We headed out of Souix City north to Souix Centre through the city. on our second turn we were directed to make a left on Fairmount Ave or should I say "Fairmount Pass?" Seriously this city street had a steeper incline than the mountains we had climbed. It was disconcerting to hear several cyclists turn and exclaim "WHOA!!!!" Apparently, grade regulations hadn't been set when road were built in the route Ed had chosen. We all made it through and headed for the country journey. It was a narrow road with no shoulders so traffic was a constant concern.
The ride was steady and I decided just to take it easy as tomorrow and Thursday will be our longest days and I wanted to save some energy for that. As I was about to take some pictures, I realised that my camera was not in my basket bag. Drat! must have left it in my bathroom bag in the truck.
I missed the first SAG stop with Julie completely and almost missed the second at Cory as it seemed it was a game of "Where's Waldo?" when they were choosing their parking spots or maybe I was just day dreaming.
A lovely call home to my friend Heather was a great release and a comforting heart.
Several of the farms we passed today were pork, which got me thinking about foods I am missing and craving. I missed the Rib-Fest in my home town of London this weekend and am totally yearning for some ribs!
The local church in Ireton, held an afternoon break spot for us with banana/strawberry smoothies and root beer floats. Absolutely delightful! And such wonderful people. Verla made sure I had a spot in the shade and was admiring my bike-especially my basket! She has great style and taste.
Lawrence joined me in the home stretch that had a scary moment. As we were going up a hill a transport was coming down the other side of the road. Something didn't sound right so I did a quick shoulder check on Lawrence only to see this white car barrelling down on us and not loosing speed or giving any space. with no shoulder I yelled to Lawrence and watched as the car missed him and the transport by inches only to squeal away. Another close call protected by God.
We arrived to a warm reception at Dordt College and an air-conditioned room to sleep in.
Unfortunately, what was not there was my camera. I believe it might have been left behind at the centre we stayed at last night. We are going to make a call to have someone check but I am afraid that it might be gone. It is a hard loss to take as my pictures have been my memory each day helping me with my short term memory issues so that I can blog. Also, it is just not financially viable for me to replace it for the tour. Pray that it may be found at the centre and returned to me. Pray that I may have peace no matter what the outcome. Pray that I may be reminded of all that I am blessed with and not what I have lost.
6 comments:
Hey Gayle,
I'm praying that you get your camera back. Despite the mishaps of some of the team, glad to hear that things are going well! You sound in good spirits and a little homesick! Ride safe - see you when you get to London!
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Gayle, You are amazing! Keep up the good work. It sounds like you are having so much fun and enjoying the trip. I hope and pray the headaches are done now that it shouldn't be quite so hot and dry. Stay safe, I sure hope your camera is found because I certainly enjoy your pictures although I am not sure the scenery will be quite as good in Chicago and Gary as it was in the mts. You might like Michigan though. Thinking of you and praying for you throughout the days. Karen, GR MI
Hi Gayle, even though you don't me I have the pleasure of knowing you (somewhat) reading your blogs; great sense of humour. Eventhough the going is tough at times you keep trusting and come across as having fun inspite of hardships. Sure hope you will receive your camera. My husband, Dick K. does not have one and I know I could not go without. Blessings, Clara K.
Hey Gayle, if you still need a sewing machine, here's an idea:
This message is for Jan of CRCNA -- Regarding your sewing machine offer, my husband, Pieter Pereboom, and I are coming to GR for a wedding this weekend (Aug. 8,9) and then moving on to bring Pieter to join the tour in Madison on Sunday. We could pick up the machine at the CRCNA offices late Friday afternoon -- just leave it or a note by the front desk and we will come find you. Or give Pieter a phone call on Thursday, or Friday morning to make arrangements -- someone there should have his number -- he's on CRC Pubs. (I'm assuming you'll have a few thread / bobbins / needles supplies with it?) Would this work for you?
margaret dijkhuis (Denfield, ON)
Okay, Gayle, so it worked! Jan contacted me this morning and we've arranged for me to meet Jan and pick up the machine and supplies on Friday at CRCNA headquarters, from whence I shall deliver it to the tattered tour in Madison. Cool, eh? Thanks, Jan!
Regarding your little guitar, neither key would fit into the lock (perhaps the landlord's changed the locks on you??!! ;[ so it looks like you may have to go with the accordian after all -- pity the troops!
Tracy's also dropping off your "grocery list" from Cyclepath to Pieter at the office today, so you should be well-outfitted for the week by the weekend's end.
Looking forward to seeing you in WI. (Dare I tell you that temps here have dropped to low 20's for the whole week? Perhaps you'll be so blessed as well :)
Drivesafe and practise that time-honoured monastic slogan: "Ora et cyclora".
Hey, Gayle: Sorry I missed the personal tour of the supreme, extreme kitchen on wheels! Hoping your camera has been returned, and continued Godspeed on your amazing journey. I'll treasure the memory of our brief encounter. Verla@Ireton
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