhorn

2007-09-10T19:29:00.000-05:00

I woke up on and off during the night trying not to scratch and cause the poison oak to spread. It had rained and the temperature dropped quite a bit. The wind had picked up. I went for breakfast and by the time I was done the clouds seemed to move out but there was a strong headwind.

Running wasn't helping my poison oak problem. I couldn't wait to get my clothes off. There was just more farmland to look at. I couldn't believe how many dead birds were on the road from being hit by a car. I finally reached Elkhorn. I showered and put more oil on and that brought me some relief. Tomorrow would be a better day.

Day 145/146 - Virden

2007-09-05T14:17:00.001-05:00

Day 1

The thunder and rain came through the night. It was still wet in the morning and threatening to rain again. I wanted to get everything together and move on. I was usually careful about bugs getting into my tent but I must of missed a spider cause my mid section was full of little bites. Before I was done William came back to chat some more before I left. He asked alot of questions and was very curious about my equipment and where I was going. He talked a bit about the work him and his buddies were doing and how he was anxious to get home. It was time to go so I told him it was nice chatting with him but I had to get moving. I wanted to try and beat the rain to Virden.

The sky was pretty grey and the road was wet from the rain. The shoulders along the highway were pretty bad. I was getting a lot of spray from the traffic. It was kinda drizzly. Some people waved. I didn't have much to eat last night or this morning so I was getting pretty hungry. I would need to pick up some more supplies in Virden.

There was about five miles left to get there and an rcmp car pulled over. He asked me how I was doing and what I was doing. He was concerned about my safety with the rain and everything. I told him I was heading to Virden and would stop there for the night. He thought that was OK.

As soon as I got to Virden I headed for the restaurant and had something to eat. It was a rainy miserable day and lots of head wind so I was happy to stop here. I went to the Virden Motel and met Robin. She loved animals and was very supportive of this cause. She didn't charge me for a room. She told me about her cat and her son wanting a dog to run with. She also fosters pets once in awhile.

Tomorrow I would be crossing over into the province of Saskatchewan.

Day 2

During the night I broke out with poison oak, head to toe. Between that and some spider bites I'm not a happy camper today. I decided to stay in Virden another day to see if they would settle down. I had some wild oregano oil that my friend Andree's Mom gave me when I was in Ottawa that seemed to help. God love her for that.

Day 144 - Oak Lake

2007-09-05T14:16:00.001-05:00

Before I left I called the Brandon Sun and CKLQ Radio. The Sun had just run a full front page article on Saturday for adopting pets. I thought that was great! I spoke with John at CKLQ and he would try to put something on the air for me.

It was a beautiful day for running. I passed horses out in the fields, they always looked at me as I went by. I came to a valley which had its own beauty. There was a young couple with a flat waiting for a tow. It didn't look like they had a spare.

There were lots of fields and farms but not much else. Thirty-two miles got me to Oak Lake. I stopped at the gas station for a drink and to find out if there were any campgrounds. Some young guys were working on an old car and decided to speed test it. There wasn't much in the way of accomodations. The motel had been condemed and there was no one at the B&B. There was a campground but it was just a patch of trees and no body running it. It worked on the honor system. There were a few trailers occupied by some construction workers. It was pretty much my only option. There was a storm coming and it was starting to get late. As I walked past one of the guys there he said you just pick a spot and put your tent up and I didn't have to worry about any of them that they were a good bunch of guys. I put up my tent and settled in for the night. I heard someone say 'Are you sleeping?' I got out of my tent and there was a native fellow curious about what I was doing here. He wanted to warn me about the bad weather that was coming tonight. I talked with him for a bit and then he left. The mosquitoes were biting. I could hear the guys laughing, I think they were playing poker. The park was close to the train tracks and some back roads. The train went by every hour. There was one car that kept speeding by up and down the road. Not sure why. I couldn't wait for daylight so I could pack up and leave.

Day 143 - Brandon

2007-09-03T23:03:00.002-05:00

The road to Brandon was uneventful. I passed fields of horses and cows. The trains kept me entertained for the most part. A police car passed me and both officers waved at me. The hardest part of the run was seeing a dead raccoon and her babies. They must have just been hit. I reached Brandon but it was labour day and pretty quiet.

Day 142 - Carberry

2007-09-03T23:03:00.001-05:00

It had been hot and muggy sleeping but the morning was cooler. It was going to be hot later in the day. There were a few more hills today. Lots of trains passed. At one point there was a train coming in both directions and I couldn't see that there were two tracks. It looked like they were going to hit but of course they didn't. I passed a deer that had been killed and the smell was horrible. It was a few days old. It was labour day weekend and not much traffic on the road. I thought about my family and what everyone was up to. I was a bit homesick today.

Day 141 - MacGregor

2007-09-01T14:51:00.001-05:00

Just a little past ten miles and I stopped at a side road to change my socks. There was a little red car parked off to the side. It looked like it was full of stuff. I could see some feet up against the passenger window. It was an odd time of day for someone to be sleeping and it was hot. I shouted a few times to see if everything was OK and there was no movement. I blew my whistle a few times and still there was no movement. I thought to myself I hope there's nothing wrong cause its out in the middle of no where. I whistled again and finally a head popped up. Someone was just sleeping. As I got a little ways down the road I saw an RCMP vehicle pull up behind her. Someone must have called it in.

Today was so hot. With the humidity it was in the high 30s. I hadn't felt this kind of heat since Ottawa. The air was so think it made breathing more difficult.

Day 140 - Portage La Prairie

2007-09-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

The road was pretty flat and straight running today. It was a beautiful sunny day and no wind. Linda had made me a great breakfast so I had lots of energy and felt good. At one point I passed some guys working on a highway sign and they all waved and asked me where I was going. I always get a chuckle out of their reactions.

While I was running I thought about my sister travelling to Ottawa to bring her daughter to university. They would get her settled in and visit with my parents for a bit before they left. It felt a bit odd that they would be there and I wasn't.

I was happy to reach Portage La Prairie but when I called my sister she had some bad news. Her mother-in-law passed away. She had been sick for awhile. She was a wonderful lady. I was a bit sad that I was going to miss the service for her and couldn't be there to support my sister and her family. My prayers are with them.

Day 139 - Elie

2007-09-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

There were two other travellers in my room. Angela from the States visiting friends and Dunja from Switzerland also visiting friends. It was interesting to hear about their journeys. I tried to be quiet when I got up. I went downstairs for breakfast and when I came back they were both awake. I left the hostel and headed down Portage Ave.

Last night I had done my laundry at a local laundramat. I must have went to the wrong one cause this one had some pretty rough characters in and out of the building. After I put my clothes in the wash I went to grab some snacks and the guy at the cashier was talking about some problems they had with robberies. I couldn't wait for my laundry to be done and get out of there. But while I was there I found the names of two animal rescue shelters that were on Portage Ave. I would stop on my way out.

I reached Darcy's A.R.C (animal rescue centre) first. I thought that was such a great name for a shelter. Unfortunately he wasn't there but I met Darlene, Karen and Brenda. Darlene gave me a tour and took some pictures. In five years they have managed to save 5,000 abandoned animals. Truly a success story. A little further down the road I stopped in at the Winnipeg Animal Rescue shelter and met Kim. I was glad I was able to meet them before I left Winnipeg.

