Watery, tasteless, warmed goo (aka dried whole egg powder) started our day. The protein rich component of our breakfast was not very palatable and as a result food became an invaluable commodity for the rest of the day. We filled up our water bottles from the taps at the community centre and didn’t realize the black flecks floating under the lids until later. These preliminary events can be used as context to further understand the appreciation felt for acts of kindness experienced later on…
We left our impromptu lodging at 9:30am (cleaning up our egg fiasco took a bit of time) bound for Camperville. Over the next two and a half hours worship music wove around us and the wind whistled at our backs.
Around 5 km from Camperville, a grey Honda Civic slowed down beside Gerald and the couple inside started talking to him. We learned later that Cory and Laura had seen us cycling the previous day when we were near the Minitonas junction. They were heading home to Pine Creek First Nation (near Camperville). “Would you like some water?” they asked before stating, “well come to our house!”
Many things happened in the following 10 minutes. First, a white Ford Max with a familiar looking driver was seen travelling in the other direction. We were both pleasantly surprised to see Cheryl’s sister emerge after the vehicle pulled over and we offered sweaty hugs to Amelia’s two cousins. About 5 minutes later, another vehicle of family members (heading home from a recent gathering) was spotted and we waved each other to a halt in order to exchange more sweaty hugs, smiles and conversation. In the time it took for these two mini family reunions, Cory and Laura found us again, this time laden with three water bottles and inquiries as to whether we would like more. We received a total of seven bottles of water from Cory and Laura, along with two ziplock containers of fresh grapes and cut strawberries. Furthermore, Laura had every intention of buying us lunch, but the only restaurant in town was closed due to a power outage. The kindness shown to us by people we did not know was humbling and inspiring. Thank you Cory and Laura for your incredible generosity!
People powered the day—both those that we just met and those we have known for many years. Our family members had not needed to travel through Camperville, but they made a point of detouring to see us on our journey.
The blessings of family continued this evening. We had supper at Gerald’s sister’s place in Winnipegosis (arriving there at 5:30pm) and are spending the night at Cheryl’s parent’s place.
104km was the final odometer count of the day and both of these tired cyclists are grateful to have finally accessed a shower!
Feeling refreshed and exceptionally blessed,
Gerald and Amelia
Adventures on a bicycle 