My Diary Page - June 1999

I DIPPED MY TIRES IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND, IN EXACTLY THREE MONTHS, HOPE TO DO THE SAME IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. KEVIN QUINN AND I GIVING THE BIG HIGH FIVE AS WE BEGAN DAY 1 OF OUR CROSS CANADA TOUR

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Day 13 (Tues) (June 1st)

Weather is terrible. Awful. Rain, rain. We are getting soaked. We were to make it to Fernie tonight but had trouble with support vehicle. Slept in our tents it was awful. We are in Jaffray, between Cranbrook and Fernie. Oh, I feel terrible! Need a pep talk with my mom. Did an interview at the newspaper, Fernie Free Press with Maureen Faber. Made Crowsnest Pass. RAIN. Did interview the with the newspaper there.

Day 14 (June 2nd)

CROSSED INTO ALBERTA. The rain has been relentless. The rain is going sideways. The winds are severe. Every time a semi truck goes by I feel like I will fall off! The rocks spit up. I am afraid, tired, lonely, and hungry. We are in between towns. Guys are up ahead. I don't know where we are. I pray to God for a sign.
We are travelling through Indian land and there are no highway signs posted. Then I see a wheelchair sign by the roadside. I can't believe it. I know why I am on this road. My focus is on the tour once again. It has been the worst day yet. It is so terrible.
We are in Coalman, Alberta. Lethbridge tomorrow. Everyone is angry, cold and tired. We stayed in a motel tonight. Rain was relentless. Everything is wet. I can hardly talk to my mom on the phone my voice is so strained. I need to focus.

Day 15 June 3rd (Thurs)

Arrived in Lethbridge, a long ride! Wet and cold. We stayed in a campground for the night. Still cold, tired. Need TLC. I did an interview at the Lethbridge Herald today. The reporter gave me $10 to give to the BCPF! We were in Wendy's Resturant and someone gave me $10 for the BCPF. I feel like I am making a small difference! We left one of the cyclists in Lethbridge, Kevin. He needed to rest.

Day 16 (June 4) Friday

Made it to Taber. Heading for Medicine Hat. We will spend the night in Twin Sisters? Weather has improved.

Day 17 (June 5) Sat.

I am on my own! The team has gone their separate ways. It has not been working out. The commitment is not there. Fred, John the driver of the support vehicle and vehicle will head back to Lethbridge to find Kevin then head back to BC. Some of my things had to be sent back with the truck, back to Chilliwack. The 2 speedsters (their nicknames) headed eastward on their own. I am alone but I am so okay with it. The commitment had not been there and much of my energy had been used in the wrong way. I will continue on my way. Strong and determined to accomplish my goal.
My bike weighs a lot!. My stuff is crammed into my panniers! Thank you to Mountain Equipment Co-Op. They are great!
I got up at 7 this morning and cycled 'til 3:30 where I set up my tent in a town called Walsh. Population 86. The winds are bad sometimes almost knocking me off my bike. The winds were westerly in the morning then turned to northerly this afternoon.
Had a good day. My shoulders are so sore as my neck. Now that I will be doing my own pace I think I will be able to listen to my body more. I am okay. I have a radio that fits on the handlebars. My dad lent it to me. It works great!. Thanks dad.
I will stay in Walsh tonight. Heading for Gull Lake tomorrow.
I have a little story for you. Outside of  Medicine Hat I stopped and talked to a man on the side of the highway. He was also cycling. He told me to eat bananas. He said he would watch my bike while I went into a Great Canadian Super Store. When I came out he had a hot dog and coke in his hand for me. His name is Chuck. Isn't that what life is about. Thanks Chuck. That was so kind of you.
I talk to my mom almost every day. We support each other. I need to start the interviews again. Need to focus.

June 6 Day 18 (Sunday)

CROSSED INTO SASKATCHEWAN

Got up early. Left the Walsh campsite this morning. The shower was great there. I had power. Great for the budget as it only cost me $5. That helps me a lot. I have to buy bottled water now.
The winds were strong and westerly today. It was sunny and cloudy. I stopped at a Tourism Booth and spoke with a couple there. I explained to them why I was on the road, why I was riding across Canada. They gave me $25 to help with my road expenses. I thanked them very much. They told me that they would follow my progress on my web site. Thanks guys.
I constantly talk about the mission that I am on this summer. I met up with the couple that I had talked to the day before. They are cyclists heading for Toronto. I shared a spot with them tonight. I am very tired and my shoulder is giving me constant pain.
The camp ground that I am staying in tonight is called the Trail Campground! The campground is just outside of Swift Current. Good weather today, sunny no winds.

