CHEQUE PRESENTATION - OCT 16, 2010

Trinity United held its Trucker Style Breakfast Oct 16th.  Dad (Gary) presented cheques to the Canadian Cancer Society and QEII Foundation, Thyroid Oncology in the amount of $16,816.15 each.  The Hall was full (standing room only) and dad picked the church to present the cheques to say a BIG THANK YOU to the community for their support during his journey across Canada.

April and I surprised Dad with our own special presentation.

We have a little surprise for dad. He has given out butterflies all across Canada to raise awareness for thyroid cancer. We have one that we would like to give dad to remember his journey across Canada. His journey across Canada was met with quite a few struggles with a lot of rains, high winds, and even snow. He continued to cycle daily and even though he enjoyed the beautiful countryside, this was not a holiday. He was out there to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

We know that dad was overwhelmed with the task he was taking on, but thinking about all of the people who are struggling and fighting for their lives, he put his own fears aside and went out there and cycled everyday no matter the weather. He met new people and brought communities together and it was an inspiration to us to read the comments on the blog from the people who lives dad touched and became a part of. How you left a mark on a lot of people and you were always smiling.
 Our dad always says that he is made of steel but as we found out on his last day of his journey that steel does bend and bleed, but regardless of his injuries he continued and finished stronger because we believe that his aches and pains were like he was carrying everyone's pain and struggles with him to the end of his journey.

We love you and are soooo proud of you dad, you have always been our hero but you are a hero to everyone else as well.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THE JONES FAMILY WITH PRAYERS TO KEEP DAD SAFE ON HIS JOURNEY.  AS WELL, WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO EXPRESS THE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HOSTED DAD ON HIS JOURNEY ACROSS CANADA!

TRUCKER STYLE BIG BREAKFAST - OCT 16

Treat mom and kids to a community breakfast.  Scrambled eggs, homemade beans, pancakes, home fries, bacon, sausage, and toast.  Presentation of cheques at 10:30 am to Canadian Cancer Society and QEII Foundation, Thyroid Oncology.

Trinity United Church

67 Trinity Way, Timberlea, NS

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Adults $7.00

Child $3.50

Preschooler’s Free

THYROID ARTICLE IN CHRONICAL HERALD

The following article was in the Arts and Life Section of the Chronical Herald paper with regard to thyroid cancer.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/ArtsLife/1204224.html

Hi Christina

First thing I want to say is a big congrats to Gary and Brian for the trip across Newfoundland and especially to you Gary for completing the full cross Canada journey! Wow, wow! You are truly an inspiration for sure. Which is why I chose to say a few words about our experience of hosting you at our Church service on Aug. 15. Our minister was away and as part of the worship committee I volunteered to do the sermon that day. I only hope that I was accurate in the information about and that I was able to give people a picture of "Gary Jones".

Take care of those scrapes and put us on the list waiting to buy your book when you get it written!!

Best regards,

Barb and Gordie

IT’S ALL ABOUT SMILING

How many of you have ever heard of Gary Jones? A couple! Well, hopefully when you leave here you will at least feel you have a sense of the essence of Gary Jones.

Gary Jones is married, he is a father and grandfather. He lives in Timberlea and is a dedicated member of Trinity United Church, volunteering at suppers, and BBQ’s and Truckers’ Breakfasts as part of the work of his church and community. He is retired now at 65, but worked as a trucker for 38 years, the last number of years for Russel Metals Inc. He had thyroid cancer in 1997, had his thyroid removed, received treatment and is now a cancer survivor. He is a cyclist. Actually that is an understatement!! He has a passion for cycling!! Now you have a few pieces of factual information about Gary, but that barely scratches the surface of “Gary Jones”.

After his thyroid cancer and his subsequent recovery from that, Gary had a growing ambition to do something to raise awareness and money for thyroid cancer research – to give something back as he puts it. As he was approaching retirement, he began to make plans to bicycle across Canada for just this purpose. He set up a blogspot and with the support of his family and friends, he began to see his vision come to reality. His plan was to be “hosted” at homes along the route from Victoria, BC, to Nova Scotia. He spread the word through his blogspot, his church, and his employer’s branches across the country, inviting families to host him – to provide a good meal, a hot shower and eight hours of sleep, with a hearty breakfast to see him off on the road in the morning. He mapped out his route across the country, listing all the stops along the way and gradually the hosts began to offer their hospitality to him.

His employer, Russel Metals made every effort to support him in his endeavor, right down to paying to fly Gary and his bike to Victoria when another transportation plan had fallen through; and paying the tab for his hotels and his meals, on the dates that he didn’t have a host along the way. In each of the communities where there was a branch of Russel Metals, he was warmly welcomed and his cause was generously supported. Before Gary left Halifax, Russel Metals, at their expense, made 45, (plus a few extras), butterflies out of stainless steel for him to present to each of his hosts along the way.

Did you know that the butterfly is the official symbol for Thyroid cancer research? I did not know this until he presented us with this butterfly on his last night on the road. Russel Metals went above and beyond to lend him their support, which in this day and age of corporate cut-backs, downsizing, and bottom line profit margins, that speaks very highly of Russel Metals as a company and of the care they have for their employees. It also speaks volumes of Gary’s dedication as an employee, as he said “not many people retire and still have an expense account with their employer.” He had hauled steel for 38 years, starting out with 22 wheels and then going to 18 wheels driving east to west, now he was going to head out on his dream adventure on two wheels, Hauling Hope, Faith and Attitude!

Through Eascan Building Supplies, Gordie came to know Gary a number of years ago as the delivery man that everyone looked forward to seeing, because “no matter how bad your day might be going, a few minutes with Gary and you were uplifted and encouraged.” In Gary’s last months of driving for Russel Metals he kept the guys updated on his plans for this adventure and his enthusiasm rubbed off on the people he talked to; as a result financial support was generous and when Gordie asked him if he had a host for his last night of the trek, which would be in Truro, Gary replied that he did not…so.. the Miller household became his host for that night.

So this is how I was granted the privilege and honour of spending some time with this remarkable and truly inspirational man. We logged onto his blogspot and saved it in our Favorites, and each night from May 15 through to June 29, we would check on Gary’s progress, read the update that his daughter Christina faithfully added each day, usually with a photo and a little info about still another Tim Horton’s that Gary had visited for his Tim’s coffee along the way. We would see the Fund Barometer rising as he made his way East and we would read about how far he had traveled that day, the weather he had to contend with and the difficulty or ease of the ride, through mountains, hills, snow, rain, heat, distance, but always the blog ended with Gary’s motto, It’s all about the smiles and strength, and you’re having a good day when you’re going downhill! I’m pretty sure that some days it seemed like there were no downhills, but according to Gary there were no bad days. He would start each day with gratitude for the hosts’ hospitality, or the company’s generosity for hotels and meals. As he cycled along he would think about all the people who loved him and all the folks who were supporting him in his dream. He would talk with God and he would just keep on moving, keep on smiling, because there were no obstacles for him, just opportunities to experience this wonder, to live out this dream, and to meet people and hear their stories.