I got about ten miles past Winnipeg and the winds started to pick up. There were alot of fields and flat roads. twenty-seven miles got me to Elie, just a little town off the highway. There was nothing there except a gas station/restaurant. They told me about a B & B just over the tracks and near the church called L'Auberge Clemence. I thought I'd check it out and I'm glad I did. I met the owners Linda and Jean who converted an old convent into a B&B. Two of the most wonderful people you will ever meet. They did an amazing job and as soon as you walked in you could sense the history and felt like you'd never want to leave. There was so much personality it was hard to believe this little town had such a historical place. I listened to Linda tell me their story with such awe. Both Linda and Jean are animal lovers. Linda told me how Jean had even helped a rat cross a street one time. But the story of their cat and dog is remarkable. Their cats name is Wobbles and their dogs name is Naddy. When Wobbles was a kitten she was attacked by a tomcat and her back legs were paralized. She was a mess and wasn't expected to live. Naddy nursed Wobbles for over a month, nudging her to get up and walk. After about a month she finally walked. She gets her name cause she wobbles when she walks. The dog and cat have been sleeping together ever since. I couldn't believe it. Linda and Jean fed me and gave me a bed and didn't ask for a penny. They even offered to let me stay another day if I needed it. Every day I am amazed at peoples kindness and generosity.

Day 138 - Winnipeg

2007-08-29T16:52:00.000-05:00

Today was such a wonderful day I had to give it its own page.

I got in touch with Aileen who is the Manager of Public Relations for the Winnipeg Humane Society. I was planning to stop by at noon today and she proceeded to tell me that today at noon SHAW tv would be there covering a story on adoptions and my timing was good and come on down. After I got off the phone with her I couldn't wait to meet them all. I was so encouraged by our conversation.

I hopped on the bus and got there just before noon. Aileen met me outside and took me in to meet everyone. It was one of the friendliest welcomes I've had. Aileen introduced me to Vickie, Bill and most of their staff. They were so friendly and cheerful. I met Joanne from SHAW who would be doing the interview. We had Buster, a mix german sheppard/husky, who was up for adoption join us for the interview. He was so playful and even knocked Joanne off her feet. It was so much fun doing that. After that Bill took me for a tour of their facility and meet the shelter pets. He even shared their plans and construction for the new building that should be ready at the end of October. I'll have to come back for another visit. It was so wonderful meeting everyone their. I loved hearing about the amazing efforts they do to spay and neuter pets. Some of the staff make spay & neutering accessible to people who can't get to clinics. Isn't that wonderful! They gave me a fleece sweater for the cold nights to take with me and they even took up a collection to help pay for my new running shoes. And if that wasn't enough Aileen drove me to the Canadian Footwear store so I wouldn't have to walk! She's also going to help get in touch with some of the shelters ahead of me. They are doing wonderful things in Winnipeg for our companion friends and I am grateful for their kindness and memorable visit with them. My stay in Winnipeg has been both positive and encouraging.

Day 137 - Winnipeg

2007-08-29T15:10:00.002-05:00

I woke up feeling so encouraged today. Everyday was a gift now. Todays gift would be reaching Winnipeg. Before I hit the road I made several attempts to reach the Winnipeg media. I spoke with Jason from the Winnipeg Free Press and he asked me to call when I got to Winnipeg and he would try to send out a photographer. The others I would keep trying when I could get to a phone.

The night before I had tried to reach some friends of the family but there was no answer. I had been trying for a few days. Plan B was to stay at the Winnipeg Hostel. I made reservations for tonight and tomorrow night. My goal in Winnipeg was to contact and visit the Winnipeg Humane Society and I also needed a second pair of Etonic running shoes before I left the city.

I watched the traffic pass me and I couldn't help but smile and wave. Even if they didn't wave back it didn't matter today. I was happy that I would be in Winnipeg tonight. I was looking forward to whatever was going to happen. I had been so deep in thought that I just realized there weren't many trees but lots of open fields. Twenty-two miles later and I could faintly start to see the taller buildings of downtown Winnipeg in the distance. They'd dissappear for a bit and then I could see them again. As I got closer I thought how awesome it was to know I could almost touch those buildings and to think I almost quit in Ignace. Today I was ever so glad I didn't.

I stopped at the Petro/A&W and called Jason. I still had a few miles to go and he would send a photographer to meet up with me. I went a few more miles and came to the Welcome to Winnipeg sign. It was a beautiful sight and there was such a feeling of excitement that came over me. I went a little further and in the distance I saw a truck pulled over. It was Boris from the Winnipeg Free Press and he had taken some pictures. It was surely a pleasure meeting him. He called Michell, a reporter for the Free Press and I would call her once I settled into the Hostel. Boris was very kind and dropped me off there.

I met Tanner at the desk who registered me for two nights. She was so supportive that she paid for my second night and only charged me the member rate for tonight. She was so helpful in finding information for me about the Humane Society, shoe stores, the library and laundry facilities. I settled into my room and then called Michelle who was wonderful to talk to. They would publish the article in tomorrows paper.

I took a shower and chatted with my new room-mate Angela for a bit. I went for something to eat and then organized my schedule for tomorrow. My first priority was to get in contact with the humane society and find a second pair of shoes. I spoke with my sister Chris for a bit and then fell asleep looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 136 - Richer

2007-08-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

WoW!! What an incredible thunder and lightning storm. It was like having my own personal light show in my tent. And the rain and the wind! I couldn't believe it. I was lying in my tent, cause thats all the room there is, laughing and thinking if it was possible for the tent to blow away with me in it. I went over the design in my mind and the way that the tent is made is its impossible for it to blow apart unless it rips or the pegs come out. I had no plan on what to do if the cover blew off. That made me laugh even harder. The storm finally calmed after about an hour. Everything was still in tacked and inside I was still dry. We survived the night but packing up was a little wet.

I had breakfast at the camp restaurant and the weather was a big topic for discussion. I met Jim and Karen who were from the States and just stopped for something to eat. They were huge animal lovers and it was wonderful talking with them. We shared similar views and stories and that motivated me today. They had left and when I went to pay for my breakfast the owner informed me they had paid for my breakfast. I didn't get the opportunity to thank them for that.

Today I wanted to get as far as Richer so that I could make it to Winnipeg in four days. That meant running 31 miles. I was starting to get use to longer runs and with the flatter roads I felt strong enough to make it. Being in another province and the thought of beiing in Winnipeg soon helped pick my spirits up and I felt better physically and mentally.

I got to Richer and the campground was too far off the highway. Not many options. There was one motel with four rooms. I stayed there for the night.

Day 135 - Prawda

2007-08-29T15:09:00.002-05:00

When the morning came I couldn't pack up quick enough. I stopped at the local cafe for breakfast and then I was gone again. The highway was getting much flatter and this was good for me. After I passed Falcon Lake the scenery changed drastically and there wasn't much to look at but flat straight road.

While I was running today I thought about my nephew Peter who just lost one of his cats. Some kids bashed its head in and it made its way home to die. How sick is that! And I thought about my niece Melissa who is battling with her neighbors because they leave their puppy on the balcony for hours without shelter even in 30 celcius weather. Whats wrong with these people?

I made it to the Pine Tree Campground just before Prawda and camped there for the night. There wasn't many people there so I knew it was going to be a much quieter night. Well, at least I thought it would be!

Day 134 - West Hawk Lake

2007-08-29T15:09:00.001-05:00

Carol dropped me off in the morning and sent me on my way with a few treats. She took a few more pictures. As I left I felt like I was leaving a friend behind, Gidget #1.

I passed a few joggers on my way out. There was beautiful scenery to keep me from thinking about the time. I especially liked the Clearwater Bay area. It was Saturday and there were people out on the lake. It was a sunny and warm day and there were lots of hills. I passed a couple of cyclists.

I had run about twenty miles and soon I would be out of Ontario and into Manitoba. The thought of that was getting exciting. Before I got to the border I ran passed a couple of OPP cars with their radar guns and said hello, they said hello back. A little further I passed a deer on the side that had been recently hit by a car.

