We are home again! We flew home without incident and arrived early in Vancouver. Janine was there to pick us up, and it was a joy to see her really pregnant, 7 months along. The house felt very unlived in, but our own bed felt great, and to have a bathroom 3 steps away from where you sleep was a luxury.
This morning early we are leaving for a week's rest and transition period at Whistler, and are looking forward to seeing old Ontario friends Andrew and Hilda Talsma who will join us there for a couple of days, as well as Diane's sister Chris and her husband Jeff who will meet us there - it's their Whistler home - later this week. Tomorrow Diane and I will celebrate the 36th anniversary of a wedding - our own - which no one there will ever forget, but that's another story. Suffice it to say that 36 years later we love each other more than ever.
It's really convenient, by the way, to have a home computer again. I wrote the last posted blog after walking more than 10 blocks from the school where we were staying through the surrounding neighbourhood, with my lap top open, checking to see where there might be an unsecured wireless system available for me to use. I finally found one, sat down on the curb in front of the house - the Apple family - and finished my blog. Now there will be no more desperate search for an internet connection.
We do feel a little strange, of course. The summer already begins to feel like a dream. Can it really be all over, everything we prepared for and anticipated so long? I'm sure we'll be rereading the blogs and viewing pictures throughout this week - not only our own but also that of others, for which we really had no time during the tour itself.
Thanks again to all of you who joined us via our blog on the Sea to Sea journey. We appreciated the fact that we, together with everyone else, were in your prayers and had your support. God answered your prayers for the safety of support crew and cyclists in often wonderful ways, and we both trust and hope that the sense of God's reality and presence in your life was and always will be as strong as it was in our lives during this whole experience. Let's also continue to pray and work together for the day when everything will be made new, and the cycle of poverty will come to an end at last.
The Lord bless you and keep you, daily make his face shine upon you, and give you peace, now and always....
Sunday's stats (approx):
Distance: 6246 kms.
Average speed: unknown, but in excess of 25 kph
Maximum speed: unknown, but in excess of 75 kph
Time in saddle: 6.30.00
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Atlantic Ocean, Jersey City, New Jersey
NOTE: Pictures missing from last blog have now been posted. I am sitting on a curb in a fancy neighbourhood in some Jersey City suburb borrowing a wireless connection!
After 9 weeks, or the months of July and August, or the whole summer, we have arrived at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, off of Jersey City. It’s over, we are done, and we made it! At this point it has not yet sunk in, but I remember the wonderful feeling that completing my first marathon, and every marathon after that in a different way, gave me. This was like that and more. The idea that I cycled across North America, up all those mountain passes and through deserts and over hills and dales, and that Diane cooked her way (for an average of 200 people a day) across North America, boggles the mind, and it will take some time to sort through the feelings of accomplishment and the life lessons learned. An obvious lesson that could not be missed was the presence and faithfulness of God. Just the fact that I had all that bike trouble yesterday instead of today, when I might have missed that final ride in through the city under police escort…..
All in all, it was a wonderful day, and a great way to finish what we started in Seattle 9 weeks ago. After an early breakfast, we cycled for almost 85 kms over several more hills to the staging area – the place where we gathered en masse for a group picture and to prepare for our last 10 mile ride in - just outside of Jersey City. Just before arriving at that area, while waiting in a parking lot at an intersection with many other cyclists, who jumps out of a car to greet me? See below…
Yup, that’s brother Peter and Marja. They had hoped to surprise me, but the cat had been let out of the bag a couple of weeks before the tour began through no fault of theirs. A local Jersey pastor had let me know he had reserved 4 tickets for me for the final celebration dinner and I had done no such thing. I let him know, and he replied that he had confused me for the Slofstra from Ontario. So there went the secret, in spite of my mother’s brave attempts to say it wasn’t so. My mom, unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately – is a very poor liar!
At the staging area we lined up for the final 10 miles, all of which took place under police escort. Several cars were involved, and they blocked every intersection and the roads behind us so that we owned the road we rode on. It was awesome, and everywhere people cheered or honked their horns at the sight of over 200cyclists in their Sea to Sea shirts. What a joyful ride it was!
The pictures below probably don’t need any description, so I won’t bother. I hope you enjoy them.
We were shuttled to our camp for the night, Eastern Middle School, then got cleaned up for dinner and the celebration service hosted by the local NJ CRCs. The food was delicious and plentiful, and the service was lively and loud. Above all, we thanked God for the opportunity we had to complete this ride, for the safety with which we were blessed, and for the small way we were able to help in ending the cycle of poverty.
Now we are in a gym with just under 100 other cyclists, trying to get some sleep. We are not allowed to sleep outside here, some city ordinance, so we are sharing a bedroom with many others. Diane is already asleep while I finish this blog. I will soon join her.
Thank you to the Lord for this great experience, thank you to all our family and church family and many others for your support and prayers. We are looking forward to going home.
