Adventure - Winnipeg

It’s chilly this morning.  I walked Madigan and despite the sweater it was brisk.  In the dog park he was overwhelmed in the dog park by a puppy twice his size so we didn’t stay. He didn’t look like it was much fun. I reminded him of when he was exuberant.  Given his size though he could only be that way with a chihuahua. Pretty and pleasant young east European accent woman. I wondered if she might be Ukrainian. A couple of young me were getting their rental units ready to leave.  A handsome couple in midlife were completing their morning walk returning to their van. I see him now stowing gear to leave. Madigan pooped. 

Now I’m boiling eggs for the next few days.  I’ve had a yoghurt drink but must stock up on that and coffee. I’ve finished the last of my supply

It’s 8 am.  Using the map search engine I found a Walmart nearby.  It opens at 8 am.  I’ll take the Vespa.  Coffee, honey, ice cream, tuna, wet ones, dental floss, a couple of new towels..  Because of the 2 hour time delay my work schedule starts at 11 am and finshises at 7 pm.  After breakfast will be the best time to go. 

I’ve been thinking about Winnipeg. When I drove round my Fort Garry neighborhood the night I arrived I was reminded of the Hobbit shorpshire. It was all so pleasant and safe and middle class with such fond memories of childhood.  I lived in this little world of home, school, church, community club, hockey rink and baseball field.  It was a huge space as a child but now as an adult I drove around this “world’ in less than an hour.  Elementary school and high school were world’s and then the sports fields.  This was mom and the children’s world.  Dad was away from home working and on weekends we’d venture off to go camping and fishing.  Exotic places. Long car rides.

I’ve not spent time in St. Francis Xavier, this suburb by Headley. I remember visiting Headley but not here.  The city has grown up since I was here but even though I continued to the University of Manitoba to work and teach the city seemed ‘small’ yet from today’s vantage point I see how much more there was that I never explored. Like the few places near my childhood home later I’d have only a few places in the whole of the city that I frequented.  Stores like the Hudson Bay, Eatons or Army Navy.  There was the theatres , Manitoba Theatre Centres and the Dance halls, and concerts areas. I liked to walk around the Legislative Buildings and once wrote a paper about the architecture, history and art.  There were the coffee houses and the coffee house folk scene, the Wise Eye and winged Ox. Later I’d like to go to the Proto Starbucks on Osborne street. I loved the University of Winnipeg and the library there.  A lot of my Winnipeg was tied to love and sex.  When my marriage ended and I felt shame and trapped I escaped.

I so enjoyed ‘My Winnipeg” movie made in 2007 by Guy Maddie. He points out the talk of leaving Winnipeg but how few can as if there is some magnetism at the confluence of Red and Assiniboine Rivers.  In the end I only knew Fort Garry, Downtown, St. Boniface and St. Vital a bit. Then I was gone. There’s this whole city I’m aware of now.  

There’s the people that stayed too.  My favourites mostly left as I did. Some died here and away.  The new crowds don’t know us ancients or anything about our Winnipeg.  I’m a Stranger in a Strange Land Here.  There are people I could calls, memories and meaning but I’m just passing through .  I’m looking forward to driving above the Great Lakes. Family visit calling and then the long drive back.  Maybe I’ll take some time on the way back to the coast once the ‘mission’ to see family and Haybay and pick up my boat are completed. I’m looking forward to seeing Elliott in the flesh. Meeting his older brother a watching him play in the back yard was such a delight.  . 

The eggs have boiled  Time to finish my coffee and make a run to Walmart. Walmart didn’t exist when I was growing up here. So much is new and so much has changed.  I’d love more time to explore. I imagine some ‘leisurely’ time in some alternate future. Now I continue to work and pay the mortgage and taxes.  I’m blessed and thankful to have this truck and camper to make this trip.  It’s great to see Canada again. I’ve traveled across the country both ways several times but it’s been two or three decades since I came this way.  The last time I came in my bald tired Chevy Berretta with the Chevy cross on the back. I was doing my due dillegienee being good in face of the negligence of authority.  I risked my life for burearocrats who lived to cover their ass and lied. I was all for truth and authenticity then where as now I’m back to the greys I’d known before leaving Winnipeg. 

Now I’m blessed to know the bold colors and pastels. The time before that there had been three of us in the Vanagon and we were a force to be reckoned with.  I’d left in a beat up Volkswagen Baja Bug and returned in the Vanagon.  There were lots of flights and taxies. But these times I was independent , a man with wheels. Like now with the Ford F350, the camper and the Vespa. I have a Harley in Storage but am glad to have the Vespa which is suited to being the dinghy to this land boat.  I’ve sailed so much.  But now am enjoying the open road though staying a wake is a chore each day.  In my sailboat there was no concern with napping on the open sea.  I do get to pull over and take naps with this arrangement. Sailing I theoretically could heave too but normally slowed on autopilot and caught a few zees while the journey continued.  I really look for wards to the robot drivers already being used on the long stretches road in Australia. I could have used one crossing Saskatchewan.  