Finally after thirty miles of running I saw the signs for the Welcome Centre. I couldn't believe I was leaving the province of Ontario and entering Manitoba. I clinched my fists and did my own little happy dance on the highway. I don't think anyone was looking except the big guy. I made a stop at the Manitoba Info Centre and they told me the campground was just a few miles ahead. While I was there I met two young boys riding their bikes who signed my flag. I also met a WW2 vet who I chatted with for a bit. He's 87 and it was so interesting to hear him speak about his life. He was on his way to Timmins and he wished me all the best.

I made it to West Hawk Lake and met a couple of woman at the store who were very supportive. When I got to the campground they were already pretty full. The first spot they gave me was on a hill so I asked to be moved. All was fine until my neighbors arrived. Three young woman next to me and three young guys next to them and they were in a party mood. I'm glad I liked the music they were playing but I didn't get much sleep but I didn't care much cause I was finally in Manitoba.

Day 132/133 - Kenora

2007-08-24T13:04:00.001-05:00

After Lawrence dropped me off I tried getting a hold of Carol in Kenora who is a friend of the family. There was no answer. It was getting late so I stayed at the LakeVu Motel. It had been a draining day both physically and mentally. In the morning I tried calling Carol again and this time she was home. She picked me up and I stayed with her and her dog Katie for a day. She helped me get a few things done. I also had the opportunity to meet her two daughters and granddaughter. She took some pictures. I had stopped in at the Kenora Humane Society and met a few of the staff there. Its just a small place with just a few volunteers. Kenora is a beautiful little town with the harbour and all the hills.

Day 131 - Stuart Lake

2007-08-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Gidget #2

The new wheels on Gidget started out working great and appeared to be the solution but then gradually the axles started to bend causing the wheels to rub against her frame. The weight was proving to be too much for the custom wheels. There were more hills in this area and it got to the point where it was like trying to push a heavy rock. There was too much resistance to push her anymore. It felt like dragging a piano.

I made it to Stuart Lake where there was a Can Op restaurant, about 35 miles east of Kenora. This would be the end of the road for Gidget #1. I met Lawrence who took me and Gidget #1 to The Hardware Company bike store in Kenora to see if we could get her fixed. The best they could do was try and bend the axles back and switch the wheels around and hope that the same problem wouldn't re-occur. They had one running stroller in the store called 'The Chariot'. As soon as I saw it I knew that was the better option. The Chariot became Gidget #2. The store gave me a discount and two new tubes. It was hard to leave Gidget #1 but she had brought me this far and did her time. Gidget #2 will have to get me the rest of the way.

Day 130 - Vermilion Bay

2007-08-24T13:02:00.000-05:00

Before I left Dryden I had to stop at the license bureau to renew my drivers license that had expired oddly enough in July and not in January. It meant getting a later start.

Todays destination was 43 km to Vermilion Bay. The scenery was good and more communities. It didn't feel so isolated and it was warm and sunny. My pit stop was at the sheep farm which is a popular tourist site. There's an animal farm and a neat gift shop.

Todays run didn't seem so long and it was more encouraging. As I approached Vermilion Bay an OPP car was heading east and as he passed me he put on his siron. I thought that was pretty cool and made me smile. I stopped at the Village Corner store and a man was interested in my running until I told him it was in support of animals. He just shook his head and then walked away. I find that dissappointing.

I bought a few things and then stopped at the Northside RV park for the night.

Day 129 - Dryden

2007-08-21T21:02:00.000-05:00

Not much sleep again last night. It thundered and rained all night. The train passed several times during the night and there was some sort of construction going on in the distance through the night and I could hear the beeping sound of a truck backing up. It was still raining in the morning and everything was soaked but it didn't matter cause I had Dryden in my sights today.

I stopped at the Can Op restaurant on my way out for breakfast. There was a family of five sitting there and could relate to how drenched I was cause they had camped out in a tent last night as well and got soaked. They told me about there vacation experiences whale watching and were interested in my experiences. It was nice talking with them.

The scenery to Dryden was much better. It had rained all the way there. I was so glad to get to Dryden and in a community again. I stopped at the Tim Horton's for a coffee. Tonight I would stay at a motel and dry things out. I spoke with Josh from the Dryden Observer and he did an interview.

It was nice to be dry and warm. I was relieved to be here.

Day 128 - Wabigoon Lake

2007-08-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many times I tossed and turned last night but I know it was a lot. It seemed like there were cars coming and going all night but I haven't been sleeping well lately anyway.

I can't remember the artist or all the words but I've been singing this happy tune in the morning;
Good morning morning, hello sunshine, wakeup sleepy headJust one more minute, maybe a snooze or twoI'll make the breakfast and then make the bedI love getting up as much as I love singing to youShine on me sunshine walk with me world its a beautiful beautiful dayI'm the happiest I can be in the whole world today

First I put on my bug jacket cause I'm trying not to encourage the mosquitos eating me for breakfast. I took it off once I got to the highway. There were more horse flies on the road in this area today. They were annoying and big. Today was long. I stopped at the picnic areas for pit stops. When I reached Borups Corner it felt like going through a ghost town. The few buildings that were there were boarded up. When I reached the junction for Sioux Lookout there were some houses but no services. I knew there was a campground about four miles ahead so I kept going. Finally after thirty-eight and a half miles I got to Wabigoon Lake park. The people there were really nice. Before I had a chance to put on my bug jacket I had already been bitten several times. Elain, the owner, gave me some tomatoes and cucumber from her garden. I took a shower and washed some clothes. The weather forecast wasn't looking very good. Thunder showers for the next few days.

Day 127 - Cobblestone Lodge

2007-08-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

A mental health day was just what I needed. I made several phone calls, rested and did a lot of thinking. Everything looked better today.

I had a plan and reaching Dryden didn't seem as difficult. The mental challenge was more difficult than the physical challenge though. I tried to keep my thoughts positive and not pay too much attention to the stretches of nothing. Today I went as far as Cobblestone Lodge (hunting & fishing). It was a couple of km off the highway but a good place to stop for the night. When I came up to it there were four hunters waiting for their ride. They read my t-shirt and just looked at me. I chatted with them for a bit and they were friendly. I went inside and registered. I put my tent up and took a shower. Most of the fishermen and hunters would be back later. They all stayed in the lodge. I was in an area by myself. It was pretty quiet and lots of mosquitos. An older couple and their dog pulled up in an RV a bit later. I chatted with them briefly and then settled into my tent for the night. I couldn't wait to get going in the morning.

Day 125/126 - Ignace

2007-08-17T19:11:00.003-05:00

It had rained off and on during the night. It was much colder and windy. I had heard the construction workers partying from across the water and the hunters getting in late.

The morning was cold and damp. I couldn't hold going to the washroom any longer. After telling myself a hundred times to get up I finally got out of my sleeping bag. The restaurant was open by the time I packed up my stuff so I went for a good breakfast. I would need it today. I was getting the oddest looks from people coming in and out.

Once I got going I had to try to think one mile at a time so that the distance wouldn't get overwhelming. I was feeling a little panicked and so I started singing songs to Gidget again. I've been changing the words to a number of songs to help pass the time.

Wheels on Gidget go round and round, round and round, round and round.
Wheels on Gidget go round and round so early in the morning.

Today has been one of the hardest days mentally I've had to get through. I ran thirty five miles to get to Ignace and it was only going to get worse before it got better past Ignace. 110 km to Dryden and not much in between.

I went to the Davy Lake Campground and setup my tent. I phoned my sister Angel to let her know where I was. I was so tired and hungry and so close to quitting. The thought of the next few days was discouraging. I needed some encouragement. I talked to the owner of the campground and mapped out a new route. There were some options. I would take a moral boosting day and then head out the following day. I wasn't ready to quit yet!

Day 124 - English River

2007-08-17T19:11:00.001-05:00

It had been a rainy, windy and miserable night so I was glad I stayed in a motel room. It was a cold morning but the sun was out.