Today’s stats (not including final 10 escorted miles):
Distance: 85.45 kms
Average speed: 22.9 kph
Maximum speed: 61.5 kph
Time in saddle: 3.43.21
# of flat tires on tour: 13
After 9 weeks, or the months of July and August, or the whole summer, we have arrived at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, off of Jersey City. It’s over, we are done, and we made it! At this point it has not yet sunk in, but I remember the wonderful feeling that completing my first marathon, and every marathon after that in a different way, gave me. This was like that and more. The idea that I cycled across North America, up all those mountain passes and through deserts and over hills and dales, and that Diane cooked her way (for an average of 200 people a day) across North America, boggles the mind, and it will take some time to sort through the feelings of accomplishment and the life lessons learned. An obvious lesson that could not be missed was the presence and faithfulness of God. Just the fact that I had all that bike trouble yesterday instead of today, when I might have missed that final ride in through the city under police escort…..
All in all, it was a wonderful day, and a great way to finish what we started in Seattle 9 weeks ago. After an early breakfast, we cycled for almost 85 kms over several more hills to the staging area – the place where we gathered en masse for a group picture and to prepare for our last 10 mile ride in - just outside of Jersey City. Just before arriving at that area, while waiting in a parking lot at an intersection with many other cyclists, who jumps out of a car to greet me? See below…
Yup, that’s brother Peter and Marja. They had hoped to surprise me, but the cat had been let out of the bag a couple of weeks before the tour began through no fault of theirs. A local Jersey pastor had let me know he had reserved 4 tickets for me for the final celebration dinner and I had done no such thing. I let him know, and he replied that he had confused me for the Slofstra from Ontario. So there went the secret, in spite of my mother’s brave attempts to say it wasn’t so. My mom, unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately – is a very poor liar!
At the staging area we lined up for the final 10 miles, all of which took place under police escort. Several cars were involved, and they blocked every intersection and the roads behind us so that we owned the road we rode on. It was awesome, and everywhere people cheered or honked their horns at the sight of over 200cyclists in their Sea to Sea shirts. What a joyful ride it was!
The pictures below probably don’t need any description, so I won’t bother. I hope you enjoy them.
We were shuttled to our camp for the night, Eastern Middle School, then got cleaned up for dinner and the celebration service hosted by the local NJ CRCs. The food was delicious and plentiful, and the service was lively and loud. Above all, we thanked God for the opportunity we had to complete this ride, for the safety with which we were blessed, and for the small way we were able to help in ending the cycle of poverty.
Now we are in a gym with just under 100 other cyclists, trying to get some sleep. We are not allowed to sleep outside here, some city ordinance, so we are sharing a bedroom with many others. Diane is already asleep while I finish this blog. I will soon join her.
Thank you to the Lord for this great experience, thank you to all our family and church family and many others for your support and prayers. We are looking forward to going home.
Today’s stats (not including final 10 escorted miles):
Distance: 85.45 kms
Average speed: 22.9 kph
Maximum speed: 61.5 kph
Time in saddle: 3.43.21
# of flat tires on tour: 13
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Dalton, Pennsylvania - Sussex, New Jersey
NOTE: Being in a state park, there was no wireless available, so again you're getting a 2 day report.
NOTE 2; I managed to use a school computer in Sussex, but could not upload pictures. I'll try to do that tonight. Sorry about that....
Thursday: We are in Pennsylvania for at least one day, as we travel south from New York to New Jersey and the Atlantic Coast. Because there was no entry sign on the back roads we used to cross into New York, I thought I'd take a shot of the sign looking back so you know I really was there (with Bob, Bryan, and Matt), and a shot of entering Pennsylvania.
It was cool again today, and we have yet to see the sun. Happily there is no rain, although the forecast tonight at least calls for the possibility. The ride in today was once again beautiful. Because our sweep team was on duty today we left late, at 9 a.m., after breakfast was cleaned up and the gear truck loaded. I rode with Pete Van Noord all day and we decided to ride fairly hard but also take time to stop for coffee, etc. We stopped at a diner in Conklin, NY, for coffee, and then for lunch in Nicholson.
The pictures below show you the kind of terrain we rode through all day. Forests everywhere with rolling hills - breathtaking! One of the fascinating sights of the day was the railroad bridge pictured below, the shots taken at 2 different locations, with a sign explaining its history. This bridge is now owned and operated by Canadian Pacific. It's a massive structure especially seen close up, and one can only imagine how many tons of concrete went into building it.
Speaking of fascinating sights...we rode through the village of Hop Bottom, where Walter Vink had his SAG stop today. Sitting down by his RV, I noticed a sign which read "Hop Bottom CDs Here - Thanks." That immediately gave me an idea: what if I changed a few letters around and dropped a few others? Well, you see the "end" result below. From left to right are Pete Van Noord, Dirk Van Wyngaarden, and yours truly! Bottoms up!
