Day 5 One Day at a Time


Wal-Mart proved to be a gracious host, even providing groceries for the days to come. As I stocked up, Bryan continued the grueling climb of 6-7% grades out of the valley to our rendez-vous at a sweet spot aptly named Hush Lake 40 km later.  In his mind, all he has to do in this situation is to count 10 pedal strokes at a time,  keep his head down , and check to see that he is moving forward.
The Hush Lake rest stop was a small oasis for both of us after the barren asphalt. The lily pads jostled each other in the water, a perfect place for a possible moose to emerge.  There is a constant reminder of the man-made world in creation…..the pervasive smell of pulp mills…..the piles of denuded logs…… mounds of sawdust at the mill. And yet, I appreciate the gas, groceries,  supplies and employment that sustain human activity.




On my way to rest/feed stop # 2, another 50 km ahead, I considered those gathered for a Sunday worship service as I passed the Hixon community church at 11:15. Too shy to intrude late, I continued on but had my own thoughts and prayers…..for the growing faith of our granddaughter, Halle, who is confirmed in Rosthern today….for safety and strength for Bryan and other cyclists on the road….for old friends who have lost loved ones…..for the blessings of family.  What a perfect surprise when I found a cross in the washroom at the Woodpecker rest site, left by a stranger. I am sure that it was the passenger in another RV who smiled when I waved my thanks as thy left. The verse on the back is full of good reminders, like, “I am a Christian, wherever I may be” and of “the daily peace and comfort I share”. As I wait for Bryan, I had time to reflect on so many blessings, including this trip that we share together and with you.


As I drive along, I watch the condition of the shoulders and the grades, imagining what Bryan has to manage. But sometimes there are little bonuses beyond the great views and sense of accomplishment. Today, he scored a miss-matched set of gloves to keep warm in the morning and another complete pair of gloves later!

At our last stop of the day, the 46 km into Prince George, I gassed up Mama Beast who was 164.4 litres thirsty. A real appetite on that one!  We do speak the 2 official languages of North America….metric and Imperial but I need to translate her odometer. The numbers aren’t too bad and I still understand mpg best.  Even with the mountain highways, she came in at about 11 mpg, I think. Earlier, on the flatter land, it was closer to 18.  Whatever the count, she still needs her petrol and we need her to keep running smoothly.  As long as we know that she can make 400 miles on a tank, there is no question of running out between gas stations.  Good to know!

Tonight we are staying in the comparative luxury of the Hartway RV Park just north of PG on Highway 97. A load of laundry and showers are welcome. However, the highlight of the day  was when our nephew, Sean Haugen and Katie shared a visit. But I forgot to take their picture!



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