Mile one and two warmed me up. There was a strong head wind today.
Mile five meant I was halfway to ten.
Mile ten and I was one thirds done.
Mile fifteen meant I was halfway to my destination.
Mile twenty and I was two thirds done.
Mile twenty-five meant there were only seven miles left to go.
Mile twenty-nine meant I was closing in on mile thirty.
Finally the sign English River.

On my way a truck driver stopped to chat with me cause he had seen me so many times he wanted to know what I was doing. He shook my hand. I passed through some construction and got the weirdest looks.

The only thing in English River is a restaurant and hunting lodge, full of bear hunters. The motel was bought out and used by the construction people. The next town was thirty-five miles away. They let me put my tent up around back under some trees. I wasn't worried about bears with all these hunters around.

When I went inside for something to eat some people were talking about someone who had got hit and killed by a truck early this morning while crossing the highway out front. I called my sister to let her know where I was and that it wasn't me who got hit.

Today was such a long run and such a remote area. I thought I was finished with isolation stretches of highway. Tomorrow will be much the same. Nothing for thirty-five miles.

Day 123 - Upsula

2007-08-17T19:10:00.000-05:00

The day had to come when I would be too far for my sisters to help me anymore. This was the day. We had to get up pretty early again. This time I had Gidget and all of my stuff with me. We tried to talk about the time we had together and not about the fact that she wouldn't be coming back to pick me up tonight. It was thirty miles to Upsula and I would be out of range. We got to Raith and Chris waited a few minutes while I loaded up Gidget but then she had to go. She honked her horn and I waved until she was out of site. I couldn't hold back the tears. I was just standing there on the highway crying and wishing she would turn around and come back and get me. Everything felt Ok as long as they were around and now the thought of being alone again was almost enough to make me want to pack it in.

There were clouds ahead of me and rain coming so if I was going to make it to Upsula I had to get moving. Once I started running my thoughts turned to Gidget. I wasn't totally alone cause I had my running buddy Gidget and she had new wheels. It was much easier to push her now. Tylar had done a good job fixing her up. I thought about how much my sisters had done for me. I went to Marie's office and met some of the people she works with. One person I met, Rose, had a baby bird in her office that had been rescued and she didn't know if it would survive. Marie and John had assisted me with the campgrounds along the way. If Marie hadn't made the doctor's appointment for me I wouldn't have discovered these Etonic shoes which are helping my feet. I met the people in Chris's office and they are so nice and good to my sister. Both my sisters did so much for me I can't thank them enough. I miss them but they've given me lots to take with me.
I went about ten miles and it started to rain. I was getting drenched by the trucks going by. But even more annoying was having to constantly take pebbles out of my shoes. I passed a dead moose on the side of the road and the smell was horrible. It was hard to stay motivated today. I went another ten miles and it was still raining. At least there wasn't many hills today.

Everything was wet and it was still raining when I got to Upsula. I took a motel room and met a cyclist who was also staying there. He was going east and halfway through his trip. I was able to talk to him about the western routes. I'll have some decisions to make before I get to Alberta on which route would be best for me.

For now I can only think about tomorrow and making it as far as English River. I ask God for his strength cause I can't make it alone.

Day 122 - Raith

2007-08-14T09:03:00.001-05:00

Chris had to drop me off before work so it was an early morning. It was still dark. We stopped at Tim Horton's for a coffee on our way back out. By the time we reached the community centre it was light out but cool. She wouldn't beable to pick me up until after work.

I went about seven miles and stopped at the restaurant in Shabaqua. I phoned my younger sister Angel in Montreal and found out my Mom's older sister had died so I gave my Mom a call. She was OK but she also had a brother who's recovering from heart surgery and another sister with cancer, who I visited at the Tamarack House in Thunder Bay. It was a difficult time for them. It reminded me how precious life is.

I also met a cyclist at the restaurant having breakfast. He was going east. We had a good chat. There were more hills today and I was running into the winds. Once again I was happy to see my sister arrive in Raith. Again she brought me a drink and snack. Tonight would be the last night I would be able to stay with her. I tried not to think about that.

Day 121 - Sunshine

2007-08-14T09:02:00.001-05:00

I started from River St. and turned up Red River Rd. which turned into Highway 102. My destination was 27.5 miles to the community centre just on the other side of Sunshine. My sister Chris would pick me up there after work.

It was cooler today and just a few rolling hills. I made a pit stop at the Wildwood Variety Store and met Anne and Cindy. They were so friendly and supportive. I also passed a bit of construction and the workers just kinda look at me like I'm from another world or something. I guess running across the country without a support vehicle might seem a bit crazy. There wasn't much in Sunshine except a few houses. I got to the community centre but it was closed. I had just finished stretching and my sister pulled up. I was glad to see her. She brought me a drink and snack which was great cause I had run out of water. I was looking forward to spending the evening with my sister cause in a couple of days I would be out of range.

Today seemed anti-climatic compared to running to the Terry Fox Lookout. I was running through some stiffness from not having run for a couple of days. My new Etonic shoes were helping and I was happy about that.

Day 118/120 - Thunder Bay

2007-08-10T14:30:00.000-05:00

I had such a wonderful sleep last night. It had been such a great day.

Today I dropped my sister Chris off at work and then I went to BioPad where Mark assessed my feet. The good news was with some minor adjustments we could help fix some of the stress I was feeling in my feet.

After I left BioPad I went over to Animal Services and met the staff there. They gave me a tour of their wonderful facility and I met some of the shelter animals. They were all so friendly.

The next two days would be the last of my much needed rest days and getting ready for the second half of the country. I would be back on the road again Monday heading west. I may even have some more people running with me on Monday. That would be great!

Day 117 - Terry Fox Lookout

2007-08-10T14:21:00.000-05:00

I couldn't believe I was going to be at the Terry Fox Lookout later today. It was even harder to believe that its been three and a half months since I left St. John's NL and I had run halfway across the country. Wow! It feels like a dream. I've met so many wonderful people along the way and so many unselfish people that have helped me get this far. Wow! I wish they could all be with me today, not just in spirit. The more I thought about it the faster my heart went. I was excited and nervous at the same time and my feet kept trying to keep pace with my heart. I looked over at Tylar riding his bike beside me and I couldn't be more proud of him than I am at this moment for him wanting to be a part of this and for his compassion at a young age. I was so happy he was with me. It was a beautiful day. I forgot all about any aches and pains I had. I was anxious to get to LakeShore Drive and meet up with the people from New Hope Rescue at the LakeView Lodge.

Tylar and I made our way through some construction and just a few hills. We had some pretty motivating conversations about how you can never go wrong doing the right things. We saw a deer but not much else. Before long we were on Lakeshore Drive and got to the Lodge first. It wasn't long though and everyone arrived. We met Valerie, Cindy and Susan. They brought their dog Cone, a beautiful Husky, to run with us. Their other dog Lillie road in the truck with Cindy. Valerie and Susan carried a banner they had made and we were off and running. Not far down the road Janie and her dog Sam joined us. It was so much fun having them with me. Sam and Cone ran with us as far as the highway and then joined us again at the top of the hill. The hill to the lookout was one hill I didn't mind climbing. The feeling was almost overwhelming. I had to pinch myself. I was really here.

We got to the monument and Kristi from TB News was waiting for us. She was terrific and it was great knowing TB News would show their coverage on the 6pm and 11pm news and reach out to more people. The whole day had been amazing and ended on a high note. It all seemed so surreal.

After Kristi left we went to Valerie's sisters place for pizza and drinks. Susan was very kind and drove Tylar and I to my sisters. They had been so terrific and I can't thank them enough for everything they've done. This trully was a memorable day.

Tomorrow I would meet up with them again at Animal Services and take a couple of rest days before heading west to Vancouver.