I arrived in Lackawwana State Park just after 2 p.m. The tent was already up and, most important, the queen size air mattress had been inflated. Diane and I had to walk a few minutes to get a warm shower, and it's too cool to swim - the lake here is not very appealing anyway. We're on a group camp site, so not in the nicest area of the park. The day ended nicely, however, with a communion service celebrating the community we've experienced together throughout this amazing summer.
Now we're all wondering what tomorrow will be like, as we face the most climbing in total of any day of this whole tour. We won't be dealing with any 20 km long mountain passes but with a whole lot of shorter climbs. At this point, however, most of us feel there isn't much we can't handle anymore. We'll see...
Today's stats:
Distance: 89.62 kms.
Average speed: 25 kph
Maximum speed: 60.9 kph
Time in saddle: 3.35.13
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Friday: Up, down, up, up, up, down...and so it went all day. It was a good day, though, in spite of all the climbing and a not so pleasant day bike wise. We started off with a good breakfast of pancakes and bacon, and below you can see two of the cooks with their cakes on the griddle.
The biggest adventure of the day for me was that I had 4 flat tires (one staple, one defective inner tube, one piece of glass, and the last one caused by a tear in the outer tire which also had to be replaced), and when I got to camp I discovered that my rear tire rim (the metal wheel) was cracked badly near one of the spokes, so it was off to a bike shop first thing and the whole wheel was replaced.
The ride itself was very picturesque, with all the hills and twists and turns in the road, and the pictures below give you some idea of that, I hope.
When we got to Sussex, it was off by shuttle to a local high school for showers, where Diane and I learned how independent of me she has become. When Diane was done, she left in shuttle without waiting for me and telling me she was leaving. When I got out of the showers I waited for her as several shuttles came and went, and there was no Diane. Finally I figured out that she had already gone. Diane didn't realize she had forgotten about me, but knew she had forgotten something. Was it her purse, what? Not till she got back to the school that was hosting us did she realize it was her husband that was missing. I think we need a week vacation together...
For dinner tonight we were hosted to a royal buffet by the Sussex, NJ, and Goshen, NY, CRCs. You can see the kind of spread they laid out for us below.
We are now in a host family home for the night, and there is no internet. I'll try to post tomorrow morning but may have to wait. Tomorrow will be an exciting day, our last on this tour. The last 10 miles of the day we will be under police escort through the city until we arrive at Liberty Island park for the tire dipping in the Atlantic. Then a big celebration dinner at night. Everyone is very excited, and it should be a great way to end this grand adventure.
Today's stats:
Distance; 126.01 kms
Average speed: 20.3 kph
Maximum speed: 68.3 kph
Time in saddle: 6.10.40
# of flat tires on tour: 13
NOTE 2; I managed to use a school computer in Sussex, but could not upload pictures. I'll try to do that tonight. Sorry about that....
Thursday: We are in Pennsylvania for at least one day, as we travel south from New York to New Jersey and the Atlantic Coast. Because there was no entry sign on the back roads we used to cross into New York, I thought I'd take a shot of the sign looking back so you know I really was there (with Bob, Bryan, and Matt), and a shot of entering Pennsylvania.
It was cool again today, and we have yet to see the sun. Happily there is no rain, although the forecast tonight at least calls for the possibility. The ride in today was once again beautiful. Because our sweep team was on duty today we left late, at 9 a.m., after breakfast was cleaned up and the gear truck loaded. I rode with Pete Van Noord all day and we decided to ride fairly hard but also take time to stop for coffee, etc. We stopped at a diner in Conklin, NY, for coffee, and then for lunch in Nicholson.
The pictures below show you the kind of terrain we rode through all day. Forests everywhere with rolling hills - breathtaking! One of the fascinating sights of the day was the railroad bridge pictured below, the shots taken at 2 different locations, with a sign explaining its history. This bridge is now owned and operated by Canadian Pacific. It's a massive structure especially seen close up, and one can only imagine how many tons of concrete went into building it.
Speaking of fascinating sights...we rode through the village of Hop Bottom, where Walter Vink had his SAG stop today. Sitting down by his RV, I noticed a sign which read "Hop Bottom CDs Here - Thanks." That immediately gave me an idea: what if I changed a few letters around and dropped a few others? Well, you see the "end" result below. From left to right are Pete Van Noord, Dirk Van Wyngaarden, and yours truly! Bottoms up!
I arrived in Lackawwana State Park just after 2 p.m. The tent was already up and, most important, the queen size air mattress had been inflated. Diane and I had to walk a few minutes to get a warm shower, and it's too cool to swim - the lake here is not very appealing anyway. We're on a group camp site, so not in the nicest area of the park. The day ended nicely, however, with a communion service celebrating the community we've experienced together throughout this amazing summer.
Now we're all wondering what tomorrow will be like, as we face the most climbing in total of any day of this whole tour. We won't be dealing with any 20 km long mountain passes but with a whole lot of shorter climbs. At this point, however, most of us feel there isn't much we can't handle anymore. We'll see...
