London, Ontario

So I’m on my own for a few days as Diane was picked up by Alicia and 4 grandchildren this afternoon. It was a good day, with lots of headwind but not too long a distance and plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the low 20’s C.

Diane’s brother Art brought us back to Chatham by 6 this morning so that Diane could do her work in the kitchen, and since I didn’t have to take down a tent I was able to leave as soon as it was light enough, which was around 6:45. Art had said he might be at a spot 25 kms along the route to cheer me on, but when I got to that spot he was nowhere to be found. About 8 kms down the road, however, just past Thamesville, a car pulled over about 500 metres ahead of me and 4 people got out of the car: Art & Sue, our niece Suzanne and her friend Hannah. I got my picture taken 3 times, and just remembered in time to take a picture of them.

From there it was on to Hope CRC in Mount Brydges for a delicious lunch of roast beef sandwiches and all sorts of fruit and salads. Their hospitality was great and much appreciated. Then it was on to London and the bike path through Springbank Park and past a place familiar to me from my childhood in Clinton: Storybook Gardens.

I don’t remember much about the place itself, but I always connect it to a time in the early 1960's, while we lived in Clinton, ON, when mom and dad took us 5 kids to a restaurant called “The Three Little Pigs” for milkshakes. This was a big deal, but whenever we went to Storybook Gardens again we wanted to go back to this restaurant, and mom would always say “No, we are going to the 5 little pigs restaurant at home.” That may have been funny to her and dad, but I can tell you that the 5 little pigs she was referring to did not find it amusing at all! We have never gotten over the trauma of this negative experience. OK, actually we did – but I have not forgotten this disappointment of my childhood! Love you anyway, mom and dad!!

We arrived in London to various different welcoming committees. They included our niece Adrienne – oldest daughter of Art & Sue referred to above – who is about 2 weeks away from delivering her first child. Can you tell from the pictures below?


We were also thrilled to see Alicia and crew, and this was my first chance to see the little fellow whom I will have the privilege of baptizing this coming Sunday, our newest grandson, Jonas Arthur Lise. So of course I include their picture below.

Finally I include a picture of the youngest member of the kitchen crew, Renata, who is leaving the tour on Saturday in order to return to school at UNB in Fredericton. She is our adopted 5th daughter whom we hope to see again some day soon.

We are being fed tonight by the CRC churches of London, but we have been fed all afternoon already: ice cream, milk, pop, baked goods, fruit, etc. I have been my usual restrained self however, especially as the weigh scale at Art & Sue’s place informed me yesterday that I have lost 22 pounds so far on the tour. My doctor will be pleased with me! And Diane likes it too…

So now we’re being called to supper and I must go to at least eat the number of calories I burned up today. Thanks to all of you for reading my blog; I am flattered that you find it interesting enough to read. And thanks again for your comments.

Today’s stats:

Distance: 124.16 kms
Average speed: 23.8 kph
Maximum speed: 51.7 kph
Time in saddle: 5.12.01
# of flat tires on tour: 9