Gary completed his journey across this country, inspiring people in every community he stopped in, and we had a wonderful evening with him listening to his story told in his incredibly humble and uplifting way. Gordie commented to him that evening how lucky he was to still have the health to make this trip which he’d planned for so long and to that he responded, “there was never any doubt in my mind that I would do this”. To Gary there was just no thought of ‘can’t’ or ‘give up’ on this dream. When he arrived here, after having cycled almost 4500 miles, he did not seem to be one bit tired or worn down, not an ache or a blister to complain about. He was just incredibly grateful for God’s grace and strength for the journey, our hospitality, which he couldn’t thank us enough for; according to him, this was truly a wonderful thing we were doing for him, supporting him on his journey by opening our home to him. Well all I can say is we were the ones who benefited most from that evening of hospitality – no question about that in my mind. Anyone can cook a simple meal for someone and offer them a bed and a shower, but it takes truly special people like Gary to graciously and humbly enter into a family home, bringing a sense of awe and admiration for his strength of spirit, yet make you feel as if you are spending time with an old and dear friend.

As an example of his generosity of spirit, on the morning he was leaving our house we had breakfast together and then as he was gearing up his bike I picked a gerbera daisy from our flower pot and poked it down the handlebars of his bike. I said “Gary, this is for Lindsay, she will be riding with you today”. Lindsay was a very dear friend of our son and daughter in law’s who had passed away in February with cancer and she had told everyone that she wanted lots of gerbera daisies at her service, as many as they could find! So we planted gerbera daisies in her honor in our flower pots this spring. Gary was concerned that this daisy would fall off or blow away, and we said that’s fine, if it’s meant to stay for the whole drive it will! We gave him a send off from the NSCC where his son in law and another cyclist joined him to ride the last leg of the journey with him. As they biked along that day other cyclists joined him at times and when he arrived in Halifax at Point Pleasant Park two of his grandsons joined him to go the final few metres where he dipped his bicycle wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. There were Russel Metal trucks and drivers lined up to blast their horns and welcome him home from this incredible dream adventure. Lindsay’s daisy was still with him and he released it into the Atlantic Ocean.

I hope I’ve been able to convey to you a glimpse of the spirit and determination and compassion of Gary Jones; persevering in the task he set out for himself with faith and joy and gratitude; caring for everyone he meets and some that he’s never met – a role model for youth, and an inspiration for all.

Gary would be the first to tell you that he is a basic, ordinary working man, a husband and father who struggled with raising a family while spending time on the road away from that family in order to provide for them financially.

This experience has convinced both Gordie and I that it is truly a blessing when folks get to meet a Gary Jones on their journey. Because Gary Jones is not alone in this league of people who inspire and uplift and encourage folks along the way in their life journeys. I’d be willing to bet that we can all think of a Gary Jones in our lives, someone who has inspired and encouraged us along the way, not out of duty or honour, or even to promote a cause, but for no other reason than it’s what they do, it’s who they are, it’s how they live their lives. Ordinary folks from an ordinary small community, where perhaps relatively few people will recognize and remember their name or their face, but you can rest assured those few people in all those ordinary communities across our country and even around the world, will definitely remember the impact of that person, that source of inspiration.

Stop for a moment and think about your Gary Jones, and say a silent prayer of thanks for the circumstance which afforded you the opportunity to cross paths with that person…. In Gary Jones’ words:

“My strength and my attitude come from enjoying life. Every day is a holiday,”

“It’s all about smiling.”

TERRY FOX MEMORIAL (MILE 0) NEWFOUNDLAND

This morning Dad was at the Terry Fox memorial (Mile 0) where he was interviewed by CBC and VOCM News this morning.

Also on hand was the Mayor of St. John's Dennis O'Keefe and the Minister of Trade and Rural Development on behalf of the Provincial Government Shawn Skinner who congratulated dad on his trip across Canada.

Dad and Brian arrived at Harbour Park to dip their tires in the Atlantic to officially end dad's cross Canada journey.

The mayor invited dad to sign the official register today at 2:30 and his signature will sit right next to Governor General Michaelle Jean who visited St. John's last week. Privilege only for officials/royals and special accomplishments which is dad's.

A BIG THANK YOU to Keith Peters who sent these pictures of this morning.  Keith is a fellow employee of Russel Metals and cycled with dad and Brian the last few kilometers into St. John's yesterday.  Here is a quote from his email he sent to me.

"It is an an amazing accomplishment and has brought awareness to Thyroid cancer. I have enjoyed the short but meaningful time with Gary and Brian.  All family and friends should be very proud of Gary's accomplishment."

RUSSEL METALS - ST. JOHN'S NEWFOUNDLAND

Yesterday was a huge success at Russel Metals St. John's. Mike and Keith met up with dad and Brian for the last few kilometers and cycled in with them. Russel Metals hosted an amazing welcome. A BIG THANK YOU to Craig White for the photos.

Dad had a little spill yesterday and fell off of his bike.  He is fine as you can see in the video, but he has a bit of road rash on his arm and leg.  To find the positive in the fall, it was his last day and Brian was with him.  After it had happened, a car stopped and asked if they were ok.  It was an off duty police officer.  Needless to say, Brian and him know some of the same people.  The off duty police officer must of told the RCMP because a few drove by and checked in with dad and Brian to see if they were ok or needed anything.  A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!

DAY 5 NEWFOUNDLAND - COME BY CHANCE TO ST. JOHN'S

Today is it!  Dad and Brian are off to St. John's.  The weather has definitely held out for them.  They have been swimming in the lakes along the way and resting on top of picnic tables to dry off.

Yesterday they had a good ride.  A few good hills to climb.  They arrived at Tanker Inn last evening ready for a nice relaxing evening.  THANK YOU to Russel Metals St. John's who donated the accommodations.  A BIG THANK YOU to two gentlemen who paid for supper last evening as their donation to dad's journey.

Tomorrow morning at 9 am they will be at the Terry Fox Monument in St. John's and dad will dip his wheel in the ocean.  The "true cross Canada journey" will be completed.

DAY 4 NEWFOUNDLAND - GAMBO TO COME BY CHANCE

Yesterday, dad and Brian were greeted at the turn off to Gambo.  The local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society had some survivors on hand to welcome them to town.  They were escorted to their hosts by a fire truck where community and church members were on hand to meet them and have a bite to eat.  The United Church minister and the Mayor were on hand and had a chance to have a nice chat.  A BIG THANK YOU to Natalie Hagerty and her parents who hosted dad and Brian last evening.