June 7 (Monday) Day 19

Got up early today and cycled into Swift Current where I did an interview at The City Sun. Also did an interview at the radio station CIMG 94 FM, CKSW 570. I had the interview with Lenn. He has asked me to contact the radio station after I finish my Tour. Thanks for supporting the BCPF Lenn!

Good weather today. No winds. I made it to Mortlach tonight. It was a long ride today. I am sore.
I met some nice people and they invited me to sent up my tent on their cattle ranch which is along side Highway #1. They are really nice people. I was talking to my mum on my cell phone and it went dead. The phone does not seem to be keeping the charge. I asked my hosts if I could plug the phone in their house which I did. My hosts cattle got loose and we all jumped into an old limo probably 1967 era. We herded up their cattle which were at that point roaming over Highway #1. That was a lot of fun and action. Phoned my mom back and the phone went dead again.
I need to eat and rest. It was a hard long ride today. On to Moose Jaw tomorrow and possibly make Regina tomorrow night. Good night everyone.

June 8 (Tuesday) Day 20

Left my hosts who owned the ranch outside Mortlach where I stayed last night. It was pouring rain today. Made it to Moose Jaw this afternoon. It was a hard ride in the rain.
As I was leaving the last exit out of Moose Jaw today I stopped at a gas station called the Road Runner. I asked the man there where I could stay tonight as I was heading out of town towards Regina. He told me there were no places to stay in between the 2 towns. He said he would make a phone call and here I am in a 4 1/2 Star Resort. It is called Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort Hotel. It is absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe it! The generosity of people.
I will spend the night pampering myself. I feel so good right now. I will be able to do my laundry, catch up on the things I need to do. Just relax, take a day off! Moose Jaw is a beautiful historic town. It is built on a natural spring.
I met Yvette Moore and her 2 daughters today. They took me out for dinner. We had a great time. Yvette gave me a beautiful book with illustrations which she had done.
Today I was talking to a lady at an all you can eat salad bar and her little girl gave me $2 to help fund my trip. A lady that worked at the restaurant there made me a tuna sandwich and a scone to take with me. I am overwhelmed by such nice people. Another man donated $5 for the BCPF, another fellow gave me $20 for me to do as I wanted with it. People I meet are so wonderful. Lots of catching up to do tomorrow. I will sleep well tonight.

June 9th (Day 21) Wed.

I walked around town today. Moose Jaw is such a neat town. I have talked to a lot of people today spreading the word. The weather today has been rainy, lightning, and I was told tornadoes outside of Moose Jaw.
Yesterday I had an interview at the Radio Station, CHAB Moose Jaw. Did a newspaper interview with Corrie, at The Times Herald. Corrie had experienced a spinal injury playing hockey but has since made a great recovery. It was good to talk about what we experienced. Corrie has been very helpful giving me names of people where I can stay. I was to stay with his grandparents, Marion & Hartley Scott who live in Indian Head. They have offered their home. I have commitments in Regina so I will not be able to stay with them. How nice of them to offer their home. Corrie, thanks for your help.
I needed a flag for my bike to make me more visible - needed to say Cross Canada Cycle - to raise awareness for spinal cord research. I went to International Flag Co. Ltd. here in Moose Jaw where I met the owners Robert & Tracey Bartlett. I told them what I needed and they kindly made a flag for me to attach to the back of my bike. It looks great. They also gave me a little Canadian flag to put on my bike as my little one that I had started with in Vancouver, given to me by a friend, was a bit tattered. Once again, the generosity of people overwhelms me. There was no charge for either flags! Thank you so much Robert & Tracy.
The people in Sask. have been so kind and giving. I have noticed this along the way since I started my tour May 20th in Vancouver, BC There are some very giving generous people in Canada.
I will pamper myself tonight as I head out for Regina in the morning. My stay here at The Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort Hotel has been truly a wonderful experience. I have been treated so well. Good night everyone. Thanks for sending the good wishes and support. It means so much as I do this tour.

