Family

Day 40. Portage La Prairie to Winnipeg. 81 miles. TTD 2629 miles. 1100 feet elevation. Wind helpful

My brother-in-law, Luke, brought me this wonderful hat. Undoubtedly, he was concerned for my safety. Now I’m safe to walk and ride around this beautiful country. They may assume, correctly, that I’m homeless, but at least they won’t mistake me for an American.

Similarly and thoughtfully, my sister-in-law, Laura (Gloria’s sister), brought me a big bottle of bug repellent. It’s 30% DEET and likely has been outlawed everywhere as a carcinogen except in Manitoba. In Manitoba, I think they figure it’s better to die from cancer as an adult rather than to die very young from being eaten alive.

Luke and Laura live in Winnipeg. They were wonderfully gracious to pick me up from my motel in what is clearly the seedy side of town. The motel’s front doors are locked. Thankfully, we made it out safely, and they took me to dinner. Then they witnessed what a ravenous beast looks like when a large plate of meat is placed in front of it. That was followed by a very enjoyable conversation in the area where the Assiniboine River and the Red River come together in downtown Winnipeg at The Forks.

Even Canadians quip about Winterpeg, but I have to say that in the summer, this is one of the most marvelous places to be, especially to bike. I was on the trail for probably 30 miles in and around the city. I have a lot more miles to go, but this was definitely the best ride into a city I’ve experienced so far.

It’s also wonderful to share my evening meal with family. It’s so interesting how easy it is to visit with family. You don’t have to think too hard about what to say or what not to say because you all love each other. With the questions rooted in love, they are warm and welcoming. It’s always good to catch up with family and to find out how everyone’s doing because no one’s life is particularly easy. However, it is easier with family.

The wind was far more cooperative today. It was mostly crossing fields, but many of them were the beautiful yellow canola. The ride was longer than expected, but I have yet to experience a day in which I arrive at my destination and think, “Oh, that was shorter than expected.” I guess my map-reading skills aren’t so great despite being an equal scout.

This is my last weekend in Canada, as I will be heading to the States on Monday. My route swings south under Lake Superior through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If I don’t improve my map-reading skills, I may never find my way back into Canada.