The UCC minister on the Campbellton Pastoral Charge, Betty Robbins lives in Loon Bay which is approximately 30 km away from the TCH at the turn-off for Lewisporte. She rearranged her day so she would be able to meet up with dad and Brian yesterday.  She flagged them down just east of Appleton and gave a donation.  A HUGE THANK YOU!

The weather yesterday was cloudy with showers.  They stopped at a tourist bureau to sign the guest book and it just started to pour.  They waited out the rain for 30 minutes and when they left it was wet, but they were dry.

Today they are on their way to Come By Chance.  They have approximately 157km today.  They were on the road by 6:30 am and it is a beautiful sunny day.

DAY 3 NEWFOUNDLAND - SOUTH BROOK TO GAMBO

Dad and Brian were greeted on the highway at the exit to South Brook last evening by Lewis, their host to escort them into South Brook.  There was a "meet and greet" where dad and Brian got the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.  The local newspaper showed up to do a story as well.  A BIG THANK YOU to Hope and Lewis who hosted dad and Brian last evening and for arranging the meet & greet!

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a bike ride.  They took the time to stop at Grand Lake (picture) for a swim and to wash their clothes.  Off they went feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.  Dad stopped at a store to get a bottle of water and upon entering he heard "so your the guy."  Dad was told that they had heard his daughter on the radio outlining his journey.  (My 30 seconds of fame).  Dad was handed a few donations and received quite a few honks as they were cycling.

Today dad and Brian are off to Gambo approximately 25 miles (47 km) east of Gander.  The original destination was to be Gander, but there is a member of Trinity United whose parents live in Gambo and she and her family are in Gambo for a visit and invited dad and Brian to spend the evening.  They have approximately 217km today to Gambo.

DAY 2 NEWFOUNDLAND - CORNER BROOK TO SOUTH BROOK

Dad and Brian arrived in Corner Brook last evening after a long, but beautiful day of cycling.  The weather stayed with them, but it was definitely on the hot side.  They went through quite a bit of water and gatorade.

Yesterday they were greeted in Port aux Basques by Cordell and his wife.  Cordell works for Russel Metals and they both had big smiles.  Now remember this would have been around 4:30 am and yes they were greeted with smiles.

Today dad and Brian are off to South Brook.  The weather looks good, calling for cloudy periods, but sunshine.  They have approximately 185 km today.

DAY 1 NEWFOUNDLAND - PORT aux BASQUES TO CORNER BROOK

Well, here we are again.  Dad is completing his "true cross Canada journey" and is now in Newfoundland.  Russel Metals in St. John's is making this possible as they extended an invitation to dad to come to Newfoundland and are supporting him in his journey.  Also, Brian (my husband) decided to take the time and cycle with dad across Newfoundland.  Brian had cycled down Vancouver Island as part of Cops for Cancer when we lived in Victoria, BC and is quite excited to be part of dad's journey to raise awareness for thyroid cancer.  When Brian cycled Vancouver Island it was called "Tour de Rock."  He is wearing his Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock cycling shirt, shorts, & jacket and it is only fitting as he is cycling the Rock on the East Coast.

Dad and Brian ended up getting on an earlier ferry than anticipated and arrived in Port aux Basques around 3 am this morning.  Their plan:  hang out at Tim Hortons until daylight to start their journey.  I heard from them around 10 am and they were already 80km into their ride.  Today they are cycling 220km to Corner Brook.  The weather is sunny and the wind is calm - great day for cycling!  When they were at Tim's this morning they heard about dad on the news.  As well, he made the front page of the VOCM Newspaper.   http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=8325

VOCM also has an open line show on the radio.  I am going to call in tomorrow afternoon to give an update.  The show time is 2 to 4 pm.  You can listen live on their website.  http://www.vocm.com/index.asp  The buzz has started in Newfoundland.  Let's keep it going and end dad's cross Canada journey by raising thyroid cancer awareness and funds for cancer research!

TRUCKING TO NEWFOUNDLAND

Complimentary of Russel Metals, Dad and Brian are catching a ride to the ferry to head to Newfoundland. They loaded their bikes and are now on the road to start their journey from Port aux Basques tomorrow morning.

NEWFOUNDLAND - HERE WE COME!

Dad and Brian are leaving for Newfoundland tomorrow (Sunday, August 15th).  They are on the 11 pm boat which docks around 5:30 am Monday and they are cycling from Port Aux Basques to Corner Brook their first day.

THANK YOU to Tim Hortons who gave dad a $50 gift card for his Newfoundland trip, and a THANK YOU to Bill's Cycle and Sport Shop in St. John's who is boxing the bikes for the plane ride back to Halifax.  They are donating the cost of boxing dad's bike.

Check out the list of supporters to see everyone who has made this trip a reality and a dream come true for dad.
http://garybikingsupporters.blogspot.com/

ARTICLE FROM THE NORTHERN LIGHT PAPER IN NB

 Unfortunately, I could not get the whole article on the blog in a size that is readable.  The article outlines dad's trip across Canada as well as his welcome in Bathurst.  It highlights the weather conditions of his trip, the surprise welcome in Bathurst, the wonderful homecoming at Point Pleasant Park, and the BBQ held at Trinity United in dad's honour.

LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

Listed is the trip schedule for Newfoundland. Should anyone wish to accommodate me (Gary Jones) and son-in-law (Brian) for a night, (one meal, one shower, and eight (8) hours of sleep), please contact my daughter Christina at christina.cameron@ns.sympatico.ca. THANK YOU!

Day 1 - Aug 16th (Monday evening)
(Ferry) Port aux Basques to Corner Brook (accommodation arranged)
 
Day 2 - Aug 17th (Tuesday evening)
Corner Brook to South Brook (accommodation arranged)
 
Day 3 - Aug 18th (Wednesday evening)
South Brook to Gander (accommodation arranged)
 
Day 4 - Aug 19 (Thursday evening)
Gander to Come by Chance (looking for host)
 
Day 5 - Aug 20 (Friday late afternoon)
Come by Chance to St. John's (accommodation arranged)

BICYCLING NEWFOUNDLAND

Dad has been invited by Russel Metals St. John's to continue his journey to Newfoundland making the journey a true coast to coast challenge and cause.  They have offered to help in anyway they can.  Dad is taking them up on their offer and is leaving August 15th by truck (thanks Russel Metals Halifax) and arriving via the ferry in Port aux Basques Monday morning and cycling from there to St. John's.