June 10 Day 22 (Thursday)

Got up early and phoned Erica at BK Radio in Castlegar, BC. She put me on the air. Was nice talking to her. My mum has phoned her a few times giving her an update since I left Trail, BC on May 29th. I made it to Regina today. Weather was really nice. Did an interview at the Regina Sun. I have not been feeling up to par lately. My shoulder is still very bad. I have an interview tomorrow on the noon show at CKCK (CTV) in Regina. They said they would like to follow me on the road just outside of Regina heading for Indian Head. That is great. I need the exposure to keep the cause out there. I was talking to my mom today and she told me that the BCPF phoned to tell her that a $1000 donation has been made to the BCPF in my name. Wow! Both my mum and I had tears over that! Had an interview at The Regina Sun.
My friend Lori who lives in New York has been just wonderful. Lori and I met when I was in Chile where I broke my neck in January of 1997. We have stayed in contact with each other since then. She and Mom have talked on the phone a few times. Lori has been in touch with her family and friends. They have been sending me good wishes. Thank you so much Lori! Your support means so much!. I hope you can join me on the road! "Thank you" to all Lori's friends and her sister Allison.
Paula and Bruce at the BCPF in Vanouver are great too. Thank you and your staff for your good wishes. I know my mom appreciates that also. I am staying the night in a home of Lorne and Ivy Houk and their daughter Shannon, here in Regina. They are really nice hosts. I am very tired, have to get up early tomorrow to start my tour again and spread the word.

June 11 (Day 23) Friday

Left the Houks in Regina this morning, Lorne, Ivy & Shannon. Thanks so much for making me feel at home. Lorne & Ivy gave me a name of a place to stay tonight. The Appleton's in Indian Head, Doug and Dolly. Dolly is Lorne's sister.
Did an interview at the Leader Post newspaper. Also interviewed over the phone with the radio station. I went to the CKEK (CTV) television station in Regina. It was quite overwhelming and fun in the studio when all the lights went on and my interview started. I thought COOL. I enjoyed the interview with Carl Worth. When I left the studio the CTV van followed me on the road outside of Regina, for some 'on the scene' road travel. Cynthia Wobuck was the driver and photographer.
I had my rain gear packed away and was caught off guard by the rain once again. It was windy and cold. Horrible lightning, the bolts coming down were huge. I was really scared at some points. I was so worried about the lightning that I took cover in a old shed which was along side the highway. I waited for awhile; I was so cold and tired. I was on my way to Indian Head where I would stay the night. When I arrived at the Appleton's I was freezing cold, tired and hungry. Dolly gave me some TLC, just what I needed. The hot bath and some warm pads for my aching joints. They are wonderful hosts.
I saw the interview tonight on the local TV channel that I had done at CKCK television station in Regina today. I will do an interview in the morning at the newspaper Indian Head-Wolseley with Ken McCabe.
Phoned my mom tonight and she told me that Rick Hansen has sent along good wishes to me. It feels good to hear from Rick Hansen. I feel special that he took the time to write to me. Those words of support are what keeps me going. Thanks Rick! In the end I hope to meet Rick Hansen and my mentor Christopher Reeves. I am tired and so needing sleep.

June 12 (Day 24) Saturday

Did the interview with Ken McCabe at the Indian Head-Wolseley. Left my hosts the Appletons today and headed for Whitewood. Doug secured my flag onto my bike as the winds kept blowing it over. Thanks Doug, one less thing to worry about. My gear really weighs my bike down and I find I am aching a lot, maybe I am pushing myself too hard. It is really hard to ride in the wind. Winds were westerly 40k when I started out today, then later on they turned northerly. I am riding a lot in the rain. I am feeling frustrated as the lens on my camera is broken and the mirror on my bike is also broken. Don't quite know what to do about that.
Made it to Whitewood where the publisher of the Whitewood Herald, Cliff Ashfield treated me to a room at the Moon Dance Motel. The people of Sask. have been so kind to me. I will be crossing the Sask/Manitoba border tomorrow. I am so tired.
Talked to my mom. She tells me she anxiously awaits my calls every night. Thanks everyone for your support.

June 13 (Day 25) Sunday

CROSSED INTO MANITOBA

Left Whitewood this morning. The Truck Stop 2 gave me a free breakfast. Thanks so much! The winds were moderate today, but the headwinds are not good.
A police car drove by me as I was cycling. He turned around and came up behind me and pulled me over! He asked for some I.D. The mosquitoes were biting me. I was frustrated as I fumbled for some I.D. I showed him the I.D. He told me to go on my way. He was cute, I must admit.
Special thank you Finning (Canada). As I was cycling today I was thinking about you and the wonderful donation you sent to the BCPF. When I hear that donations are being sent to the BCPF it carries me through to the next day knowing I am making a difference. It feels like the wind on my back pushing me to finish my dream. I am staying in a motel tonight in Virden, Manitoba. Talked to my mom. I am so.....sore. Good night everyone.