Thank you God for this day. Thank you Jesus. 

Adventure - Blue River to Radisson to Winnipeg

Leaving Blue River in BC I came upon the most scenic view of Mount Robson.  What a spectacular Mountain in the Rocky Mountain Range.  I drove on to Jasper.  A lovely little town for the outdoorsy sort. A bit like Whistler Blackhom but less fashion and more down to earth.   I loved Jasper and Banff in my youth.  Great hikes and good comraderie.  

Madigan enjoyed our walk by the river.  He’s glad to get back to the truck though. I think he can smell grizzly.  When I was hiking to the tops of mountains in my 20’s I didn’t even have a ‘bear banger’. I always carried a knife, usually a leather man or Swiss Army knife. Today I prefer a Bowie and a 12 guage or 30:06 in the mountains.  

Driving out of Jasper I came the road to  Miete Hot Springs.  I couldn’t resist.  What a great hot springs and spa!!! 17 km easy drive on a paved road through the woods to the spa.  There are cabins there and big pools.  Great to be in a hot springs in the sun, snow capped mountains around, blue sky, sunshine. Attractive life guards.  Young and old.  A wonderful soak.  I enjoyed the black one piece bathing suit. Madigan waited in the camper and was glad to see me on my return.

We saw deer along the road to the Hot Springs.  On the highway we came across mountain sheep with great curved antlers and mountain goats further along.  The scenery between Jasper and Edmonton was stunning.

I did my residency exams in Edmonton but didn’t stop there this time. Jazz is great there. I loved a visit there to what I thought was the greatest mall in the world and proof of concept for living on the moons or Mars. I knew a girl from Vegreville. She’d be a grandmother now but we were hippy teens back then. Children. All sorts of nostalgia is coming up on this trip. 

I drove on into the night realizing I couldn’t  read the signs and not finding a rest area bit rather enjoying the night driving.  Eventually tired I drove into Radisson and parked by the ice rink.  It was 2 in the morning and I slept till 6 am.  These little towns are all quaint and have the gas station, store, beauty parlor, hard ware and fire station. 

Once I hit the prairies I was overwhelmed by the earthy scents.  Coming home.  Prairies .  Endless big sky.  Agriculture prices on the radio.  I teared up with fond thoughts of my parents and growing up in this incredible land.

I drove through Saskatoon thinking of my friend Ron just buying a place there.  Great town. Such fond memories of visitting my dad as a teen and going horseback riding with with the cowboys and cowgirls that were his friends there. He spent the summer installing a conveyor system. I enjoyed my week with him immensely. Father son time.   Fishing in Saskatchewan is the best.

Regina was a big city.  It wasn’t when as I boy. We used to joke that you could blink and miss it. Not anymore.  A regular cosmopolitan place. 

Dad took Aunt Sally Mom and Rom and Me on a drive to the coast from Winnipeg. The family joke was Aunt Sally asking,  what is that billy . Me what. What.  There, she kept pointing.  Finally I realized she was pointing at an oncoming car.  We’d not seen one all day. That was how vast and empty the prairies were back then.

Now my gps map got be turned about and decided that it was going to take me through the states to Ottawa. I’d just plugged in Ottawa’s and next I was at the International peace station and the machine was taking me across the border. I had my passport but didn’t have Madigan’s and didn’t want to go the American route. I doubled back and took Number 2 to Winnipeg. 

Great views. Great scents. Canada Geese and mallards in marshes and ponds.  Combines. Spring.Yet the heat is more like July and August.  Bugs on the windshield. 

It was night when I arrived on Pembina Highway. .  I drove to the family Home on north drive.  Took a picture of the place that’s so big in my mind the older I get. Then I took a picture of the Fort Garry United Church where I taught Sunday School.  Mom and Dad eventually went there after Dad convinced mom to go local rather than drive to Trinity Baptist the church of our childhood.  I took a picture of Viscount Alexander School. Then I  drove past where Kirk and I set the pile of leaves on fire on the street.  Then it was on to Vincent Massey Collegiate past my childhood crush Kathy’s house.  In the Vincent Massey parking lot I phoned this Winnipeg West KOA RV park.  The man said he’d leave the gate open.  Here I am. A wonderful place, Windy but good cell reception, wi fi and Star link Access. 