Day 116 - Pearl

2007-08-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

My nephew Tylar was able to bike with me again today but only as far as Dorion, 13 miles. He was going into Thunder Bay with his Dad to hunt down some bolts for the new wheels he was going to put on Gidget. He's such a great kid. His Dad brought some water so I filled up.

It was a warmer day today and after Tylar left I missed him. I was getting use to having him on the road with me and I enjoyed his company. He's going to be with me tomorrow to run to the Terry Fox Lookout so I'm happy about that.

There was more traffic on the highway today. Had a couple of cars passing another car with no warning and they come very close. I can almost feel them brushing my arm but its from the wind they generate. I wish they would honk or something for a warning. It was relatively flat and better for running. I didn't have Gidget again today, she's still resting, so that was helping. My feet and legs were a little stiff from not running for a few days. Passed a couple of cyclists, a few trains and saw a couple of cranes in the water.

Just passed Pearl my sister Marie picked me up. She brought me a cold drink which was great cause I had run out of water. She told me she met some people that I met at Bruce Mines campground. They were in the area and hoping to catchup with me. I had asked them to stop at my sisters and visit if they had the chance. I'm hoping I'll see them on the highway tomorrow. They are wonderful people and I would love to see them again.

This would be the last night I stay at Marie's house because tomorrow I would be in Thunder Bay for the next few days and staying with my other sister Chris before I'm out of range for both of them. I was looking forward to reaching the Terry Fox Lookout.

I spent some time on the phone in the morning trying to contact the media in Thunder Bay to let them know that I would be getting to the Terry Fox Lookout Thursday afternoon and some people from the NewHopeRescue Shelter of Thunder Bay would be running with me. Between my sister and I we had some success with the radio stations but The Chronicle Journal wasn't interested in putting an article in their paper. I found it dissappointing that they didn't think saving lives was important.

Three Days Rest

2007-08-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

Rest, doctors appointment

Day 112 - Red Rock

2007-08-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

Today was a 27 mile run passed Nipigon, passed Red Rock and to my sisters house just off the highway.

We started with 27km to Nipigon where my two sisters met us for a pit stop. We then went the rest of the way right to my sisters door. It was a great feeling to have gone this far and I now had Thunder Bay in my sights.

Day 111 - Nipigon

2007-08-03T18:02:00.000-05:00

Having my nephew Tylar bike with me was very special. It was great having him with me while I was running. The time passed alot faster and it was fun chatting with him. He took my mind off my throbbing feet. We made a pit stop at Gravel River and before I knew it my sister was picking us up about 27km this side of Nipigon. My sister had arranged the Nipigon Gazette to do an interview. They were great! They would also forward it to Terrace Bay.

Tomorrow Tylar would bike with me again. I was happy about that.

Day 110 - Rossport

2007-08-02T19:41:00.003-05:00

Marie took me back to Terrace Bay on her way to work and would pick me up later in Rossport. It was great not having Gidget to push through these hills. I knew I was going to have a much better day today already.

I met a couple of cyclists who told me about their encounter with a bear last night this side of Nipigon where they were trying to camp. I made a note of not stopping in that area.

It was a sunny day but not too hot. I had another blister developing on my baby toe. I think I had blisters on top of blisters. I would run for the next couple of days until I reached Red Rock and then would rest my feet for a couple of days.

I made better time today and reached Rossport. I waited near the picnic area until Marie picked me up. She had made a doctor's appointment for me to look at my feet. She also let me know that my nephew Tylar would bike with me tomorrow. I was so looking forward to that.

Day 109 - Terrace Bay

2007-08-02T19:41:00.001-05:00

On my way out of Neys park I met Bob Lewis and his wife Leah Anne. They gave me a ride to the highway and I had breakfast with them and they took a few pictures. Bob is walking east and I was fortunate enough to meet up with him. Our goals have a lot of simalarities.

Today was a cooler day and there were more hills. I had met a couple more cyclists and saw a deer run across the highway. I stopped at Jackfish Lake motel and called my sister to arrange picking me up near Terrace Bay later. I was so excited.

I had gone about 30 miles and was about three miles from Terrace Bay when a car pulled up. It was my sister Marie and her son Tylar. I was sooo happy to see them and at the same time I couldn't believe it. It was so nice to be with them. We weren't at their place very long and my nephew Tylar was busy fixing up Gidget. He had his tools out and plans to re-enforce her frame and put bigger wheels on. She was in great hands.

It was such a relief knowing I would be staying with my sisters while I was passing through this area. I felt like I could relax a bit now.

Day 108 - Neys

2007-08-02T19:40:00.001-05:00

I got up early enough to call the local radio station, CFNO. They did a great interview and played it that morning. While I was having breakfast before I left the TravelLodge, I met a few more people who were very supportive. Everyone signed my flag including the owner. They had been so friendly.

Today was another hot day and for the first time I wasn't feeling very well. I had an upset stomach. I thought it might have been from the heat or maybe some water I drank. It was slow going and I made a few more pit stops than usual. The were lots of hills and blackflies and the hills weren't getting any easier. My feet were killing me and I was getting tired.

I reached Neys Provincial Park and stopped there. Temperatures were above 30 C and too hot to continue with the humidity. The staff at the park were great. It was 3 km to the gate and another few km to my campsite. They drove both Gidget and I to the campsite. They didn't charge me for camping there. My sister Marie had arranged my stay there beforehand. What a great sister!

Day 107 - Marathon

2007-08-02T19:39:00.002-05:00

I didn't have the best sleep last night. I tossed and turned all night. I had a good start to my day though. I went to the restaurant for breakfast and the two biologists I had met the night before were there. I enjoyed chatting with them and the food was great.

It was another hot day. There were less hills until I got to Marathon. About three miles before the exit to Marathon was the Info Centre. It was at the top of a very steep long hill. It probably seemed worse than it was because I had just run 29 miles and getting tired. I made it to the top and drank two cold pops from their macine and then ran three more miles to the TravelLodge Inn at the exit to Marathon. The owner there was really great and gave me a good discount on a room. I had phoned my sister from the Info Centre and a friend of hers came out to meet me at the TravelLodge to make sure I was OK. It was great meeting her. I settled into my room and tried not to think too far ahead but in two days I will be in Terrace Bay and my sister will beable to pick me up there. I couldn't wait.

Day 106 - Dunc Lake

2007-08-02T19:39:00.001-05:00

I had a restless sleep that night. All of us that had camped at the Info Centre chatted a bit while we were packing up. Before I left White River I had breakfast at the restaurant and picked up some supplies at the store. There were alot of cyclists today passing through White River going east.

The distance from White River to Marathon was 88km or two days. I told myself I had to keep going. Half a mile up the road White River was now out of my sight. I passed a number of cyclists for awhile but then that stopped. Almost halfway to Marathon I came across Dunc Lake Lodge. It was a great spot to camp for the night. There was a restaurant and gas station. That meant food and water. I met the owners and they let me put up my tent next to the cabins out back. I took and shower and went for something to eat. Before I headed for my tent I met a couple of biologists who had just arrived and would be working in the area. It was interesting talking with them.

It was a quiet night other than some campers pulling up to a cabin after dark. There headlights lit up my tent. I had put Gidget and most of my stuff in the shower building which would keep things dry. This gave me a little more sleeping room in my tent. Tomorrow would be a long run to Marathon but the thought of getting there motivated me.

Day 105 - White River

2007-08-02T19:38:00.000-05:00

It didn't rain that night but you would think it did judging by the dampness. Everything was wet. I got up and went inside the station to use the washroom and had a coffee. I put everything into the sun to give stuff a chance to dry before I packed up. The bugs were really bad.

I don't think I was mentally prepared for yesterday and today. For some reason I think I thought the worst would be over once I reached Wawa. It feels like I'm climbing a mountain everyday and having to get up and do it all over again the next day. I have to ask myself every morning if it was in me. I kept telling myself I could do it. I believe in what I'm doing.

