It started to rain as I was packing, so I just packed the tent wet. Missing one of my cycling gloves - lost in last night's storm.
Strong headwinds today so I averaged only 6 miles/hr.. So exhausting. I think my body is depleted of some important nutrients.
Stopped by a little lake and watched ducks for awhile.
Further on, I came upon a big straw bale on the side of the road near North Battleford. It's a wonder I've got this far. It's taken me 6 hours and I haven't gone that far. Maybe 40 miles.
I spread my fleecy on the straw bale. Then I pulled out my wet tent and held it up high while it flaps in the strong wind to dry it out. At least, I've found the wind good for something, and the rain has stopped again. Some scene I must make for the motorists.
It's Sunday, and thousands of cars and trucks are going by as I cycle. Must be cottage country nearby and they're all coming home. As am I, only a bit slower.
Mandy and Lukamus
ucamus, 3 months old:The evening I arrived at N. Battleford, I was so tired!!! that I could have cried. I had battled head winds all day long...(maybe that's why the area is called Battleford).
I went to the first restaurant I saw in north North Battleford, and that helped as it was quite nice, and then I thought I would look for that campground mentioned on a highway sign.
I started cycling down a main street, having had to turn east, and, as Luck Would Have It, I spotted this lovely paved sidewalk between the highway and the residential area, completely fenced and cooled by the shade of tall poplars overhead and nice bushes on both sides.
I only went a few streets east before I had to stop and sit on a bench. As I did, along came this beautiful young woman on rollerblades with a baby in a snuggly on her chest.
As she sped past me, I thought how fortunate was that little one, and watched her going down the path.
All of a sudden, she twirled around like a figure skater, and looked back at me watching her, and rollered back up to where I was sitting.
I have asked myself so often, what promted her to turn around and come back. A very powerful presence is watching over me on my trip. May it also watch this very special girl and baby.
We chatted for quite a while.
Mandy had flown to Ontario a few years ago, and had rollerbladed in our various towns/cities, hitch-hiking, and/or taking bus or train to the next one. She did Toronto, even parts of our County here as she remembers the free ferry, Kingston, Ottawa, and, eventually, Halifax.
She asked me where I was going and I said I was looking for the campground.
Mandy said "You can put your tent up in my backyard if you want?" and I didn't even argue politely first, just got back on my bike and followed her and the baby. Even riding my bicycle, it was a struggle to keep up because I had bottomed out.
She has a lovely backyard, as you can see here, with the softest grass for sleeping on. By now, I can lie down on a kitchen floor and fall asleep. Grass is a bonus, of course.
She and Lukamus come out to sit on lawn chairs with me while she breast-feeds him. She has brought me a cup of chamomile tea. Another bonus. Even though it's hot, tea is very relaxing yet satisfying.
Her Mom phoned from her home in Meota, where I was 2 days ago, to tell her that twister warnings were sent out for that evening. Wouldn't that have been a crazy coincidence if I had met her Mom in Meota, shopping or at the beach!
It was so good to go to bed that night. Mandy left the back door open so that I could use the bathroom if I needed to.
It wasn't for the bathroom, though, that I needed to come into her house that night. At 11 pm, I awoke to the flashing lights and boom of an electrical storm, fierce prairie lightning, and crashing thunder. Remembering the threat of a twister, I grabbed as much stuff as I could from the tent and rushed in, and then called upstairs "Mandy, there's an electrical storm now", to which she replied "Ohmygosh, I'm in the tub!" She got out right away and soon came downstairs with the baby. We planned that if we heard a noise like a freight train, we were going to dash into the basement bathroom.
We chatted and played with the baby for a couple of hours. She gave me a painting of The Goddess, painted by herself, and I felt so complimented. It's done with an indigo background, and is here beside my computer until I get it framed.
Then they went upstairs to bed, and I simply put my sleeping mat and s. bag on the rug in the rec-room, and fell fast asleep. As I said, kitchen floor or rec room, it mattered not.
Her Mom and Dad drove in from Meota in the morning, where I had spent 2 days at the town's campground, with her Dad going to Tim Horton's for a coffee for me, and her Mom making me a real breakfast. Man, can she cook the perfect egg(s).
Her Mom also put some nuts, and treats in baggies for me, and Mandy gave me the best tasting squash, carrot, and pea soup/casserole to take along that I ever tasted. I had it 'cold', au natural, later for supper, next morning for breakfast, and then again for lunch. I could eat that every day of my life, I'm sure. I'm still smacking my lips.
I will never forget that lovely time at Mandy's home with her, Lukamus, and her parents.
The following comment was put on my blog by Mandy:
"Hi Karen.
It's Mandy from North Battleford.
I am so happy you have made it to Manitoba.
Have a beautiful rest of the Journey.
Kiss Kiss"
If I meet more people like you, it's guaranteed, Mandy. And I did!
Please come visit me here in Wellington. I'll take you on the free Glenora Ferry again, and somewhere nice to eat, as I couldn't possibly make a dish as good as the one you popped into my pannier. I will return your container shortly.
Love, K
Happy 75th Birthday to Des!
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