After drying out from the rain yesterday in a comfy motel in Blind River, the third day of the tour began with grey, foggy, and windy weather. No rain, but no sun either, and you need to concentrate on the road, with trucks and very little room. Stopped for lunch in Bruce Mines at Mike and Sheila San Cartier’s cottage – a great lunch and chance to talk. Thanks Sheila and Mike (who taught all our children in grade 3-4 in French Immersion so many years ago). Got into a very lively discussion with their neighbour. Bill is very concerned about the missing and murdered Aboriginal women and feels the government is generally ignoring this issue. Back on the road, through the Garden City Reserve and on to the Soo. It takes a long time to get through the Soo!! At Juanita and Jeff Arbus’ fine home tonight – hot tub and dinner, and some respite from the bicycle seat!! Tomorrow is a day off – maybe some chances to talk to people, and on Monday going to the soup kitchen to talk to men, before setting out for the states.
Hi Joachim
I saw a deer on my run this morning, it was part way down the Kemble mountain and was pretty beautiful. Clark is determined to bike every day you are on your journey. So far he has done it, though it may be a bit more tricky when he is BC.
Hi Ann
There has been lots of deer around wherever there are bushes or trees. The open spaces of the prairies allow deer less shelter.
Now Clark is in BC and probably dreaming of his shiny new bike between being dad and grand dad
Joachim
I was glad to talk to you for bit, at the Men’s shelter. I was the guy with the green shirt but no writing on it like yours. I’ve been here about seven years and have heard many stories, not only against woman but there are a lot of violence against men as well, some of whom stay with the shelter until they find a place of their own. since your going to be at the soup kitchen tomorrow, I
may just show up and maybe chat a little more.
If I don’t see you, I wish you a safe, journey with no flat tires and may the good spirit travel with you.
Hi Wayne
Thanks for contacting me. Jeff and I will be at the soup kitchen tomorrow around 9:30am. I am looking forward to seeing you and talk more.
All the best
Joachim
Sorry, I didn’t make it to the soup kitchen the other day. I’m sure you had people there to talk, too. Again No flat tires now, and have a safe journey. I will keep checking the web-site, everyother day.
Hi Wayne
I hope you are doing well. I’m still thinking about the brief conversation we had where you mentioned everybody on your reserve knows of a woman missing or dead. I heard this from other First Nations people as well.
We all need to wake up and idle no more
Joachimp
Lieber Joachim,
heute hat mir Dein Vater Näheres zu Deiner Unternehmung erzählt und ich habe gleich ausprobiert, ob ich auf die Internetseite komme. Es hat wunderbar geklappt und ich hoffe und wünsche Dir, dass Du Dein Vorhaben sehr erfolgreich und unbeschadet durchführen kannst!!
Viele Grüße aus Deutschland
Ute
Hi Uta
I’m answering in English, otherwise my BlackBerry goes crazy. Thanks for your supportive words. The tour is going well so far and I hope the stories of change the cycle will at least be a small part of changing realities for women. As you know Martin is in hospital right now with a lung embolism. He is doing better but it will be a slow recovery. And he will be on our minds.
Joachim