It was hot again today and more hills. It was up and down, up and down, up and down. I was going through socks so much I was getting worried I didn't have enough. I met up with two more cyclists and they told me there was no campgrouond in White River but the Information Centre would let me put my tent up there and I would be able to take a shower at the Husky Truck stop. I was anxious to get there.

I finally reached White River and let out a sigh of relief. Today seemed to take forever to get through. I stopped for something to eat and had a shower at the Husky. They also had coin laundry so I washed some clothes. While I was waiting I met a truck driver doing his laundry and we had some great conversations. He wished me luck.

I went over to the Info Centre and setup my tent beside a very nice couple also camped there, Jesse and Josette. They invited me to join them for something to eat. They were very kind and thought what I was doing was a great cause.

Before I went to sleep I went over to the restaurant to make some calls and use the washroom. I was relieved to be in White River. Each day I really didn't know what to expect. I would just take it one day at a time. It didn't take me long to fall asleep.

Day 104 - Obatanga Boundary

2007-07-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

It rained over night in Wawa and into the morning. It was close to 11am before I would head out. On my way by the big goose I took a picture for a family on vacation for them. I remembered doing that with my family when we were growing up.

Before I got on the highway an OPP officer stopped me and told me my sister was worried cause she hadn't heard from me and she asked them to check my where abouts. I felt so bad. We had a bit of a communication breakdown in Wawa. The officer was great and even gave me some headsup about what was between Wawa and White River. Pretty much nothing but about 30 miles was a lodge he thought was open if I could make it that far and they would probably let me put my tent up there. That would be my target. The Obatanga Provincial Park campground was closer to White River and would be too far.

Once we got things straightened out I was on my way. From the top of the hill looking out onto the highway I would start with a downhill stretch and then it would be a bit of a climb for a bit. It was 98 km to White River and nothing but bush between me and the next town. I wanted to do it in two days and felt good about reaching the lodge by this evening. My confidence was building having made it this far and I was getting anxious to get to Nipigon and Red Rock where my two sisters live.

I passed a couple of more cyclists and got through the hills. There it was. A sign for the Halfway Lodge. I was praying that it was open and sure enough it was. The owner had no problem with me setting up my tent. He told me about a bear that had been hit crossing the highway two nights ago. He let me store my food in his truck over night.

Day 103 - Wawa

2007-07-27T09:40:00.001-05:00

Adversity brings about perseverance; perseverance brings about character; character brings about hope and hope does not dissappoint.

I tell myself this all the time. Every mile, every hill, every step. Even if I have to climb all the way to Wawa, I will. I will because even if I don't make it, at least I will have tried.

It was so hot today. I passed a few more cyclists. I got to the Michipicoten River and decided to jump in. It only went to below my knees but it was cold. I lied on my back and let the water carry me a bit and then did it again, and again. It cooled off my burning feet. A couple of people passed me in a canoe and waved. Once I was refreshed I crossed the bridge and it wasn't too far that I started to see advertising signs. That usually meant I was within 10 miles or less of something. Wawa was just ahead. I started to get excited about getting there. Once I saw the services on the highway I started to run a little faster. It was that feeling you get when you lose something and it finally turns up after hours of searching. Its a good feeling.

As I usually did, I stopped at the Information Centre to get info about the area. I met a couple of people who had seen me on the highway during their travels and they asked me how I was doing. It was great talking with people again. It hadn't been that long but it felt like it.

Day 102 - Rabbit Blanket Lake

2007-07-27T09:39:00.002-05:00

I had a really good sleep last night. It was so quiet and peaceful. This morning I was able to soak my feet in cold water and then massage them. I had to wear my bug jacket and pants though because the black flies and mosquitos were so bad. I think they thought I was breakfast. It was already sooo hot by the time I was on the highway.

I started with a mile long climb up a pretty steep hill. I was glad to get it out of the way early except there were more to come. It felt like a constant climb. After a few miles I was soaked with sweat and had to change socks more frequently. I passed a couple more cyclists. Again I was on the lookout for moose but didn't see any.

It felt hotter and longer running today cause of the heat and hills but also I wasn't near the water anymore. I was heading into the Lake Superior Park and surrounded by alot of bush. I came up to the Parc Office and decided to stop. I'm glad I did. They had a pop machine and water. A few miles down the road I came up to Rabbit Blanket Lake campground. This is where I would spend the night. I went for a swim, bought some ice for my feet and setup my tent. Thats where I met Dennis. He passed my campsite and asked me what I was doing. After talking to him for a bit he asked me if I ever experienced some 'trail magic'. When I asked him what that was he explained its when someone leaves you a bottle of water on a rock when your hiking. Then I knew what he meant. I called them 'Angels'. He saw me munching on some ice cubes and invited me to join him for dinner. Not only did he share his meal with me but pieces of his life. He talked about his wife, children & grandchildren, and his wood carving business chippingaway.com

While I was falling asleep I thought about how fortunate I was to have met Dennis. He introduced me to some trail magic and made sure I had plenty to eat and even made coffee. It was such a pleasure to meet him.

Day 101 - Coldwater River

2007-07-27T09:39:00.001-05:00

It felt good to get going again. I was anxious to get through the next couple of days. Tonight there would be no campground and I would have to tuck myself somewhere off the highway for the night.

It was a sunny hot day and oh the hills. This was a time when I wished I didn't have to push Gidget around. The scenery was beautiful though and it helped to take my mind off of my feet and running. I stopped at the Agawa Info Centre and met a couple who were interested in what I was doing. The only wildlife I saw was a deer run across the road. There were lots of warning signs for moose so I was constantly on the lookout for them. Two cyclists passed by but they didn't stop, sometimes its hard to break your momentum and you don't want to stop. Especially on some of these hills. Gidgets squeeking wheels were getting worse. They would definately need replacing soon.

I made a pit stop at Sand River at the rest stop and then finally reached Coldwater River. It flows into Lake Superior. It looked like a popular place for people to stop and swim. There was a family of four when I got there but they left shortly after. I went for a swim myself in Lake Superior and it was sooo cold but very refreshing. I didn't stay in the water long. There was no one else around so I found a spot under some trees to setup my tent. By now it was early evening and there were lots of mosquitos. The people at the Agawa Info Centre had told me about some bear problems they were having but further up the shoreline and further in the backcountry. I hung any food I had from a tree anyway just in case. It didn't start to get dark until about 9:30pm. I could still here the traffic noise from the highway and every once in awhile some crackling in the trees. I hadn't felt this isolated since Newfoundland. I did alot of thinking about fear and how to overcome it. It made me think about how aweful it is that we cage animals and the fear they must feel when the door closes or the lights go out. A shelter isn't a home so they must feel frightened most of the time. I can't imagine living in fear all of the time.

Day 99/100 - Montreal River

2007-07-27T09:38:00.002-05:00

The sky was blue and you could see the heat off the pavement. Thankfully there was a nice cool breeze. There was lots of traffic today and I passed more cyclists. I went about 13 miles and stopped to put my feet in Lake Superior. With all the hills they were burning and the cold water felt good. I continued on and Gidgets wheels were starting to squeek. I reached the NorthGate Restaurant and the sign said last service station till Wawa 105 km. I had gone about 25 miles and went another 1.5 miles to the Twilight campground across the bridge. It was a cool night and the clouds rolled in. It rained the next day and I ended up staying another night.

Day 98 - Pancake Bay

2007-07-27T09:38:00.001-05:00

Some mornings were harder than others to get up from a deep sleep. This was one of them. But I kicked myself out of bed and packed up Gidget again. I stopped at the restaurant and Vicki and Laura bought me breakfast. They were just as cheery and friendly as the night before. They work well together and provide some of the best service I've seen. Before I left Ady offered me some coffee and his wife gave me some water. I would need all the energy I could get today.