St. Franchise Exavier near Headly.  I love this lay out. Now I have to get on the Docside site and phone patients for the day of virtual psychiatry and addiction medicine.  I’m all set up with star link and cellphone and even have the cappuccino maker on the counter.  It was quite the whirlwind getting here. Now time to work and relax before more long haul driving. 

Thank you Jesus.  

Adventure - Vancouver to Ottawa with F350, Vespa, Adventurer Camper and Madigan

Thanks to Coastal Ford the brakes were done on Friday. Kelvin’s of Travco came by to seal my bang, stupidity.  I hit the top of the camper , the doorway to the Ford service an inch too low. They have another door around the side.  Stupidity.  I was concerned the camper would leak as the seals were compromised.  Kelvin as usual came to the rescue.  

I texted Kevin at Adventure RV Centure in Chilliwack. He’d installed a new toilet removing more evidence of my stupidity.  The dark brown stain in the bowl wasn’t from a chili shit of mega proportion but rather the fault of me trying to pour boiling bacon grease down the toilet. 

Kelvin helped me load the Vespa on the front of the F350.  I can do it myself but it sure was easier with help.  Then it was the last of packing over what I’d need in the next weeks from my new Thor to the camper. I had bags of clothing and office materials and tech. I need an iPad and phone and MacBook pro to be a virtual doctor.  The plan is three days travel and tree days in the office.  I enjoy the office after 6-8 hours of driving.  

I was able to leave today May 10 at 9 am.  I’ hoped to leave at 8 so felt pretty good.  I left my one plant with Nicolina having seen her and Ernest the night before and asked if she’d nurse the poor thing.  Laura took other other but only hand hands for one.  They’re safe. The Thor is buttoned down with people and pest deterrents.  Dave is going to come by to check on it.  

With a myriad of moving parts for another expedition done I was off.

I had to fill up with gas in Langley and get another tie down from HoleSpot. The Vespa really is riding well.  I inputted the route to jasper as a stop on the way. I’d like to have the time to do the hot springs but maybe on the way back.  Once I get to Ottawa I’ll have a better idea of the time it will take. It’s 4500 km and I travel 6 hours a day.  With the later sunset I may make 8 hour.  

Today I stopped for gas a couple of times puttin in $150 each stop.  I topped it up too when I filled up the little tank to fill up the generator. I was considering boon docking.

At 5 I passed Clearwater and wanted to go in and check out the place where we’d been hunting.  Laura was there with her cousin.  I’d like to go back there perhaps this year. Again I thought I’d check it out on the way back.  Clearwater is roughly 500 km and 6 hours drive  I took longer. Jasper was 400 plus km beyond that.  I looked at the sunset time and it was 830 so I continued on.  

My rule is to begin looking at 3 to 5 but that was in winter.  I was tired at mid day and bought donuts and energy drinks in Kamloops. There was a terrible accident that held us all up an hour.  

At Blue River I saw the Blue River RV park and thought it attractive.  I pulled in.  Lovely friendly Chinese couple. I was concerned about getting an open space for Starlink and succeeded in doing that.

I unpacked and stowed a whole bunch. I’ll get it more organized as I go along.  It was a comfort to get the Starlink working, to find my passport and also my satellite phone.  

The ;last gas station the fellow sold us beef jerky and pepperoni.  Madigan loved the beef jerky. Today’s meal have been donuts and pepperoni and beef jerky with an A&W egg and sausage muffin for breakfast. Madigan had a couple fo sides of bacon and wanted more.

Now he’s sleeping on the floor. We died a walk of the lovely campground and came back to the camper to do a few hours of work.  Now I’m ready to watch some NCIS before bed. My nighttime story.  I’ll b be up early and hope to get away and make Jasper and the ice fields in the morning light. I’ll be glad to pass through the mountain pass and make Edmonton. It’s been chilly high up and I’m looking forward to the heat of the prairies.  I’ve had rain today too,  I listened to some CBC but had to turn it off whenever they propagandized politics.  

I enjoyed the oldie but Goldie music of a local station I passed through .  Blondie and AC DC.  A great Tragically Hip song too.  

Now I’m tired.  What a first day of expediation

The Vancouver to Blue River distance is 584.4 KM - 6 hour 13 by the internet.  I am pleased I did more than 6 hour but would like to make 8 hour days but we’ll see. I have to be safe first and foremost and this was a good day.

Thank you God. Thank you Jesus.  