Today's stats:
Distance: 89.62 kms.
Average speed: 25 kph
Maximum speed: 60.9 kph
Time in saddle: 3.35.13
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Friday: Up, down, up, up, up, down...and so it went all day. It was a good day, though, in spite of all the climbing and a not so pleasant day bike wise. We started off with a good breakfast of pancakes and bacon, and below you can see two of the cooks with their cakes on the griddle.
The biggest adventure of the day for me was that I had 4 flat tires (one staple, one defective inner tube, one piece of glass, and the last one caused by a tear in the outer tire which also had to be replaced), and when I got to camp I discovered that my rear tire rim (the metal wheel) was cracked badly near one of the spokes, so it was off to a bike shop first thing and the whole wheel was replaced.
The ride itself was very picturesque, with all the hills and twists and turns in the road, and the pictures below give you some idea of that, I hope.
When we got to Sussex, it was off by shuttle to a local high school for showers, where Diane and I learned how independent of me she has become. When Diane was done, she left in shuttle without waiting for me and telling me she was leaving. When I got out of the showers I waited for her as several shuttles came and went, and there was no Diane. Finally I figured out that she had already gone. Diane didn't realize she had forgotten about me, but knew she had forgotten something. Was it her purse, what? Not till she got back to the school that was hosting us did she realize it was her husband that was missing. I think we need a week vacation together...
For dinner tonight we were hosted to a royal buffet by the Sussex, NJ, and Goshen, NY, CRCs. You can see the kind of spread they laid out for us below.
We are now in a host family home for the night, and there is no internet. I'll try to post tomorrow morning but may have to wait. Tomorrow will be an exciting day, our last on this tour. The last 10 miles of the day we will be under police escort through the city until we arrive at Liberty Island park for the tire dipping in the Atlantic. Then a big celebration dinner at night. Everyone is very excited, and it should be a great way to end this grand adventure.
Today's stats:
Distance; 126.01 kms
Average speed: 20.3 kph
Maximum speed: 68.3 kph
Time in saddle: 6.10.40
# of flat tires on tour: 13
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Romulus, New York - Binghampton, New York
NOTE:
1. Below I’m covering 2 days of travel since yesterday we were in a state park with no internet access. They don’t even try using the satellite dish we’ve dragged across the country anymore as it’s pretty much a useless thing. So we really depend on wireless in towns or cities we stay in, and a state park doesn’t fit that bill.
2. I post 2 pictures of Jonas Lise which I received today, just so you don't miss our latest cute grandchild!
Tuesday: It was very cold when we woke up, and the dew meant that tents were packed away very wet. Yuck! Fortunately, they dry quickly when you set them up again. The Tuesday trip went well except for one thing: I missed a turn and ended up adding 35 kms to my itinerary, which included a sightseeing tour of the towns of Waterloo and Seneca Falls, both of them way off the planned radar. Sigh…
The roads were good but hilly, and the countryside of New York State so far pretty much resembles southwestern Ontario. I couldn’t see any reason to take a photo along the way. We had a great lunch stop today, though, on a farm about 80 kms in. The East Palmyra CRC – East Palmyra is where Joseph Smith claims some angel named Moroni revealed buried golden plates to him which contained the Book of Mormon – hosted lunch on that farm. Everything was good, but the best part of all was the cherry cheesecake. I could not resist it!
Again, just so you know I don’t totally ignore wildlife, here’s a shot of a turkey vulture whom I interrupted while it was eating whatever on the side of the road. You can tell he doesn’t trust me, as he first walks, then flies away – as though I’d steal his lunch anyway!
I also stopped to smell the roses, or whatever these flowers are again.
The state park we are staying in was a naval station at one time, and it’s located on Geneva Lake, one of the so called “Finger Lakes” in this part of New York state. A bunch of us went swimming, even though we were not really supposed to because there was no lifeguard present. But we were in a group of about 10 of us and watched out for each other as we jumped off the end of a long pier time and again. It was very refreshing after a long day of cycling.
We’ve just finished supper and Diane, as usual, is busy cleaning up. She is usually done around 7:30 and pretty tired by then. Tomorrow we are being fed by a CRC in Binghamton, so that gives her a break as well as me, since my sweep team is on duty tomorrow and would have been responsible for serving dinner. Hurray!!
Tonight is supposed to be very cold again, and already we’re wearing long pants (only the second time all summer for me) and light jackets. It’s fairly comfortable in our tent, however, as we have each other and 3 blankets. But our own bed at home is looking better all the time.
One sad note: another rider who has gone the whole distance, Sarah Terpstra, has had to leave the tour. She picked up a kidney infection, and the last we heard she was in hospital needing surgery. We remember her in prayer, and ask that the Lord will heal her body and her disappointment at having to leave the tour. She was one of the top female riders.