There were alot more hills today and it was more tiring. I was starting to feel a bit more isolated. I met a couple of cyclists. An OPP car stopped to ask me how I was doing.

It was really hot and the hills were slowing me down. I was looking forward to finishing today. I came up to a motel and asked for directions to a campground. It was just up the road. He gave me a pop and some water to take with me. I got to the parc entrance and met Shannon, he worked at the parc. He had seen me running earlier and asked me what I was doing. He met up with me again at the gate and both him and Megan at the desk were really helpful. I wasn't charged for staying at the campground. The mosquitos were really bad. I hurried to get setup and in my tent. I didn't escape without getting a few bites. I went over to the showers but there was a lineup so I decided to skip having a shower. Stayed in my tent away from the bugs. Today had been a bit more demanding and I was pretty tired and happy to be laying down. The worse was still to come. I fell asleep watching the mosquitos trying to get at me.

Day 97 - McAuleys

2007-07-27T09:37:00.001-05:00

I started the day having breakfast with Betty. It was great chatting with her cause she had alot of experiences that related to what I was going through. I am so grateful for the kindness she has shown me.

On my way out of town I stopped and filled Gidgets tires with some air. Hopefully that would make it easier getting up the hills. I was confident we could do it even though it felt like we were about to enter a whole new world.

We got through the first few hills and I thought that wasn't so bad. The scenery was getting very interesting and helped pass the time. Before I knew it I was closing in on mile 20. I met a few people cycling around Lake Superior. They forewarned me about some hills to come. I went a few more miles and Gidgets front wheel fell off. It wouldn't stay on so I just left it off.

I reached my destination, McAuleys Motel and Restaurant. I would ask them if I could put my tent up at the back of the motel. Just as I arrived Betty and a friend of hers spotted me and pulled up to ask me how I was doing. They were on their way to dinner. That would be the last time I would see a familiar face for awhile.

I went into the store and met the owner Ady. He has a great gift store and also runs the motel. They had a hitch hikers bunkhouse and offered to let me stay in it for the night. He also let me take a shower and later let me stay in a complimentary motel room. I went over to the restaurant and met Vicki & Laura. They have great food and great service.

Later while I was outside icing my feet a woman named Loretta stopped and wanted to make sure I had a place to stay. She was so kind. She had seen me earlier in the day and brought me some home made jam & banana bread.

So far my trek through this part of the north started off on a very positive note and I was feeling optimistic about tomorrow.

Day 96 - Sault Ste Marie

2007-07-19T13:59:00.001-05:00

I had a restless sleep and was sluggish getting up. It seemed to take a long time to get packed up. Before I left the campground I phoned the Sault Star and arranged to meet with a reporter around noon on my way to the Humane Society.

The run to the Sault was pretty easy going. It was flat and the shoulders were paved. I hit a bit of construction and the workers there let me run on the closed off side. It was great. Felt like the road was mine.

I made a pit stop at the Husky station. Just before I reached the Humane Society, Mike from the Sault Star caught up with me and took some pictures. He said the article should be in tomorrows paper.

I got to the Humane Society and met the staff there. They gave me something to drink and a tour of their shelter. They were very friendly and signed my flag and wished me luck.

I made it to Betty's place. She would put me up for the night. Betty is a friend of John & Susan's and my sister Chris. She had lunch waiting, soup & sandwich. It didn't take long before I realized what a good friend she is. She is so kind. She took me to the mall so I could buy a new pair of shoes and get some supplies. She brought me for a tour around Sault Ste Marie and then up the hwy to see what the next day had in store for me. She made dinner and we had some great conversation and checked out my route ahead on maps. She wanted to make sure I had enough to eat and would make breakfast before I left in the morning. She even gave me a water filter bottle to use in the lakes when I run out. Thank you Betty!

I have a tough challenge ahead of me for the next 6 or so days. I'm not afraid. I take it one day at a time. I never know how its going to turn out but I know its worth it. I still believe as strongly today about what I'm doing as the first step I took in St. John's. I always believe that the next step I take is going to be the step that makes a difference. I'm more afraid that if I stop now I'll never know.

Day 95 - Echo Bay

2007-07-19T13:58:00.003-05:00

It was hard to get up this morning cause i had had such a deep sleep. After I packed and came out of the washroom the coffee sign was up in Kay & Lorne's camper window. As a bonus Kay included some cereal and toast. Ray had taken some photos and gave me some copies to take with me. Beth had left a banana on Gidget to go along with the orange she gave me the night before.

Once I got running I was making great time. I wanted to be in Echo Bay early to have more recovery time between runs. That hasn't been working out so well and with the hills coming up I would need that. I passed a place called Bear Rd. and decided I wouldn't be camping in this area.

As I reached Desbarats I met two walkers. They were a team of 6 and had support vehicles. It was interesting to hear what they were doing. At the same time Kelly & Andrea caught up to me but that would be the last I would see of them. When they left I headed across the hwy to the Trading Post and stopped to ice my feet and change my shoes.

I had a nice surprise today. A car pulled up in the distance but noone got out. I could see this camera sticking out the window so I smiled and waved. To my surprise it was John & Susan (where I had stayed for 2 nights before Espanola). They were on their way to the States to celebrate their 48th anniversary and spotted me so they stopped. I was so happy to see them and the hugs felt great. It was a short visit but it lifted my spirits.

I got to Echo Bay and camped at Ojibway Park. It was right along the water and huge. I had a mile of camp sites to choose from. I parked myself right beside the showers. I went over to the store to get some ice and I met Penny. She was so interested in what I was doing and asked alot of questions. She bought my milk and snack and helped me with directions to the Humane Society in the Sault. Later she came over to my tent and signed my flag.

Day 94 - Bruce Mines

2007-07-19T13:58:00.001-05:00

I was glad to be up and on the road. I ran past Marian's house around 8:15am and she was outside with her dog Willow. She waved and Willow barked. She said 'hope to see you again'.

It was another hot day. There were clouds but they seemed to pass to the south or the north around me. Today started out pretty quiet but then I ran into some cyclists. The first two were Mark & Cindy going west to east. Then two more from the States, Wendy & Barry. Then two more cyclists passed me going east to west and they just waved.

A bit later I used my safety whistle to scare a deer off the hwy back into the woods. I stopped in Thessalon to ice my feet and change my shoes. I stopped at the Bruce Mines campground and met some wonderful campers Kay & Lorne, Ray & Beth. I setup my tent near their camp. They invited me for dinner and tea and some great conversation. Kay showed me her 'Coffees On' sign and if it was in the window tomorrow morning when I got up I could come over for coffee before I left.

While I was putting up my tent I met Kelly & Andrea as well, they were the two cyclists that had passed me on the hwy and had stopped to camp here as well. This was their first trip and they were heading for B.C.

Day 93 - Iron Bridge

2007-07-19T13:57:00.001-05:00

It took me awhile to get up. I iced and massaged my feet before I did anything. Then i went over to Timmy's and grabbed a coffee. It was going to be a warm day and the sun felt great.

I packed up Gidget and took a deep breath of fresh air. Once I ran a couple of miles my feet felt OK. I reached a rest stop and changed my shoes and socks. It was a beautiful area beside the water. There was a bit more scenery today that made time go by a bit faster today.

I got to Iron Bridge and stopped a few km further at the Del Mar campground and met Marian and her daughter Peggy who ran the camp. Marian only charged me $5 to camp and Peggy bought me a milk shake. There was noone else camping and they go home at night, they live up the road a bit. They told me about a black bear that likes to visit their garbage bin at night and suggested I leave Gidget and any food in the laundry room. I put up my tent near the laundry/shower room. After they left it was kind of eerie being the only one there. It was starting to get dark and I was settled in. There was a phone on a post between the office and where I was. It was about 100 yards away. I looked around to see if the bear was around and couldn't see him. I decided not to make a dash for the phone just in case. I didn't make any phone calls and stayed in my tent. Just after dark a camper pulled up and i watched them setup for about a half hour. It took me awhile before I fell asleep.