Adventure - Vancouver Ottawa

I had my last day in the clinic yesterday. I’ll be vitual now. The plan is drive three days stop three days to do virtual work and then drive three days. The distance is 4500 km .  I do 6 hours a day at most 8 hours a days and that’s 100 km an hour reckoning.  So it’s 8 days driving so a couple of weeks to get there all going well.  I’ll have a week or two down there also visitting Napanee and Hay Bay then coming back.  5- 6 weeks . The cherry on the cake is seeing the new addition to the family , along with his brother, the great nephews and seeing mother to be of my other nephew. Seeing my nephews and sister in law will be great as this is the first time since Covid disruption I’ve seen family. But I’ll also be returning with my outboard motor boat and trailer envisioning more fishing in the future.  

That’s the plan.  I remember sailing to Hawaii, weeks at sea in winter through hurricanes and at the end while I was aiming for Honolulu I underestimated the current that runs down the east of the islands. I made it to Kona concerned about fuel and winds making that the best landfall.  Bicycling across Europe with Barba in my 20’s I remember the plan was to go through the mountain passes to Italy but early snow closed that route so we headed south to Spain and ended in Morocco.  That’s the nature of adventure.  The fun is in the journey.  I’d like to have more time but I’m attending the Spokane IDAA conference in July and the Intenrational AA conference is in July in Vancouver.  So the plan is to be home end of June.

I’ll miss Laura.  Madigan will too.

The Ford F350 and Camper are at Coastal Ford.  I’m having the front brakes done before heading out tomorrow.  I banged the top of the camper at the entrance.  Not paying attention. I’ve phoned Kelvin of Travco and he’ll be able to drop by late today to add some ‘goop’ ,  The Agile adjuster and insurance people were out this week as the happy jack by the water outlet is weakened by a leak. I’ve pnot taken it of the truck since that occurred at Long Beach LA January this year.  I’m hoping this is just cosmetic and a matter of checking and adding to the seal.  I don’t want another claim.  Kevin from Chilliwack RV will be doing  the structural repair this summer so the camper will be ready for fall hunting.  

I have this new Thor Hurricane motorhome and hope to take Laura out weekend camping in August. 

My spiritual aim is to be in the present.  One day at a time.  God is now.  Meanwhile I’m aware of the whirlwind of activity with return from the south, trading my big fifth wheel in for the Thor , transferring and storing , potlaching and purging,  along with continuing work and getting taxes done. It’s been a whirlwind.  

I’m content.  Really.  

Right now i”m in the Thor and feel at peace.  

I like journey’s and expeditions though driving long hours is tedious.  I need a lot of coffee and have the occasional power drink.  Madigan likes the frequent brakes.  It’s a bit like when I drove the 5000 km Sturges trip on my Harley Electroglyde. I didn’t realize how tiring it was. I’d driven night and day from Winnipeg to San Francisco in my Mustang but part of the trip I had company like the times I drove from Winnipeg to Vancouver or Vancouver to Toronto. We drove Winnipeg to Halifax another time in the Toyota and one other time in the Toyota truck from Yuma to Vancouver and several trips to Mexico and back.  I guess I’m getting old.

I was glad to learn that my eyes were still fine for driving and that the mild macular degeneration and mild cataracts would only need to be reviewed in November. If they weren’t progressing or getting better nothing would be done but if there was any deterioration surgery could be planned for spring after I returned from next winter’s sojourn south. I want to return to Long Beach where Peter and Larry, Luca and Bella winter.  I spent a couple of weeks there this January but now I’d like to return for longer and have Laura join me so we could visit Art Galleries and Museums.  

Today I’m going to ride my Vespa to pick up my laundry. I’ve another load I gathered from cleaning the camper.  I actually stripped and made the bed last night. That laundry will have to wait for my return when I’ll have more laundry for sure though I’ll be able to do the outward bound laundry at Adell’s.  The benefits for relatives with laundry facilities. They have them in RV parks and I could have bought a motorhome with a laundry. The fact is I like dropping off my laundry, an executive luxury and don’t really mind doing laundry when I’m travelling with the camper. The laundry becomes an ‘event’ then rather than a chore. I rather enjoyed doing my laundry when I was having my teeth done in Algadones and was staying at the Sleepy Hollow campground run by the local tribe.  

Time to make a Vespa laundry pick up run.  Madigan can guard the Thor and when I get back I can take him for a walk. I’ll be able to make a meeting today as well as return some work calls.  I can’t do much else till the Camper is back. I’ve packed my bags and just have to transfer them and the generator and Starlink and computers.  I’ll miss the Thor but I’d not be comfortable driving it for the distance. I want to have some shorter weekend trips with Laura this summer and fall before I head south for the long winter so journ.  This Thor is a motorhome.  I was fine travelling with the Camper but when I was settled in at Long Beach and later at Fountain of Youth Hotspring and Spa I felt cramped.  I really appreciate the space I have here now.  I confess I like the big tv and couch a lot.  

I’m excited a bit .  The day before an expedition/adventure/journey ROAD TRIP!