Follow dad's challenges and accomplishments daily as the blog will continue to chronicle dad's journey.

ODE TO GARY JONES BY Donna & John Connely

Morning dawns...a day looks beautiful..bright
Gary Jones bikes into Point Pleasant Park
An incredible wonderful sight!!!

Gary we are sorry
Not to be here on this occasion
To welcome you home
On your trip across the nation

In fact you're the only friend we know
Of whom we all can boast
You have driven your bike
From the West to the East coast

Was there an agreement
What route to take...your destination????
Cuz it would have been quicker
If you went by a railway station

Some said "He has a fear of flying"
And some may think he might
why would he do something like that????
Instead he thought he'd bike.

Heading down that way
On the move towards East, take care
Cups of tea and hospitality
A quick change of underwear

We are sorry we are not here in person
On this auspicious occasion
To welcome you home
But we're on vacation

But don't think for one moment
You are not in our thoughts
We thought of you often...
Perhaps even lots!!!!

We heard that directions
We're yours along the way
Sometimes you would wing it
To see how thing could play

And we also heard in Bathurst
You had a surprise do
With family and friends
There welcoming you!!!!!!

From Victoria in May
To Halifax in June
An unbelievable accomplishment
We're over the moon!!!!

Anything is possible
If you think it's worthwhile
And Gary you've gone the distance
That one extra mile!!!

Your road goes its own way
No matter what you take
You have God in your heart
In the joy that you make

Trucks planes and birds
All passed by you with glee
A lonely biker on the road
You were there for all to see

Just to let you know
There were some questions
Some of them were rude
And some were suggestions

But they wanted to know why
Although they thought it lewd
They missed you in the park
You weren't biking nude!!!!

I'm, sure that perhaps
You had a good reason
With Maritime weather
You're part would be freezing

An exciting adventure
It's sure that you had
We give a toast to you
You make us so...glad

All our best wishes...from all that you see! We love you so much.
Donna and John Connely

HOME COMING

Dad was given a gerbera daisy yesterday that stayed on his bike for the whole journey and released it into the Atlantic.  The daisy was in memory of a dear friend (Lindsay) of Barb and Gordie Miller's (Dad's hosts in Truro) son and daughter in law's who passed away from cancer in February.  Lindsay had requested to have lots and lots of gerbera daisies at her service and Barb and Gordie planted the daisies for her this summer in their flower pots.

Dad, Brian and George left Truro to cycle to Halifax and were joined by Ray Hannabury around Stewiache.  They were met on the side of the road by Ron Jackson.  A Tim Hortons meeting was arranged.  Ron went ahead to Tim Hortons in Dartmouth and telling the storey about dad, coffee and muffins were on the house for the cycling group.  Patrons at Tim's gave contributions to dad for his journey.  A picture was taken of dad and the staff of Tim Hortons.

Connor and Nathan (grandsons) and Joe (son-in-law) joined in the ride at the top of Point Pleasant Park where they all cycled down to the bottom to Black Rock Beach.  Dad entered the Park with a grandson on each side to a row of gleaming Russel Metal trucks all honking their horns and over 200 people waiting to greet him.  He continued cycling and went to the beach where he "dipped his wheels."  Geoff Regan, MP Halifax West, was on hand to greet dad upon his arrival and dad was presented with a House of Commons Certificate for cycling coast to coast.

Representatives from the Cancer Society and  the QEII Foundation were at the Park to welcome dad home.  Dad presented two cheques for $13,000 each.  One to the QEII Foundation - Thyroid Oncology and the other to the NS Canadian Cancer Society.

A welcome home BBQ was hosted by Trinity United Church.  Mom, my sister, April and I wanted to have a BBQ to welcome dad home and thank all who supported him.  In the United Church fashion they all wanted to pitch in and help and in the end the congregation did it all and our family was able to sit back and enjoy the event.  THANK YOU is not enough to say, BUT A MILLION THANK YOUS!  This was no small BBQ.  There were three grills going and three tables full of salads.  Over 200 people were on hand to celebrate.

THANK YOU to George Clark and Ray Hannabury who participated in a leg of the ride to raise awareness of thyroid cancer.

Dad's home, but this does not mean the end of the blog.  There is still more to come.

DAY 47 - TRURO TO HALIFAX - HOME SWEET HOME

Dad had a great ride into Truro with Gary Burns.  They arrived shortly after noon.  A BIG THANK YOU to Barb and Gordie Miller for hosting dad last evening.  So much generosity, warmth and hospitality.

Dad met with Wayne Smith at the Trees of Life in Truro.  Wayne Smith is the sculptor of the Trees of Life, which is three trees, each with 12 rings representing each month of the year and the 12 days of Christmas. Each tree has a butterfly on top symbolic of the cancer society and a ring on top, which is reflective of an angel's halo.

The sculpture also boasts of a poem, created by Smith. It's called the Tree of Life 2008 and states: Like the tree of life the memories still keep on growing. As we all grow older we have to share the time with others because we all need each other to grow together and be stronger.

 

The trees of life is in down town Truro off Young and Prince Street.

We were in Truro bright and early this morning. Brian and George Clark, another cyclist, joined up with dad in Truro to cycle into Halifax. Let's hope there will be others along the pick up spots. Katherine Guinan, a thyroid cancer survivor showed up at the Community Centre in Truro to wish dad well and to let him know what an inspiration he is. As I was leaving Truro, I saw three cyclists in Tim Hortons. They did not get far maybe 2 km up the road before having a break. I guess it is true, a trucker and a police officer cannot pass a Tim's.
 
Today dad is cycling from Truro to Halifax arriving in Halifax at Point Pleasant Park Black Rock Beach at 3pm to dip his wheel in the ocean. Please see the route below and please join in to cycle with him. If not cycling, be there to greet him on his arrival with some huge cheers! Let's make this as big a celebration as it should be. Hope to see you all there!!

BBQ at the Trinity United Church in Timberlea at 5:30 pm this evening to celebrate and share dad's stories of his journey.  Please come and enjoy!

DAY 46 - PICTOU TO TRURO

Good morning everyone, yesterday was a very rainy day for dad.  However he was on the 2:45 pm ferry from Wood Islands into Nova Scotia and this was his goal.  He was greeted at the ferry by Mayor Joe Hawes as well as the Warden of Pictou Co in the pouring rain.  FANTASTIC!  He was escorted by the RCMP into Pictou - THANK YOU MATT!  He is now in Nova Scotia - all provinces are now behind him!!

He had another cyclist join him from the ferry to Pictou, Susan Jones' brother Ken Hetherington - THANK YOU!