Day 92 - Blind River

2007-07-19T13:56:00.002-05:00

Michelle & Dave picked me up and took me for breakfast in Elliot Lake before they brought me back to Rocky's Restaurant. While I was running I thought how fortunate I was to have met them yesterday and how generous they had been to go out of their way for me. I have never experienced quiet like I did last night in their camper. There was no traffic noise from the highway and not a sound from the campers. It was so dark and quiet it felt like being in a black soundproof room. You could only experience that kind of dead silence deep in the wilderness. It was an experience in itself.
I got to Blind River and decided to celebrate. It was 3 months today since I left St. John's NL. I decided to stay at the Old Mill Motel since the campground was too far off the hwy from here. I would celebrate at Tim Horton's across the street, even if it was by myself and on a Sunday. I ordered a large DD, close enough to a drink.

Day 90/91 - Spragge

2007-07-19T13:56:00.001-05:00

Day 1
After a couple of days of heavy rain I was happy to get moving again. There wasn't alot to see along this way. I made a pit stop in Spanish and then again at the rest stop at the Elliot Lake junction. I chatted with a guy on a motor bike who was out of gas and looking for a gas station. I went down the road a couple of km and camped at the KOA campground. It poured rain while I put up my tent. The tenting area was right beside the train tracks. I took a shower and hung out in the laundry until the rain stopped. My feet were throbbing so I spent some time massaging them. I wondered how much longer I could keep this up. When I got back to my tent there were two female cyclists from Ireland camped beside me and we chatted for a bit. It rained all night. All the dogs in the campground started barking in the middle of the night and woke me up. Must of been something wild running thru the park. I woke up another time cause a train passed thru. It was still dark so I fell back to sleep. It was still raining.

Day 2
I woke up to the sound of pouring rain. I looked outside and it was the type of sky that wasn't going to clear up anytime soon. I grabbed my wallet and put on my rain suit and went over to Rocky's Restaurant across the hwy. I met Michelle and David from Elliot Lake who were there having breakfast. We chatted for awhile. They invited me to stay in their hard top camper they have parked at South Bay Park just outside Elliot Lake. We went over to the campground and thru my stuff in their hatchback. They gave me a tour of Elliot Lake and stopped at a grocery store so I could pickup some supplies. We went to their house and I met their son Alexandre. They have a nice home at the edge of town. The rain didn't let up. They got me settled into the camper and later brought me back some dinner and some snacks. They would be back in the morning to pick me up and take me back to the hwy.

Day 88/89 - Massey

2007-07-11T14:26:00.002-05:00

I got to the top of the hill just past Espanola and looked back. John & Susan were behind me now. They had just dropped me off after a trip to Canadian Tire to fix Gidget's flat. John felt so bad cause it wasn't flat when we left their home and somewhere along the way he snagged a safety pin and when we unloaded Gidget her tire was flat. Canadian Tire didn't charge anything for the repair. It wasn't the first flat and I knew it wouldn't be the last.

I looked to the west and let out a big sigh. It was like starting over again. A new road ahead and no end in site. But I felt like it was my highway. This part of Ontario brought back alot of memories of growing up. We lived in Elliot Lake for a few years and spent many holidays and weekends with family between Blind River and Sudbury. It almost feels like going home.

There were some honks today but not many. The wind was strong coming from the west. There were a few periods of drizzle and it was a bit colder today. Most people I talked with shared their feelings about the problems they have with strays in their communities. People who don't prevent their cats from wondering and how annoying it is for everyone. There are an awful lot of people who just can't afford the cost of spay or neutering their pets.

Rained out a day in Massey

Day 87 - Espanola

2007-07-11T14:26:00.001-05:00

Mike dropped me off at Blueberry Station on his way into town. I went 5 miles and came up to John & Susan's house where they were watching for me. They had heard the neighbors dogs bark and saw me coming. They snapped a couple of pictures and after a few hugs I kept going. A little further down the road I passed Mike & Rose's house. They had bought an old church and were converting it into a home. I would get a tour later tonight. About halfway to Espanola I met up with a young cyclist going east to Halifax. He's a musician travelling from B.C. and was playing in Sudbury next. I was sorry that the timing was off cause I would have loved to have heard him play. He signed my flag and off he went. When I got to Espanola I had some time before Rose would be finished work and picking me up so I made a few phone calls and walked through the Trading Post. I bought an ice cream and sat outside on the picnic tables. There was a family of 4 who shared their oranges with me. It had been a hot day and I was looking forward to a shower. After dinner Rose showed me the renovations they had done to their house. They had done alot of work. It started to pour rain. I was glad not to be in a tent tonight.

Day 86 - Blueberry Station

2007-07-11T14:25:00.000-05:00

Today my emotions got the better of me. I'm sorry Mom that I cried. Its just that I'm feeling a bit tired and this time I knew I wasn't going to see you for a long time. I watched my parents drive east and I had to keep going west. I missed them already and I felt lonely for the first time. I was having a moment and had to snap out of it and pull myself together.

Once I got going and started to hear the sounds of the honks I refocused myself. I had to keep my eyes and my heart on what I was doing. It was slow getting through the construction zone. Pushing Gidget thru the freshly graded gravel was sometimes difficult. I was happy to reach the city centre. I thought about my cousin Kim and her husband Lorenzo and how great they had been these past few days having me and my parents stay with them. I stayed in the camper they had in the yard.

I started heading west out of the city when an older couple stopped and showed their support. It was nice chatting with them. I had to take hwy 55 thru Whitefish and back onto hwy 17 after the 4 lanes ended. A nice couple had offered me accomodations if I didn't have any for the night. I reached Blueberry Station, almost 30 miles, and phoned John & Susan. Their daughter Rose picked me up. They had a beautiful home in the country just off the highway. They would relay me thru and help me out for the next two nights.

Day 84/85 - Sudbury

2007-07-07T10:19:00.001-05:00

Rained out Saturday.

Sunday morning it was overcast but dry. Dad took me back to Hagar and he would pick me up in Coniston later. Gidget got another day off.

Every mile today seemed to take forever. Even though I wasn't pushing Gidget I felt sluggish and it feels like I'm running on bruised feet now. Alot of people were honking today. They must have seen the news on Friday night. I came up to a riding stable and stopped to change my socks. There was about 12 riders coming up to the stable so i watched them for a few minutes. At the same time a car pulled up in front of me. I met Amanda & Cathy who wanted to show their support. They told me about a place just outside Sudbury that assisted people with spay & neutering their pets. I went a few more miles and a fellow by the name of Dan from CBC radio stopped and did an interview. He was going to air it tomorrow. Just after he left my Dad pulled up and showed me some blueberries he had picked for me. I couldn't wait to eat them later. He also brought me a snack. I finally reached the Coniston junction where my Dad was waiting for me. He would drop me off there tomorrow on their way back to Montreal.

That night my Dad was going fishing and my Mom and I were going to visit a cousin in the hospital. After we left the hospital we dropped my aunt off at her residence. We got a call that my Dad was at a clinic because he got a hook caught in his finger. They never got the boat in the water. We laughed about it later.

Day 83 - Hagar

2007-07-07T10:18:00.000-05:00

Francine took me back to the highway. She had been so great. She picked up some creams for my sunburnt nose and face last night while I was sleeping. She even threw in a smilie face and some jelly beans. She made sure I had enough to eat and made sure I got off safely.

My Mom & Dad were in Sudbury visiting my Mom's sister and would pick me up in Hagar. We first stopped at the CTV studio for an interview and we all stayed at my cousin Kim's place. The forecast wasn't looking very good for the next few days.