Homeward Bound

Remarkably, when I got out of bed about 0800 hrs I felt reasonably human — enough so that I was able to finish packing my belongings away. Leaving Jeff asleep, I sat in the hotel's cafe with Randy, Patti and Albert for breakfast. The other two women, Paddy and Christine, soon joined us. About 1030 hrs, with still no sign of Jeff, we decided it was time to wake him up.

Jeff drove Randy, Patti and me to the airport at 1230 to catch our 1530 flight to Halifax. They would carry on to Toronto and points west. I would be staying at Ron and Ruth's home close to Halifax, combining a short visit with excellent rates on a non-stop flight to Edmonton later in the week. Bidding adieu to Jeff, we checked our bikes and luggage. Surprisingly, a short time later Jeff was back with Albert and Marny, whose flights departed around 1800 hrs. Jeff, in a hurry to get back to Toronto, had two choices: wait 36 hours for a ferry out of Argentia (where we had docked) or take a chance on catching the ferry out of Port Aux Basque at midnight. The latter would mean a mad, 700 km drive across the Island with the risk of not being boarded even if he did arrive in time. Being a gambler, Jeff had everyone who needed transportation ferried to the airport by 1400 hrs and he was off for Port Aux Basque. As he departed I cautioned him about the notorious Newfoundland highway-moose population.

Meanwhile, our plane never left Halifax so it never arrived in St. John's. The three-hour delay meant we would now lift-off at 1705 hrs. This time all went correctly and we landed in Halifax about 1900 hrs. Patti and Randy, forced to rebook their flights, were staying here overnight at the airline's expense. With the trip's fond memories still burning in our heads we shook hands and said our goodbye's. Many miles we had cycled together, and I had enjoyed their company very much. I sincerely hope to see them again one day.

My brother-in-law, Ron Witt, was waiting for me in the arrival area. A brief trip, then Ron pulled up to his front door. A super welcoming committee greeted me: Tanis and Scott, with Trevor and Jenni; Dawn and Derek, with Sari Dawn and Tyler; Mark and Marilyn with Alyshia Ruth and Luke Gordon; and of course my sister Ruth. Their planned supper, with me as the guest-of-honour, had fizzled-out because of the plane's delay. There were so many grandchildren, and because kids don't understand or tolerate delays for food everyone had gone ahead with supper, as they properly should have. Putting a boisterous game of horseshoes momentarily on hold, everyone shook my hand. Dawn then escorted me to the dining room where she had a "special" meal awaiting me in honour my achievement. There on the table, in all its glory, was a peanut butter and jam sandwich! I loved it! They had obviously been listening to my incessant whining about our noontime sustenance. We shared a chuckle. When I finished eating a proper and delicious meal, everyone sang Happy Birthday to Luke and Alyshia. Their eyes lit up over their candle-bright post- and pre-birthday cake.

For the next day-and-a-half I bored Ron and Ruth with tales of the trip — they took the brunt of my winding down. By departure time on 3 September I was pretty well back to a normal level. The flight home was uneventful: I watched the movie Twister on the plane's tiny TV. What was exciting was seeing Edmonton as we approached for the landing. It was good to be home.

Seeing my lovely wife again was a thrill as big as the cycling trip. Looking at Ayrie after a six-week absence made me realize that she was now a mature young lady whom I was so proud to call my daughter. Worries about my safety were over. Our family was back together again.

I thank God for keeping me out of harm's way and for giving me the health and strength to complete the ride. Thanks also for watching over Lynn and Ayrie, my Mom and all my other loved ones as I travelled.

Lynn gave me a wonderful gift this summer, allowing me to take the time away from home while accepting the solitude known only to the ones left behind.

Thanks Lynn, I will always be indebted to you. I will always love you. The trip was everything I could have hoped for.

Thanks also to those with whom I rode for creating so many memories.

Edmonton

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