Friday, 5 July 2013
Ward Day 15
This is day 15. We left the motel at 6:30 AM. A little delayed as Gordon had a flat. Who knew you could have one before you even start. Weather good with a light or neutral breeze. 195 km to Brandon. Eric called with the news that a plane crash killed Riki Gougeon, Jamie Gougeon and Riki's son in law Richard Ross. This is a major tragedy. Put a cloud over the day. Anyway we had a nice picnic in Virden and then 70 km slog to Brandon. At the Super 8 we had a hot tub and cocktail hour. Long day but went well.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Notes from Marlie and Tom
ReplyDeleteHello, you three heroes! Madge, we have been likely been writing at about the same time …. I just got your most recent post, and the news of your friends’ tragedy was hard to read. I am sorry.
And another 200 km completed! Yikes! Manitoba already! Those guys are remarkable. We continue to be so impressed with their endurance and remarkable speed. We are so appreciative of your willingness to blog and keep us up to date. We hope each of you is pleased with all you have accomplished to date. Amazing ….
Oh, and by the way, Whitewood SK reminded you of Corner Gas? I hope you don’t think that all Whitewood-ers (?) remind you of the characters of Corner Gas! Tom Ward grew up there. His grandparents had a homestead in Whitewood, and it was there that he lived for some time, and then spent every Easter and summer there through his childhood and adolescence. He just told me that he was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Whitewood. I must see that place some day.
Those prairie towns can be a little dreary, can’t they? When I think of family drives from Edmonton to our cottage, I see flat landscape, several dreary towns with trucks parallel-parked in front of (really good) bakeries, feel hot wind on my face, taste dust in my mouth. But that that wind from the East that the boys had to fight a few days ago? That’s unusual, or so Tom tells me. Usually they come from the west or northwest. Too bad – but at least that wind precipitated a day of rest. I’m so glad they took the opportunity to do that in Regina.
Over here, many, many folks know about Team Skinner (including Leslee and Tom Wake who were with us over the Long Weekend. They send greetings to you.) All share our “wow” feelings. We are prepping to do a 100 km. ride tomorrow, of course, after a day of rest and a familiar route. Like the other rides we’ve had since being with you on Day 1 and 2, we’ll think of you as we puff up the hills and wonder how you’ve done it day after day after day.