A BIG THANK YOU to his hosts Patti MacKenzie's parents.  Patti is an employee of Russel Metal Halifax.  She and Tim (also an employee of Russel Metals Halifax) and their two boys Keegan and Hayden were on hand to greet dad went he got off the ferry.  THANK YOU!  They had fireworks last night after the rain stopped.

Dad started his day at 7:30 am this morning at Tim Hortons where he met up with Gary Burns - Rev. Helene's husband.  He is joining dad today and they are cycling to Truro.

Tomorrow dad is arriving in Halifax at Point Pleasant Park Black Rock Beach at 3pm to dip his wheel in the ocean.  Please see the route below for his day tomorrow and try and join in to cycle with him.  If not cycling, please try and be there to greet him on his arrival with some huge cheers!  Let's make this as big a celebration as it should be.  Hope to see you all there!!

DAY 45 - BORDEN TO PICTOU

Yesterday dad arrived in PEI and was greeted by Harvey Stewart and his wife.  They were waiting for him when he arrived on the Island.  They went to Tim Hortons for a coffee and a few stories were shared I am sure.

He arrived at his host's place around 9 pm.  THANK YOU to Gloria Churchill who hosted dad last evening.  The chocolate with a butterfly attached was on dad's pillow.

Today dad is on his way to Pictou.  He has approximately 118 km to cross the Island to catch the ferry.  When dad was trucking the Island he waited for the ferry constantly - this time dad is considered a "walk-on" and should have no problem getting on the ferry when he gets there.  Hopefully no waiting today!

RIDE WITH GARY - ROUTE FROM TRURO TO HALIFAX (1k to 100 km)

You are invited to ride with Gary on the last day of his journey.  You can ride 100km from Truro's Community College or as little as 1km from Point Pleasant Park's Upper Parking Lot to Lower Parking Lot.  There are 5 pick up spots to join in the ride with Gary.  Bring your helmet and enjoy the ride.

Wednesday, June 30th starting at 7 am from the Community College in Truro located at 36 Arthur Street.
Left onto Willow Street - Hwy #2 Truro, NS
Follow the #2 Hwy to Waverley travelling through Stewiacke, Shuberacadie, Lantz, Elmsdale, Enfield, Fall River
PICK UP SPOT - Petro Canada in Waverley (25km to Point Pleasant Park)

Switch to Waverley Road - Hwy #318
Follow Hwy #318 (Waverley Rd/Braemar Dr) travelling through Port Wallace and Westphal
PICK UP SPOT - Grahams Grove Park on Lake Banook (across from Superstore) 10km to Point Pleasant Park

Down Prince Albert Drive around Sullivan's Pond to the Angus MacDonald Bridge
Up North Street, Left on Agricola Street past Commons onto Ahern Avenue
PICK UP SPOT - Citadel High on Ahern Avenue (3.5km to Point Pleasant Park)

Down Bell Road onto South Park Street, continue down South Park Street where it changes to Young Avenue; at the end of Young Avenue right onto Point Pleasant Drive
PICK UP SPOT - Point Pleasant Park Upper Parking Lot (end of Tower Rd and Point Pleasant Drive) 1km

Down Point Pleasant Drive into lower parking lot onto Black Rock Beach arriving at 3 pm.

DAY 44 - REXTON TO BORDEN

Brian and dad cycled to Rexton yesterday in sudden bursts of downpours.  The skies would just open up and the rain would beat off the pavement for 20 to 30 minutes, then it would be beautiful blue skies for a few hours.  At least it was warm.  The roads are under construction in quite a few places and the ride was bumpy.

I received an email a few days ago from Natasha, Russel Metals Halifax, advising that she would be on holidays and driving to Quebec and wondering where and what route dad would be cycling.  I passed the info along and sure enough, Natasha and Sean found dad cycling, stopped and provided him with some power bars and a drink.  THANK YOU FOR THE BOOST!

Dad and Brian arrived in Rexton in the sunshine.  I met up with them at Tim Hortons and from there we went to Rev. Galen Smith's place who hosted dad last evening.  She and her husband Richard had a beautiful meal prepared for all of us.  THANK YOU Galen and Richard for your hospitality and wonderful company.

Dad is off to Borden, PEI today.  Another province will soon be behind him and tomorrow he will be in Nova Scotia.  Four days until he is home.

DAY 43 - BATHURST TO REXTON

The arrival into Bathurst was absolutely amazing.  Dad was greeted with a police escort from the Big Stop to First United Church on St. Patricks Street.  Connor and I were there holding a welcome sign.  Dad was so blown away that he did not even realize that Connor and I were there.  He thought we looked familiar, but he did not fully put it all together.  The Mayor as well as a representative from the Cancer Society were on hand to greet dad.  Last evening we had an unbelievable meal with so many wonderful people.  There were luminary bags for all the thyroid cancer survivors lit along the fireplace that were in attendance.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO HELEN KNOWLES AND SANDRA PENTLAND  for arranging the welcome reception and their wonderful warmth and hospitality.  The place was decorated with butterfly coasters, butterflies on the napkins, and there were butterflies on the luminary bags as well - absolutely amazing.

THANK YOU TO SANDRA AND ED who hosted all of us last evening.  To everyone in Bathurst THANK YOU - WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH!

Today Brian is cycling with dad to Rexton.  Connor and I will be there to greet them.

DAY 42 - CAMPBELLTON TO BATHURST

Received a phone call from dad around 2pm yesterday and he was still in Robinsonville.  He was getting ready to head out to Campbellton.  Yesterday was a relative short day compared to what he is used to.  He cycled approximately 40km.  Dad called mom when he arrived in Campbellton around 4:30pm.  It was raining the whole time, but he was not in the rain for a long time.  Dad was at Tim Hortons waiting to be picked up by his host who was taking him to Tidehead for supper.

THANK YOU to Jane and John who hosted dad in Campbellton.  Jane was up bright and early this morning and had breakfast ready for dad and Brian for 5:30am.  Yes, Brian is cycling with dad today from Campbellton to Bathurst.  THANK YOU for welcoming Brian so early and sharing breakfast with him.

DAY 41 - ROBINSONVILLE TO CAMPBELLTON

Dad cycled to Robinsonville yesterday from Edmundston.  This picture is taken from an overpass along the Trans Canada at exit 46 (St.Anne, NB) yesterday morning, just before St.Leonard, NB exit 58 (where he will exit to take Hwy 17).

He cycled the extra 20km yesterday to Robinsonville so he is able to stay a bit extra this morning and relax with friends.  His hosts, Art and Patsy Bacon are friends of dad's from when he trucked Northern NB.  Dad is enjoying his morning and not leaving from Campbellton until after noon today.
 