Today’s stats:
Distance: 157.79 kms
Average speed: 23.5 kph
Maximum speed: 54.0 kph
Time in saddle: 6.42.05
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Wednesday: Today was a great day. It started out cold again, so on go the leg warmers, gloves, and jacket. But no sooner had we left camp and we were climbing, and sweating. The shot below is of Geneva Lake looking back. That’s Bill & Mary Dracht of Grand Rapids getting rid of some of their cold weather gear.
The ride was beautiful: lots of hills, some very steep and requiring granny gear, and trees everywhere. A steep side trip led to the falls pictured below which have such a long and difficult name that I can’t remember it. There wasn’t much water, and the climb to see this was hardly worth it. Yet the canyon itself is still a thing of beauty.
Halfway through the day we rode into the city of Ithaca, home of Cornell University, one of the Ivy League schools (think expensive and exclusive). Going out of the city we also encountered one of the day’s steepest hills. At the very top there was a winery, Silver Creek, so as a reward for a good climb we paid $2 and were able to sample 6 different wines. Being a generous sort of guy, I shared the 6 samples with Jake Pasma and Louis Bosma pictured here below. After all, biking with 6 samples might have made me a dangerous driver.
I got into Chenango Falls, just outside of Binghampton, shortly after 2, to find the tent already set up. The school we are in is just across from Valley CRC, and that church is feeding us dinner. They also made wireless available to us, and in a moment I’ll find out if it actually works. It’s time for a shower. The week is half over. Three days left, and it’s time to go home.
And before I forget, our newest grandson and families...
Today’s stats:
Distance: 124.19 kms
Average speed: 22.4 kph
Maximum speed: 66.3 kph
Time in saddle: 5.31.33
1. Below I’m covering 2 days of travel since yesterday we were in a state park with no internet access. They don’t even try using the satellite dish we’ve dragged across the country anymore as it’s pretty much a useless thing. So we really depend on wireless in towns or cities we stay in, and a state park doesn’t fit that bill.
2. I post 2 pictures of Jonas Lise which I received today, just so you don't miss our latest cute grandchild!
Tuesday: It was very cold when we woke up, and the dew meant that tents were packed away very wet. Yuck! Fortunately, they dry quickly when you set them up again. The Tuesday trip went well except for one thing: I missed a turn and ended up adding 35 kms to my itinerary, which included a sightseeing tour of the towns of Waterloo and Seneca Falls, both of them way off the planned radar. Sigh…
The roads were good but hilly, and the countryside of New York State so far pretty much resembles southwestern Ontario. I couldn’t see any reason to take a photo along the way. We had a great lunch stop today, though, on a farm about 80 kms in. The East Palmyra CRC – East Palmyra is where Joseph Smith claims some angel named Moroni revealed buried golden plates to him which contained the Book of Mormon – hosted lunch on that farm. Everything was good, but the best part of all was the cherry cheesecake. I could not resist it!
Again, just so you know I don’t totally ignore wildlife, here’s a shot of a turkey vulture whom I interrupted while it was eating whatever on the side of the road. You can tell he doesn’t trust me, as he first walks, then flies away – as though I’d steal his lunch anyway!
I also stopped to smell the roses, or whatever these flowers are again.
The state park we are staying in was a naval station at one time, and it’s located on Geneva Lake, one of the so called “Finger Lakes” in this part of New York state. A bunch of us went swimming, even though we were not really supposed to because there was no lifeguard present. But we were in a group of about 10 of us and watched out for each other as we jumped off the end of a long pier time and again. It was very refreshing after a long day of cycling.
We’ve just finished supper and Diane, as usual, is busy cleaning up. She is usually done around 7:30 and pretty tired by then. Tomorrow we are being fed by a CRC in Binghamton, so that gives her a break as well as me, since my sweep team is on duty tomorrow and would have been responsible for serving dinner. Hurray!!
Tonight is supposed to be very cold again, and already we’re wearing long pants (only the second time all summer for me) and light jackets. It’s fairly comfortable in our tent, however, as we have each other and 3 blankets. But our own bed at home is looking better all the time.
One sad note: another rider who has gone the whole distance, Sarah Terpstra, has had to leave the tour. She picked up a kidney infection, and the last we heard she was in hospital needing surgery. We remember her in prayer, and ask that the Lord will heal her body and her disappointment at having to leave the tour. She was one of the top female riders.
Today’s stats:
Distance: 157.79 kms
Average speed: 23.5 kph
Maximum speed: 54.0 kph
Time in saddle: 6.42.05
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Wednesday: Today was a great day. It started out cold again, so on go the leg warmers, gloves, and jacket. But no sooner had we left camp and we were climbing, and sweating. The shot below is of Geneva Lake looking back. That’s Bill & Mary Dracht of Grand Rapids getting rid of some of their cold weather gear.
The ride was beautiful: lots of hills, some very steep and requiring granny gear, and trees everywhere. A steep side trip led to the falls pictured below which have such a long and difficult name that I can’t remember it. There wasn’t much water, and the climb to see this was hardly worth it. Yet the canyon itself is still a thing of beauty.