June 14- (Day 26)

I cycled from Virden to Brandon today. I am camping tonight at a campsite. The mosquitoes are so bad. I looked down at my legs and it looks as if my legs are covered in hair because of all the mosquitoes!! Amazing!! They are really bad.
My mum told me that Ivy Houk had phoned her tonight just to see how I was doing. That was really nice of her. Didn't do any interviews today at all.
I saw a fox today. It ran across the road in front of me so I looked to see from where it had come. I saw 2 baby foxes sitting near a fox hole. The babies just stared at me, they did not seem afraid of me at all. I wanted to stay and watch them for awhile but I had to get on my way. Winds, and more winds.
I am looking forward to arriving in Winnipeg where I will meet with Harriet Hart at the Canadian Paraplegic Association in Winnipeg. I am hoping to meet and talk to a lot of people while I am in Winnipeg. I will take a day off. I am almost half way.

June 15 - Tuesday (Day 27)

Left Brandon today. The local TV station there filmed me on the road and I was told it would be on the 6 o'clock news there. I did not have any interviews with the newspaper there. I was quite tired today the head winds were really pushing me back. I found it very hard to pedal.
I stopped today in a parking lot beside a little store in Sidney. I was about to cook some soup on my little stove when the lady came outside to see what I was doing. She took my soup inside the store/restaurant and cooked it for me. She then gave me a milkshake and a bag of chips! Thank you!.
As there were no rest stops along the highway I pulled over today and was resting on the side of the road. A fellow pulled over to see if he could help me as he thought I was hurt. He had an incredible dog with him. He was so cute, a big dog with short hair and long legs. He caught a duck which was walking in the field , then the duck got away. The fellow gave me a bag of Mars bars and a Coke! Thank you again.
I stopped once again and I was resting my head on my helmet eating my bag of chips and another person in a car pulled over to see if I needed help.
Had trouble today, I pulled a muscle in my left leg on my shin. My neck is a bit better, my achilles tendons are no worse. Seems to be my leg, back and elbows right now. I think when the winds are at my back it will be better cycling.
I arrived at the Westward Village Inn in Portage la Prairie feeling very down. I had phoned my mom just about 10k from town as I was having a really tough time. The co-owner at the inn, Doug is his name, felt bad. He knew I was in rough shape. He asked me if I wanted to talk to my mom. I said, "yes". He phoned my mom, put us on the speaker phone. My mom and I had a little cry. She said she had been especially worried about me today. Thank you Westward Village Inn for your kindness. I soaked in the hot tub. I phoned my mom back and we caught up on some things.
I will be in Winnipeg tomorrow. I will be interviewed by CKY there. I have been in touch with Joanne Kelly. CKY which is affiliated with CTV.
I had met a couple in Moose Jaw - Al & Marsha Babowski. My mom told me that Al had phoned tonight to see how I was doing.
My mom reads my emails to me each night and any entries that have been made in my guest book each day. Mom keeps me on top of the news.
My dad told me of the support of the Mutterperls, Charles and Carol who live in New York. They are the parents of my friend Lori who I have written about in my day to day account. Lori has been a big support to me. Mr. & Mrs. Mutterperl, l thank you so much for your support for my cause and also for helping me with my road expenses. I thank you so much. I have a big day tomorrow so off to bed I go.

June 16 (Wed)  Day 28

It was a good riding day today - the winds had stopped pretty much. It made my ride so much better. I stopped to help a person stranded on the roadside and cycled to the next place to phone a garage for the stranded motorist.
I stopped in a campground today as the pannier racks were loose and rubbing on my spokes. I had to tighten them. A man gave me $10 for the BCPF. He had a golden retriever dog with him. His name was Diesel. Seeing Diesel made me realize how I miss Teddy, Doug's dog.
The flag on my bike really draws attention to me and gives me a chance to tell whomever I meet about my cause. I really appreciate the flag, Robert and Tracy, it has made such a difference to my visibility.
Thanks Chuck for signing my guest book. Remember the Mars bars, well they didn't last very long!  I sure enjoyed them! I hope you and your dog made it to your destination safely.
I saw a sign on the side of the highway today saying, 'fresh fruit from BC'. I pedalled as fast as I could to the truck which was up ahead. I bought 2 tomatoes, some grapes and my all-time favorite fruit - blueberries!  I really enjoyed them.
I was looking forward to arriving in Winnipeg today and to my meeting with the people at the Canadian Paraplegic Association in Winnipeg.
When I arrived in Winnipeg I was filmed by the CKY crew in downtown Winnipeg riding my bike.  The interview was done at one of the gas stations where I had stopped when I arrived in Winnipeg.  We stopped traffic. That was fun.  I was overwhelmed by the vastness of Winnipeg. 
I phoned my host, Mary Ann Austin, and she came to pick me up at a local doughnut shop.   We had to disassemble my bike to get it in her car!  
Phoned my mom tonight to catch up on the news from Headquarters. Mom said that Dolly Appleton had phoned to see how I was doing. Mom also told me that Irene Sukkan from Chilliwack had phoned to ask how I was doing. Irene is working on things back in Chilliwack. She is a great supporter for my cause. Thanks Irene! I have a big day tomorrow and I am so tired.

