Day 4: The Winds Change and So Must We

Gerald is a professional weather checker. It is a skill that he doesn’t flaunt, but he utilizes quite frequently—especially when bicycling across Manitoba with his daughter.

Gerald is also good at making plans eight months in advance and then changing them the day the plans are to be implemented. 

Gerald’s carefully constructed original plan was altered today in favour of a route that would not send us headlong into 20 km winds. The winds change and so must we. That is why we did not go to Manipogo beach today, but instead find ourselves in Dauphin, Manitoba. 

(The construction zone sign situated at the beginning of the route we were going to take may have also contributed to the change of plans…)

Biking brings about time to think and opportunities for honest conversations between riders. Gerald helped Amelia realize the potential that could accompany a change in her conflict management style. Reflecting on recent events also brought about a realization that everyone changes and change can be healthy and good. 

Changing our plans for today ended up being very good. 

After cycling nearly 60 km, we parked our bikes outside a Boston Pizza in Dauphin. Inside, we had a lovely meal complete with a pitcher of water (to share), a football game (for Gerald) and a fly swatter (also to share)! We discussed how comfortable we were being at Grandma and Grandpa’s last night and how privileged we felt to have witnessed their ongoing hospitality towards family (even when they show up unexpectedly). 

We then laughed over the uncertainty of tonight’s lodgings as the sun quickly set. 

Come back tomorrow to learn more about the home we found for tonight! (For legal reasons we do not wish to disclose our current location until tomorrow.)

Quote of the day: “I don’t want to be clean. I get used to the feeling and then I want it all the time.” -Gerald

Your friends that don’t like flies,

Gerald and Amelia