Halfway through the day we rode into the city of Ithaca, home of Cornell University, one of the Ivy League schools (think expensive and exclusive). Going out of the city we also encountered one of the day’s steepest hills. At the very top there was a winery, Silver Creek, so as a reward for a good climb we paid $2 and were able to sample 6 different wines. Being a generous sort of guy, I shared the 6 samples with Jake Pasma and Louis Bosma pictured here below. After all, biking with 6 samples might have made me a dangerous driver.
I got into Chenango Falls, just outside of Binghampton, shortly after 2, to find the tent already set up. The school we are in is just across from Valley CRC, and that church is feeding us dinner. They also made wireless available to us, and in a moment I’ll find out if it actually works. It’s time for a shower. The week is half over. Three days left, and it’s time to go home.
And before I forget, our newest grandson and families...
Today’s stats:
Distance: 124.19 kms
Average speed: 22.4 kph
Maximum speed: 66.3 kph
Time in saddle: 5.31.33
Monday, August 25, 2008
Byron, New York
We are back in the "land of the free and the home of the brave," though truthfully - and speaking as a Canadian (I confess my bias) - it feels more like we left the land of the free and the home of the brave.
My last blog was very brief and didn't even include a photograph. I took only one on Saturday morning, from the top of the escarpment overlooking Hamilton and Lake Ontario, and include it here below.
We had a great time with Joel & Marsha and Alicia & Arie and 7 grandchildren in Kitchener, and include a few pictures of that. There's grandpa who decided to jump in the pool in his underwear, to the great delight of the kids. Next is Madeline, our youngest granddaughter, and a real live wire. Then the two birthday boys, Colin (left) son of Joel & Marsha, and Zander, son of Alicia & Arie, enjoying a cupcake.
The other event we celebrated on Saturday night was that Joel and Marsha's offer on a new home in Peterborough was accepted. It's a large home with a large fenced yard only half a kilometre from the school where Joel is now the principal, so very exciting for them.
On Sunday morning I preached in Kitchener and had the great privilege of baptizing our latest grandchild, Jonas Arthur Lise. I cannot include his picture because I don't have one. Unbelievable, I know, but Alicia has all the pics on her camera and will send them to me. I will include a couple of these when I get them. In any case, it was a real celebration of God's faithfulness from generation to generation. Many members of some of our first two congregations were present as well, and that made it even more special. Mom & Dad: Koos was there, but Theresa sent regrets.
Following the service we had a quick lunch at Alicia's place and then left for the celebration service in Niagara Falls. Because of bad traffic due to construction on QEW, we arrived just as the service began, and missed the rainfall they had for almost an hour. The picture below gives you a sense of the crowd there, but we suspect many people stayed home because of the weather.
Present at the service also, besides numerous St. Catharines and Georgetown and Willowdale people we knew, were Diane's brother Peter and wife Joan (pictured below), along with their daughter Michelle and her 2 children. Sadly, my brother Peter and wife Marja could not be present because of the sudden death of a young teen in their congregation.
On Sunday evening, Diane's brother Andrew and wife Ena picked us up. They live in Burlington, a 45 minute drive away, but invited us out for a delicious steak dinner at a place on the beach near their house, and we slept over at their renovated home. This morning, after picking up Tim Horton coffees, they drove us back to St. Catharines, and our last week of the tour began.
Arrivng in St. Catharines, we learned that we got mail again. Another letter from mom and dad (sorry about the rooster!), a card from Chris and Jeff, and a card for each of us, with a Starbucks card for each of us, from brother John and sister-inlaw Fran. Thanks, everyone!!
We left St. Catharines in good time, and the ride into Niagara Falls was mostly on a bike path. Along that path I took a few pictures of of the Niagara gorge.
In order to enter the US again, we met in a parking lot close to the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, a 31 km ride from St. Catharines, and crossed en masse in a separate lane reserved for us. US customs didn't even stop us, they simply waved us through. Unknowingly, I managed to smuggle in an orange, right under their noses! Oh, that orange tasted good later in the day. I didn't even feel guilty.
The weather today was uncharacteristic for this time of year. Although the sun is shining again. temperatures were cool all day, no higher than 70 degrees F, and tonight will be cold again, which means there will be little separating Diane and I in our cozy tent. We are staying in an RV park outside of Byron, and a big bonfire is planned for tonight. Everyone who has been on this tour since day 1 is talking about this being our last week and how quickly the time has gone. We intend to enjoy every last moment of this wonderful journey as much as we can.
Today's stats:
Distance: 126.60
Average speed: 23.7 kph
Maximum speed: 46.6 kph
Time in saddle: 5.19.27
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Today's ride was done mostly in large groups, just because we were all together to cross the border. Only near the end of the ride was I able to ride alone for a while and be a bit more relaxed.