June 21 (Monday) Day 33

It was hot & muggy today. Left Vermillion Bay. Left camp about 9:15, heading for Dryden. I met Elmer Heiser, from the United States. He is up in Ontario on a fishing trip. He bought me breakfast and a loaf of bread. He also made a donation to the BCPF! Thank you Elmer.
I did an interview with the Dryden Observer and CKDR radio station. I stopped in at the Chamber of Commerce in Dryden and met the manager, Barb Lyotier. I talked to her about my mission that I am on this summer. She invited me to stay at her home in Thunder Lake, about 7 km outside of Dinorwic. She has been wonderful to me, putting me up for the night,feeding me. I went in the hot tub! She has a dog called Tia, she is so cute. Thanks Barb for opening your home to me.
Got my racks fixed today.

June 22 (Day 34) Tuesday

Today was hot and muggy. The bugs are really bad. Left Barb today, she packed me some food and also bought me a lunch. Thanks Barb for your kindness.
I had a lot of trouble today with my bike and with the pannier racks coming off again. It is really slowing me down and a lot of my energy is going into the problems that I am having with the bike and racks. Not sure what I am going to do. I think the extra weight is causing the bike to break down.
Mom told me that she did a live interview on air this morning with BK Radio, Castlegar, BC, with Erica. Mom talked about my tour and how donations need to come in for the BCPF. After her interview was over, Dan Ashman, of AM Ford, a car dealership in Trail, told my mom on air, to pick up a cheque for the BCPF, on my behalf. Mom said that Dan is behind me 100%. Trail is known as The Home of Champions. That is so neat! Thanks Dan.
I was late getting into town so I could not do my interview with the Ignace Driftwood as planned.Staying tonight in Ignace with Colleen Hewlett,
who has kindly offered me to stay at her home.

June 23 (Wednesday) Day 35

Things always seem better after a night's sleep! A friend of Coleen's did some work on my bike this morning, using some lock nuts. I think if I replaced all of the bolts with polyester bolts, lock washers etc. my problems will be over. I have come a long way, the vibration has loosened everything. When I get to Thunder Bay, I will have my bike gone over & tightened.
Said goodbye to Coleen. Had an interview at the Ignace Driftwood before I left town. Arrived in Upsala this afternoon. Did 107 K today.
Met some tree planters today and they bought me dinner! It rained today but it helped cool me down, so that was okay.
Phoned headquarters to check in. My mom told me that Shannon Houk stays in contact with her. She is a great supportor.
I am staying tonight in a campground in Upsala, on my way to Kakabeka Falls in the morning.

June 24 (Thursday) Day 36

Sunny & Hot. Got up at 7:20 this morning after a good night's sleep The birds were singing, it was beautiful. I felt good and well rested.
I cycled for about 5 km and stopped for breakfast where I met a wonderful retired couple who were so interested in my cause. I went to the washroom and when I came back to my table they had paid for my breakfast! Thank you. The lady gave me a big hug when we said goodbye.
The shoulders are paved which helps a lot with the cycling. I had a flat tire and once again am having trouble with the front racks.
I am staying with Carol and Ron Parcher in Kakabeka Falls. I will have my bike looked at in Thunder Bay. I will have to buy new racks as the others are not holding up.
As I cycle I think of Christopher Reeves and Dana. If I could hear from him it would mean so much. I will sleep well tonight. Good night everyone!