THANK YOU to Art and Patsy for hosting dad.  I can hear in dad's voice that he feels he is home; seeing friends and fellow employees of Russel Metals the last couple of days.

DAY 40 - EDMUNDSTON TO KEDGWICK

Same time zone and another province behind him.  Dad arrived in Edmundston last evening.    He is on home territory as he has trucked NB for over 20 years.  THANK YOU  Russel Metals Edmundston for hosting dad.  I received an email this morning with pictures of dad last evening spending time and enjoying a wonderful meal with employees of Russel Metals that dad has not seen in 15 or so years.  I spoke with dad last evening when he arrived at the hotel.  He knew he was to give Luc a call and maybe get together for a bite to eat.  I am assuming that this was a big surprise for dad.  The email mentioned a good time was had by all.

Today he is heading to Kedgwick.  He is actually planning on going to Robinsonville to spend the night with friends that he has not seen in 15 years.  He has a long ride ahead of him today as Edmundston to kedgwick is approximately 125km and then another 20km to Robinsonville.  This will give him a shorter day tomorrow so that he can spend a little extra time in Robinsonville tomorrow morning.

He is in Northern New Brunswick and the hills are back and the shoulders are narrow.  Rumor has it that the 17 has been improved since dad last travelled on this road, but he is expecting some hills today.

DAY 39 - ST. PASCAL TO EDMUNDSTON

"What a beautiful ride!"  Dad cycled along the river into St. Pascal yesterday.  It was absolutely breathtaking dad said.

I want to share an email I received from Russel Metals Ottawa in response to my thank you for hosting dad.  It is not the first thank you I have received in response to a "thank you" email, but it again shows the impact dad has on his hosts as well as the impact the hosts have on dad.

Hi Christina,

It is us that should be saying 'Thank You'. In fact the first thing your dad did when he arrived was to apologize for getting here so late! Imagine, biking across Canada and apologizing for arriving a little late - just speaks to his character. We had the easy part!

Your dad was very gracious, he did say thank you many times. He said he had no problem knowing where to go (because of the butterflies) and was very kind in allowing us to take lots of pictures. He presented my 6 year old daughter with one of his butterflies, and it is something that she will have forever. On the car ride home, my 10 year-old son said, 'pretty neat eh dad, meeting a Real Hero'. Well that pretty well sums up the way we all feel about your dad.

I sincerely hope that the little gathering we had in honour of your dad's arrival put a little wind at his back for the homestretch of his journey.

Love you Dad!  You have always been a hero to me!

DAY 38 - LEVIS to ST. PASCAL

Dad with Simon, his host in Montreal.

Yesterday dad started out in the rain.  He decided to go into Tim Hortons as it was raining so hard to get dried out a bit and to see if the rain would let up.  While in Tim Hortons he started talking with a couple from Nanaimo, BC.  They left Nanaimo on May 11th and could not believe that dad left Victoria BC on May 15th.  Did I mention they are travelling by vehicle.  For anyone who does not know where Nanaimo is it is also on Vancouver Island approximately an hour away from Victoria.  (It is where Connor was born).

Dad was told of a bike trail from Trois Rivieres to Levis that he could follow.  Dad said it was a beautiful trail.  He came across a couple who advised dad of a steep hill with a sharp S turn.  They spoke broken English, but dad told them it would be a piece of cake and they laughed.  This morning a guy drove pass dad honking and waving and when he got closer he smiled at dad and keep saying "good luck, good luck."  It was the same guy dad talked with on the trail probably on his way to work.

Today dad is off to St. Pascal.  This is dad's last day in Quebec.  Again THANK YOU to Russel Metals Quebec for hosting dad through Quebec.

DAY 37 - TROIS RIVIERES TO LEVIS

Dad had a beautiful day cycling yesterday.  The weather was great and the scenery was amazing.  He took his time and enjoyed the ride.

THANK YOU to Russel Metals Quebec who is supporting dad on his journey by hosting him in hotels while cycling through Quebec.  When he arrived at his hotel last evening and finished checking in, it had started to rain.  Dad finished his day without getting wet.

Dad arrived in good time, just after 6 pm.  Dad said he was just going to shower, relax and sleep.  The last few days he was up early and late enjoying the company of his hosts.

Today is the start of week 6.  Dad has cycled over  5,000 km.  Once today is behind him, he is on familiar territory as he trucked Northern New Brunswick over 20 years.  Today dad is heading to Levis.

DAY 36 - MONTREAL TO TROIS RIVIERES

Dad had a beautiful day of cycling yesterday.  He had a bit of jigging and jagging to get out of Ottawa to the Quebec Border, but once he crossed the border and turned right onto Highway #344 it was smooth sailing (or should I say smooth cycling).  That's right - the Quebec Border - another province is now behind him!  He followed the Ottawa River and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.

THANK YOU to Simon and his wife who hosted dad last evening. Another THANK YOU to Simon who got dad through Montreal.  We all know how crazy Montreal can be in a vehicle, imagine on a bicycle.  They ate out on the deck and dad had beautiful company and a wonderful meal.  Even their dog Bob stayed out with them and enjoyed the evening and conversation.

Today dad is off to Trois Rivieres.  The first 20km of his journey is on a bike trail, which Simon suggested and mapped dad's route to Trois Rivieres.  Dad gave me a quick call this morning from the bike trail and said how breathtaking it is.  He is taking his time and enjoying the ride.

DAY 35 - OTTAWA TO MONTREAL

Yesterday was a long ride.  Not necessarily in miles, but time as he had to go through Ottawa to arrive at Russel Metals which is on the east side of Ottawa.  It made for a long afternoon.  When he arrived at Russel Metals he was greeted by a crowd of Russel Metal employees.  Also waiting for dad was dad's brother's brother-in-law and wife (John and Chris).  THANKS TO ALL FOR GREETING DAD!

Joe Verville, Unit Manager Russel Metals Ottawa had these butterflies made out of metal and painted just for dad's arrival.  They were placed on either side of the entrance to Russel Metals for dad to see upon arrival.  Russel Metals Ottawa employees raised $1000 for thyroid cancer on dad's behalf.
WOW - THANKS!

Today dad is heading to Montreal.  Another long ride as he cannot cycle on the TransCanada.  Approximately 190km today.

DAY 34 - PETAWAWA TO OTTAWA

Here is dad and he is smiling; his North Bay escort; Mathias, was at John and Linda's at 5 am looking for his riding buddy. Mathias escorted dad part way out of town, what a guy for going above and beyond. Mathias was there volunteering right from the get-go, and John fully believes that Dad's enthusiasm will inspire Mathias to do a challenge of something similar in the not too distant future.

A BIG THANK YOU to John and Linda from North Bay for their hospitality, warmth and generosity.  After a hearty breakfast dad was on his bike at 6 am on his way to Petawawa.

