Friday, August 22, 2008

Taking it easy

Today I decided to take my time, which meant not riding with Claire. In fact, I chose to ride with Hank, who is notably more relaxed in his cycling. We all knew there would be several refreshment stops - at least 4 - sponsored by the CR churches along the way. In deed, there were some very welcoming groups who provided everything from Tim Horton's coffee, currant buns, sub sandwiches, watermelon, juices, baked goods and a respite from the shade. Somewhere along the line, we picked up Jake Prins and soon, I was with Jake and everyone else had gone ahead.

When we got to the last stop at the home of a church member from one of the churches in Hamilton, Jake Prins and I sat in some comfortable chairs under a large maple tree and fell asleep. When I awoke it was almost 3:30 p.m. - the latest time that one would want to arrive in camp. I said loudly, "Jake! We've got to go!" He jumped up and put his glasses and helmet on all in one swift movement. After filling our water bottles, we took off at a leisurely pace to cover the last 15 miles.

We arrived at Redeemer University a little after 5 p.m. I feel very refreshed after a nice shower in their locker rooms, and a supper of bratworst and salads, iced tea, lemonade, fruit and some desserts provided by Redeemer's campus services department. They also will provide breakfast for us tomorrow morning. They have chairs scattered around the front lawn where we'll most likely have our group meeting, which saves us having to haul our folding chairs around. All very considerate amenities.

Rich had set up the tent before I got to camp - he did that after he arrived about 2:30 p.m. Hank and Claire are going to someone's home tonight - being billeted is what it is called in Canada - because they feel they can share some of what the tour is all about with people that way. I agree, and hope that whenever the opportunity arises again, Rich and I will take it. Probably tomorrow and Sunday evenings we'll do that. For tonight, we're fine with going to peloton at 7:30 p.m., small groups at 8 p.m and then hitting the hay at a decent hour. The weather is gorgeous and the hospitality wonderful wherever we go in Canada. I'm learning the Canadian national anthem and singing it while cycling whenever the Spirit says sing!

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