June 25 (Friday) Day 37

I have decided to stay in Kakabeka Falls for one more night instead of moving on to Thunder Bay where Cathy & Cye Ypma of Thunder Bay had invited me to stay. Their son Steve is also cycling this summer. I met him in Regina & Winnipeg.
My host Carol drove me around today to do the interviews at CBC radio, the  Chronicle Journal newspaper, CKPR radio and CKPR-TV. I very much enyoyed the interview at CBC radio.
I had work done today on my bike by Sarzam Etemadi at Petrie's Cycle & Sports in Thunder Bay. Thank you! My bike is a Soft Ride which is awesome for a long trip. I am having trouble with the racks though.
My hosts Carol & Ron have been wonderful welcoming me and making me feel so much at home. Thank you!
Steve Ypma took me out for dinner tonight. I will leave in the morning once again on my way to spread the word.

June 26 (Saturday) Day 38

Sunny and hot! My host's son, Derek, has decided to ride with me for a few days. We had a late start but we were sent off feeling wonderful about the day ahead. Derek is good company. We cycled to Pass Lake, 92 km.
We are staying at Carol & Ron's truck stop tonight - Esso Pass Lake Travel Plaza.
Before I left Kakabeka Falls today I did an interview over the phone with Ray Maslek from the Trail Times newspaper in Trail, British Columbia. I feel pretty good physically and mentally right now. Phoned mom at headquarters, things have been quiet.

June 27 (Sunday) Day 39

Sunny and hot! Had to wait for awhile this morning, as it was foggy after the thunder storm last night.
Derek had trouble with his bike today. We made it to Nipigon, did about 68 km. Derek's mum, Carol, had to pick him up and take him back to Kakabeka Falls. I was sorry to see him go.
I am staying in a very nice motel in Nipigon. Thank you Carol & Ron - also for dinner. I appreciate your kindness. I phoned mom to bring her up to date. I will get an early start in the morning.

June 28 (Monday) Day 40

Rained all day today. The black flies have been biting chunks off my skin! I was told that they haven't been this bad in years!
On one of my stops today, some ladies recognized me from the TV interview that was done by CKPR in Thunder Bay.
I have noticed that the rivers are dark, not at all clear. The sedimentary rocks along the way are creating a mind full of ideas as to what it may have been like many years ago. This gives me something to think of as I travel east along Lake Superior.
As I left the motel today, I saw Cathy & Steve Ypma and they bought me breakfast! Thank you.
I now understand what people were telling me when they said Ontario was hilly. Just as I made one summit there was another and another and another ahead of me!! I am in Schreiber tonight.

June 29 (Tuesday) Day 41

I woke up at 8:00 this morning after sleeping like a log. As I was eating breakfast, the man next to me leaned over and put a Schreiber pin on my table. His friend said that he had seen me on CKPR TV Chan. 6 News Hour. Another person at a gas station said, "Good for you, keep up the good work. I saw you on TV".
The hills have been relentless and very discouraging. It rained and rained. At one of my stops, I talked to a trucker who listened to my concerns. I told him I feared for my life as the trucks come closer to me than necessary and they also blare their horns constantly.
He told me that truckers believe that cyclists are just oversized bugs and that if they had to choose between hitting a car or a cyclist their choice would be the cyclist! He went on to tell me that they are on a schedule and that is all that matters. I appreciated him talking to me. I do hope that, if even a small number of truckers read this, they will think about their actions and please share the road. I am very fearful!
I came eye to eye with a fox today. I was quite nervous 'til he ran off. I cycled for 100 km arriving in Marathon about 4:30. I am staying in a motel tonight. I visited a craft shop across the street called May's Gifts, where I spoke to Rollie who very kindly gave me some money to put towards my motel bill. Thank you, Rollie!
I am exhausted! Good night everyone.

June 30 (Wed) Day 42

Arrived in White River - did 92 km. It was cloudy and overcast today. A bit warmer than yesterday. For the last 20 km I battled winds, but the good side to that is it keeps the bugs away!! I don't stop much to cook my meals as the bugs are just too bad so I must eat in restaurants.
There are no campspots in White River - I am at the Continental Motel tonight and it has a hot tub! Exactly what I needed after my exhausting day today. Thank you for your generosity.
I talk to many people throughout the day. Yesterday when I stopped at a rest stop I met a family; a mum, son, and an adopted Chinese daughter. The son had been in a car accident and had suffered head injuries. He goes to rehabilitation at the hospital and uses a cane. They shared some spaghetti with me.
It seems everybody that I talk to has God in their hearts! It is so nice to meet people like that.
Phoned headquarters and mom read the guest book signings and the emails. Feels good to have people think of me when I am out on the road.

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