A few comments from John I received in an email yesterday.

Your Dad is a delight, and rest assured; he does make a difference.  There is an easterly wind and the threat of light rain forecast for most of the day; somehow I get the feeling that nothing dampens his attitude as he has a special way of handling hurdles; I believe the wind is always at his back.

Today dad is off to Ottawa.  The weather looks good - definitely a day for sunscreen!  He is planning on a visit to Russel Metals in Ottawa where they have a few surprises for him that dad is not aware of.

DAY 33 - NORTH BAY TO PETAWAWA

Yesterday was a great day for cycling.  THANK YOU to Trinity United Church who came out and greeted dad upon arrival in North Bay.  I talked with dad briefly and received an email around 8:30 pm with pictures advising that dad was still visiting and eating.

THANK YOU to John and Linda who hosted dad in North Bay for the wonderful company and food.

Today the forecast is rain and dad is off to Petawawa approximately 193km.  Another long ride in the rain.  Keep those positive thoughts and comments coming!

DAY 32 - SUDBURY TO NORTH BAY

Yesterday started out as a beautiful day for cycling, but about 10 minutes down the road it started to rain and it rained most of the day.  Dad had headwinds yesterday as well, but the rain was warm.  Dad said it was a bit of a struggle with the winds and rain, but it was a beautiful evening when he arrived in Sudbury.  He called me from Tim Hortons feeling pretty good.

I received an email from his North Bay hosts and the weather is good for cycling today.  His trip to North Bay is approximately 136km, not a whole lot of hills and I am told only one Tim Hortons.  I am sure dad will find it and stop for a coffee.

DAY 31 - BLIND RIVER TO SUDBURY

In Sault Ste Marie dad stayed at the Est Bourne Manor.  THANK YOU to Janice who looked after dad with a wonderful supper, was up early and made dad breakfast, and the room was fit for a king.  It was truly wonderful.

Yesterday dad was off to Blind River.  He was to call me from Tim Hortons for the info on his hosts.  When he got to Tim Hortons he went to wash his hands, when he came out someone asked him if he was "Gary?"  It was his hosts for the evening.  They thought they would just pop by Tim Hortons to see if he was there and sure enough he was.  A BIG THANK YOU to his hosts John and Marilyn for their kindness and heartfelt warmth.

John and Clarence (a friend of John's) welcomed dad with a guitar duet - playing and singing My Nova Scotia Home in honour of dad's journey. I was told it brought a tear to dad's eye.  John is originally from Nova Scotia and he is also a thyroid cancer survivor.

I received the following email this morning from John and Marilyn advising that dad had left and is on his way to Sudbury at 8:15 this morning.

....warm morning but a very light mist in the air - forecast is for a sunny day with highs of 20...should be a good riding day. He had a hearty breakfast then went out to pack up his bike wearing his newly washed clothing and carrying his freshly filled water bottles and a packed lunch. A wee bit late on the start - but we were up till midnight trading "war stories" and enjoying each other's company. Your Dad is truly a wonderful, loving person with a fantastic outlook on life.....we really enjoyed every moment of his (all-to-short) visit with us!! Thank you for all you and your family do for him to make his journey run so smoothly.

This is an example of the truly wonderful and beautiful people dad has met and who have hosted him.  Words cannot say enough or express our thanks.

Today dad is on his way to Sudbury.

DAY 30 - THE SAULT TO BLIND RIVER

Yesterday was another nice day for cycling.  Dad had a tail wind  and arrived in Sault Ste Marie early afternoon and went to a bike shop that was suggested by his hosts in Marathon.  Dad stopped at the Voyayeur's Lodge and Cook House and said the food was out of this world.  The Lodge and Cook House have fact signs and dad mentioned that he has cycled 3611 km and 2366 km to go.  He was telling me, as he could physically see it on a map, how far he has cycled.  He was amazed himself.

He also saw a bear.  It was on the run and had ran out of the woods and across the street.  It did not even look left or right it just zoomed out of nowhere.  Dad was quite happy it did not see him!  A few days ago he watched a moose with her two babies.

Today he is off to Blind River.  His hosts live in Algoma Mills which is approximately 12km east of Blind River.  Blind River has a Tim Hortons which dad is going to give me a call from and then continue on to his hosts.

DAY 29 - DESTINATION SAULT STE MARIE

THANK YOU to Kaireen who arranged dad's hosts in Wawa and THANK YOU to his hosts in Wawa for their generosity and hospitality.  I received an email for Kaireen who had the opportunity to meet with dad and described him "full of enthusiasm and inspiration.  He is really amazing for 65.  Puts us older ones to shame."

Kaireen advised that when he left yesterday it was not raining, but it had started to spit a bit later in the afternoon.  Dad did stay out of the rain until later in the afternoon and he arrived in Montreal River around 3:30 pm and kept on going as he did not have a host.  He called approximately 78 km from Sault St. Marie.  It was pouring down raining by then and he decided to call it a day.

Dad said he had four good size hills and he is going around Lake Superior.  Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great lakes.  It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world.

Today Dad is off to Sault Ste Marie.

DAY 28 - WAWA TO MONTREAL RIVER

THANKS to Barb and Joe who hosted dad in Marathon.  They stayed up late chatting and watching the hockey game.  Dad left around 7 am yesterday morning after a great breakfast and some more conversation.  Dad left Barb and Joe's place full of energy and ready for his big ride.

Dad arrived in Wawa after a great day of riding.  The weather was perfect for cycling - cloudy and no rain.  When he called we were quite excited as we knew it was a huge day.  Dad called from a gas station, but he did mention that there is a new Tim Horton's in Wawa.  I am sure he will make a visit.

Today he is off to Montreal River.

This is a picture dad took while cycling in the Rockies.

DAY 27 - "THE MARATHON RIDE" MARATHON TO WAWA

THANK YOU to Mike and Eleanor Gould in Terrace Bay.  It was a great evening of hospitality.  They sent him on his way yesterday after a wonderful breakfast and with lunch for the road.

Yesterday the ride was fairly short (82 km), but it was foggy and pouring down rain the whole day.  Dad's lights on his bike are working as people have commented that they can see him even in the worst of conditions.  THANK YOU CYCLE SMITH.  When dad stopped to empty the water out of his plastic bags that he wears over his gloves in the rain, someone again asked "I know the answer is NO, but do you want a ride?"  And again, "thank you, but no thank you."

When dad called, he was at the mall in Marathon sitting on a bench.  He could see his bike and the coffee shop was behind him.  He was enjoying a coffee and he was warm and dry, however, his wet clothes were laid out on the bench beside him.