My last blog was very brief and didn't even include a photograph. I took only one on Saturday morning, from the top of the escarpment overlooking Hamilton and Lake Ontario, and include it here below.
We had a great time with Joel & Marsha and Alicia & Arie and 7 grandchildren in Kitchener, and include a few pictures of that. There's grandpa who decided to jump in the pool in his underwear, to the great delight of the kids. Next is Madeline, our youngest granddaughter, and a real live wire. Then the two birthday boys, Colin (left) son of Joel & Marsha, and Zander, son of Alicia & Arie, enjoying a cupcake.
The other event we celebrated on Saturday night was that Joel and Marsha's offer on a new home in Peterborough was accepted. It's a large home with a large fenced yard only half a kilometre from the school where Joel is now the principal, so very exciting for them.
On Sunday morning I preached in Kitchener and had the great privilege of baptizing our latest grandchild, Jonas Arthur Lise. I cannot include his picture because I don't have one. Unbelievable, I know, but Alicia has all the pics on her camera and will send them to me. I will include a couple of these when I get them. In any case, it was a real celebration of God's faithfulness from generation to generation. Many members of some of our first two congregations were present as well, and that made it even more special. Mom & Dad: Koos was there, but Theresa sent regrets.
Following the service we had a quick lunch at Alicia's place and then left for the celebration service in Niagara Falls. Because of bad traffic due to construction on QEW, we arrived just as the service began, and missed the rainfall they had for almost an hour. The picture below gives you a sense of the crowd there, but we suspect many people stayed home because of the weather.
Present at the service also, besides numerous St. Catharines and Georgetown and Willowdale people we knew, were Diane's brother Peter and wife Joan (pictured below), along with their daughter Michelle and her 2 children. Sadly, my brother Peter and wife Marja could not be present because of the sudden death of a young teen in their congregation.
On Sunday evening, Diane's brother Andrew and wife Ena picked us up. They live in Burlington, a 45 minute drive away, but invited us out for a delicious steak dinner at a place on the beach near their house, and we slept over at their renovated home. This morning, after picking up Tim Horton coffees, they drove us back to St. Catharines, and our last week of the tour began.
Arrivng in St. Catharines, we learned that we got mail again. Another letter from mom and dad (sorry about the rooster!), a card from Chris and Jeff, and a card for each of us, with a Starbucks card for each of us, from brother John and sister-inlaw Fran. Thanks, everyone!!
We left St. Catharines in good time, and the ride into Niagara Falls was mostly on a bike path. Along that path I took a few pictures of of the Niagara gorge.
In order to enter the US again, we met in a parking lot close to the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, a 31 km ride from St. Catharines, and crossed en masse in a separate lane reserved for us. US customs didn't even stop us, they simply waved us through. Unknowingly, I managed to smuggle in an orange, right under their noses! Oh, that orange tasted good later in the day. I didn't even feel guilty.
The weather today was uncharacteristic for this time of year. Although the sun is shining again. temperatures were cool all day, no higher than 70 degrees F, and tonight will be cold again, which means there will be little separating Diane and I in our cozy tent. We are staying in an RV park outside of Byron, and a big bonfire is planned for tonight. Everyone who has been on this tour since day 1 is talking about this being our last week and how quickly the time has gone. We intend to enjoy every last moment of this wonderful journey as much as we can.
Today's stats:
Distance: 126.60
Average speed: 23.7 kph
Maximum speed: 46.6 kph
Time in saddle: 5.19.27
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Today's ride was done mostly in large groups, just because we were all together to cross the border. Only near the end of the ride was I able to ride alone for a while and be a bit more relaxed.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
St. Catharines, Ontario
I'm actually in Kitchener, in the home of Arie and Alicia Lise and 4 of our grandchildren, awaiting the arrival of Joel and Marsha and 3 more of our grandchildren. Pizza for supper - hurray!
As if I needed it. Today's ride to St. Catharines included refreshment stops (ice cream fruit, cake, etc. etc) from Fruitland CRC, Shalom Manor (visited Gert De Jong), Grimsby CRC (great to see Peter & Ann de Bruyne!), Beamsville CRC, Jubilee Fellowship, and 3 other smaller groups I couldn't identify with specific churches. But thanks to all for your support and hospitality.
Arrival in St. Catharines was not without stress. The outfit I had reserved a car from had no cars available, so I insisted they had to help me find one. We did, from another agency, who had to bring in a car from Niagara Falls. Phew - so I made it to Kitchener by 3 p.m., as I had hoped.
Anyway, I'm keeping this short because I need to spend time with family. Be assured that it was a good ride today, and we're glad for the rest. We especially look forward to the baptism of Jonas Arthur Lise tomorrow, and I hope I haven't forgotten how to preach a sermon.
I'll blog again on Monday.
