Day 7: Mom Lightens Our Load

Gerald was surprised by the sight before his eyes. Tombstones stretched before him as he exited the tent at 4 in the morning to find a bush. Gerald recovered quickly from his shock by recalling that today he would receive watermelon—a worthy remedy for many ailments, especially “surprise! You decided to sleep in a cemetery” morning shock. 

We survived the graveyard and then set a record for earliest departure thus far: 8:09am! (Amelia was proud as this was less than 10 minutes past the original goal, and therefore still acceptable by her own tardiness standards.)

Poplarfield to Arborg was an amicable 29 kms filled with pleasant conversation and brisk winds that propelled us along. 

Upon arrival in Arborg around 10:30am, we situated ourselves in a Subway and got to work devouring sandwiches and putting the finishing touches on yesterday’s post. 

The journey from Arborg to the junction was fairly uneventful, apart from one break. We accidentally parked our bikes against a rock, and on top of an ant hill—which, apparently, ants do not appreciate. These were not your typical black worker ants. They were half red and determined to get to our ankles. Imagine how Amelia felt when it appeared ants were coming out of her shoes! (Amelia will now be keeping a close eye out for ants at rest stops as well.)

After the junction travel was against wind and painfully slow. Gerald was in contact with his wife Cheryl (aka Mom), who would be meeting us in Gimli just 30 kms away. 

Half way to our destination, Cheryl met us (unexpectedly) at a stop sign. A beautiful vision of white and blue, she graciously took our bags after we exchanged hugs and (for some) kisses. We could then ride the final length unloaded, thereby travelling significantly faster. 

Once in Gimli the three of us explored shops, walked the streets and had a delicious dinner at the Lakeview Restaurant. Oh, and Gerald got his watermelon. 

We are now staying the night at Amelia’s friend’s place just south of Gimli. 

Total kms travelled today = 90. 

Significant development: Gerald is now clean. 

With yawns and smiles,

Gerald and Amelia