Tomorrow dad is off to Wawa.  He has a long ride (185 km), but he has heard that there are not as many hills as the last couple of days and dad says, these hills are nothing compared to the Coquihalla Highway!

Dad (well actually, Brian) put the butterflies on his bike before leaving for his Thyroid Cancer Awareness journey.

DAY 26 - TERRACE BAY TO MARATHON

Dad's hosts in Nipigon sent him off with a "farmers breakfast" which sounds a lot like a truckers breakfast - hash browns, sausage and eggs with homemade bread.  A BIG THANK YOU to Herman who got up and made this breakfast before dad left around 7:30 am.

Glena and Herman gave dad a brief tour of Nipigon, downloaded pictures off dad's camera and forwarded to me which you will see on the blog.  THANK YOU Glena and Herman for your hospitality.

Today will be dad's second day in Northern Ontario's big hills and windy roads.  From talking with other cyclists, this should be the worst stretch of hills in the North.  Today is not too long of a day, but he needs to save some energy for tomorrow's long ride to Wawa.

DAY 25 - NIPIGON TO TERRACE BAY

Dad left Thunder Bay yesterday morning in the sunshine.  He stopped at the Terry Fox monument.  I can only imagine how inspiring this monument would be to anyone crossing this country on their own power.  Someone kindly took a picture of dad at the monument.  THANK YOU TO his host in Nipigon who sent the photos.

A BIG THANK YOU to his Thunder Bay hosts.  They were up very early yesterday morning to see dad off and made him a big breakfast at 5 am.

After discussions with his hosts in Nipigon and Marathon, dad has decided not to cycle to Marathon today as the hills are big and the area is isolated.  Dad is going as far as Terrace Bay (104 km) and spending the night.  After Terrace Bay there is nothing until Marathon which is approximately another 100 km.  Destination for Wednesday is Marathon.

DAY 24 - THUNDER BAY TO NIPIGON

Yesterday the sun was shining.  Dad arrived in Thunder Bay early afternoon and went straight to a bike shop to have his bike looked after.  A BIG THANK YOU to Fresh Air Experience who took the time and fit him in and fixed up his bike.

When speaking with dad last night, he asked that a few things be passed along.

THANK YOU to Howard, Debbie, and brother David from the English Shore Resort.  They were so gracious and kind and it was like we knew each other forever!

When dad was cycling in Saskatchewan, a half ton truck flagged dad down.  He wanted to show him an antelope with its twins.  He handed dad a pair of binoculars to have a look.  He advised dad that this is something that is very rare to see.  The driver of the truck advised that his wife is from Bathurst, NB.

Dad spotted a doe walking with her fawn.  They were crossing the road and the fawn was still quite wobbly on its legs.  Dad stopped two cars to allow the doe and fawn to get across the street safely.

Yesterday, dad spotted a black bear.  The bear was walking the track, but by the time dad stopped to get his camera, the bear was gone.  Dad said he watched him for a couple of minutes and the bear was just sauntering along.

Dad met up with a group of people rollerblading across Canada for cancer.  Their slogan "Don't Stop Believing."

During dad's journey several people have stopped and said "I know you don't want a lift, but I have to ask - Do you want a lift?"  and dad's reply "Thank you, but no thank you."

Dad's destination today is Nipigon.  Today will mark dad's half way point across Canada.  I believe it is just after Thunder Bay.  The weather looks good, and he was told that the hills are not too bad today, but come tomorrow the hills are big.  Today's ride is approximately 70 miles (112 km).

DAY 23 - SHABAQUA CORNERS TO THUNDER BAY

Dad arrived in Shabaqua Corners (approximately 33 miles west of Thunder Bay).  He was in a lot of rain and wind yesterday and the hills are coming.  I have heard that the terrain is quite hilly and isolated between Nipigon and Sault Ste Marie.

Today dad is heading to Thunder Bay and spending the night.  He is going to give his bike a look over and some TLC and enjoy the company of his hosts.  He receives more than a nights rest, a warm shower and good food when he stays with a host.  He is rejuvenated by their kindness and caring they recharge his "Faith Hope and Attitude."  The hosts and followers of dad's journey provide the spirituality.  Today will be a shorter day for dad but this week involves some of his longest and most challenging days.

SCHEDULE UPDATE

Below is the schedule for dad's journey.

June 17th - Thurs - Petawawa to Ottawa
June 18th - Fri - Ottawa to Montreal
June 19th - Sat - Montreal to Trois Rivieres
June 20th - Sun - Trois Rivieres to Quebec City
June 21st - Mon - Quebec City to Saint Pascal
June 22nd - Tues - Saint Pascal to Edmunston
June 23rd - Wed - Edmuston to Kedgwick
June 24th - Thurs - Kedgwick to Campbellton
June 25th - Fri - Campbellton to Bathurst
June 26th - Sat - Bathurst to Richibucto
June 27th - Sun - Richibucto to Borden
June 28th - Mon - Borden to Pictou
June 29th - Tues - Pictou to Truro
June 30th - Wed - Truro to Halifax

DAY 22 - ENGLISH RIVER TO THUNDER BAY

The rain is back.  Dad woke up yesterday morning in showers and cycled the entire day in rain.  The wind is changing direction again and was in in face yesterday.  He spent the night in English River approximately 27 miles west of Upsala.  It was quite dark due to the weather and it is expected to rain with thunder through the evening so he decided to stay put.  He stayed at the English Shore Resort.  They are getting up early to make him breakfast and give him a sandwich for the road.  THANK YOU ENGLISH SHORE RESORT!

Dad is headed to Thunder Bay today.  His ride today is approximately 110 miles (180 km).  The weather forecast for today is pretty much the same as yesterday.  I know there are some hills to be climbed.

DAY 21 - UPSALA

When dad phoned last evening he was just east of Dryden.  It was a beautiful night and Tim Horton's is a couple of miles up the road so he thought he would camp in one of the many campgrounds around Dryden.  Wabigoon is approximately 10 miles east, but a whole lot of nothing around it.  He figured he would enjoy the night and know that he would be close to Tim Horton's for the morning to start his ride to Upsala today.

Yesterday he stopped at a park to refuel (a quick bite to eat) and there were a couple of ladies who were on their way to visit their sister.  They chatted with dad and they wanted their picture taken with dad to take and show their sister.  The people that dad has met has been unbelievable and very supportive.

Today the towns are few and far between.  When he leaves today the next town with food and accommodations is Ignace approximately 63 miles.  From there he has another 65 miles to Upsala.  This is another small town, but there is food and accommodations and he will be spending the night in Upsala.  Dad also mentioned that there were quite a few rolling hills yesterday. He is getting himself ready for some of the climbs that are to come his way.