Today's stats:
Distance: 78.62 kms
Average speed: 25.2 kph
Maximum speed: 64.1 kph
Time in saddle: 3.06.32
# of flat tires on tour: 9
As if I needed it. Today's ride to St. Catharines included refreshment stops (ice cream fruit, cake, etc. etc) from Fruitland CRC, Shalom Manor (visited Gert De Jong), Grimsby CRC (great to see Peter & Ann de Bruyne!), Beamsville CRC, Jubilee Fellowship, and 3 other smaller groups I couldn't identify with specific churches. But thanks to all for your support and hospitality.
Arrival in St. Catharines was not without stress. The outfit I had reserved a car from had no cars available, so I insisted they had to help me find one. We did, from another agency, who had to bring in a car from Niagara Falls. Phew - so I made it to Kitchener by 3 p.m., as I had hoped.
Anyway, I'm keeping this short because I need to spend time with family. Be assured that it was a good ride today, and we're glad for the rest. We especially look forward to the baptism of Jonas Arthur Lise tomorrow, and I hope I haven't forgotten how to preach a sermon.
I'll blog again on Monday.
Today's stats:
Distance: 78.62 kms
Average speed: 25.2 kph
Maximum speed: 64.1 kph
Time in saddle: 3.06.32
# of flat tires on tour: 9
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ancaster, Ontario
I am sitting in the air conditioned comfort of the library at Redeemer University and it's wonderful. Today was the first day since Fremont, Nebraska, that we've had to deal with humidity. But hey, it's still better than rain!
It was a good day today, starting off in London, with refreshment stops in Ingersoll, Woodstock, Brantford, Jerseyville, and finally at Redeemer. Then there were the smaller stops along the way at people's homes. It's ironic of course that we are riding to raise awareness of poverty and hunger and meanwhile we are trying not to eat too much, because there is so much. But if hospitality is a gift of the Spirit, and it is, then we are meeting many gifted and Spirit filled people along our way in Canada, and we are grateful.
I didn't take many pictures today, but a few I couldn't miss. The first is looking off a bridge just outside of London early this morning. It looks darker than it actually was.
The second picture is of a road just prior to entering Woodstock. We did not realize there were so many hills in Woodstock!
Two highlights of the day were, first, meeting my former principal from TDCH, Aukje Masselink, in Jerseyville. I did not recognize her immediately but it was great to see her. Big hugs all around! I also saw one of my former teachers, Bill Barneveld, in Woodstock. Just a handshake there!! Then upon arriving at Redeemer there was Betty Beukema from Abbotsford (our church treasurer and a friend), fresh off her red eye flight, to greet me as she had promised way back in June. At least I had the sense to take her picture, because I forgot about my former teachers. Here we are at the finish at Redeemer.
The final and best highlight is that my son Joel is coming to pick me up to stay at their place in Cayuga (though they are moving, he is now principal at Christian school in Peterborough) so I get to see him and wife Marsha and 3 more of our grandchildren.
Thanks to everyone in all the churches listed above for your awesome hospitality today! Tomorrow we will have a minimum of 5 refreshment stops over a distance of 74 kms. Can't wait...
Today's stats:
Distance: 126.67 kms
Average speed: 24.0
Maximum speed: 59.5 kph
Time in saddle: 5.13.20
# of flat tires on tour: 9
It was a good day today, starting off in London, with refreshment stops in Ingersoll, Woodstock, Brantford, Jerseyville, and finally at Redeemer. Then there were the smaller stops along the way at people's homes. It's ironic of course that we are riding to raise awareness of poverty and hunger and meanwhile we are trying not to eat too much, because there is so much. But if hospitality is a gift of the Spirit, and it is, then we are meeting many gifted and Spirit filled people along our way in Canada, and we are grateful.
I didn't take many pictures today, but a few I couldn't miss. The first is looking off a bridge just outside of London early this morning. It looks darker than it actually was.
The second picture is of a road just prior to entering Woodstock. We did not realize there were so many hills in Woodstock!
Two highlights of the day were, first, meeting my former principal from TDCH, Aukje Masselink, in Jerseyville. I did not recognize her immediately but it was great to see her. Big hugs all around! I also saw one of my former teachers, Bill Barneveld, in Woodstock. Just a handshake there!! Then upon arriving at Redeemer there was Betty Beukema from Abbotsford (our church treasurer and a friend), fresh off her red eye flight, to greet me as she had promised way back in June. At least I had the sense to take her picture, because I forgot about my former teachers. Here we are at the finish at Redeemer.
The final and best highlight is that my son Joel is coming to pick me up to stay at their place in Cayuga (though they are moving, he is now principal at Christian school in Peterborough) so I get to see him and wife Marsha and 3 more of our grandchildren.
Thanks to everyone in all the churches listed above for your awesome hospitality today! Tomorrow we will have a minimum of 5 refreshment stops over a distance of 74 kms. Can't wait...
Today's stats:
Distance: 126.67 kms
Average speed: 24.0
Maximum speed: 59.5 kph
Time in saddle: 5.13.20
# of flat tires on tour: 9
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