Finale.

This is it Canada. Tim Harriman is on his very last day of his tour. At the moment, he is on his way to St. John's Newfoundland.

I am so overwhelmed with that thought. . . but I'm overjoyed at the same time.

Tim faced Cancer, and I've noticed that the same determination he had during that fight, is the same determination he has had through this entire journey. I have to thank you Tim, for the things you have taught me about life this summer. I wish I could describe to you how proud I am of you, but words are not enough. You are amazing. You pushed through the elements, the negativity, but you thrived . . .! Watching you get on that bike for the last time today, was like watching the end of an inspiration film. It makes you want to cry your eyes out! --I know what I'll be doing at the finish line...I'll needs lots and lots of Kleenex. You inspired thousands of kids, and adults. You are a beacon of light to Canadians. You will forever be recognized as the survivor who biked for the kids! Bless you Tim!!!!

I have some people I would like to thank too. Being on this journey, in this RV has been really hard at times, but I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity, it has really shaped my life.

Mom; Whenever I called you, you always had the perfect amount of advice for me. You listened so well, and let me vent on you...and I did that alot! I think being apart from my best friend for such a long time has really drawn me closer to you, and I can't wait to have some mother/daughter dates when I get home. I miss your company, your laugh, and your hugs. Thank you for all you have done for me this summer, you are the greatest mom any girl could ever ask for. I love you!

Andrea; Even though we only got to chat a few times this summer, I know that when I get home we will start right where we left off. I've really learned to appreciate your friendship on this trip. The sacrifice you were willing to make on my behalf was amazing. Thank you for picking up your phone even when it was late, laughing with me, encouraging me and sticking by me no matter what. I can't wait to see you!

Deb; Nothing has changed...I mean, the funny things we talk about over the phone, even some of the things we do while talking, are just like at home. I discovered something about you I didn't really notice before, you are such a caring and compassionate person. You were always asking me how I was doing and what was new...I really appreciated that. We are going shopping when I get home, I can't wait to see you Debbie! Love you tons! xoxo

Melanie; Thank you for praying for me Mel. It has been so hard being away from you, I've seen you grow up through facebook, you are such a stunning thing, I can't wait to spend more time with you and watch you grow up some more! Thanks for sticking by me, you and Deb have proved that you are REAL sisters, the kind I'm gonna love forever!! :)

Matt C AND Matt D; The two Matts!! Matt C, thanks for your encouragement! Whenever we talked, it seemed like I was sitting with ya drinking some tea, just chatting away. I really appreciated hearing from you. Matt D! I guess all I can say is thank you so much for being there for me when you were. On this trip, I've discovered who my true friends are...the kind that stick by you no matter what, are quick to listen and very very good at giving advice. I appreciate both of you, and I'm so excited to see you guys!!

Joel; Whenever you sent me messages, they were always at the perfect time. You have no idea how thankful I am for those! I don't think you realize how you encourage people, or how many people truly appreciate you. Thanks Joel.

Jackie and Dave; WE are gonna have so much fun when I get home! I can't WAIT to see you two!! Jackie thanks for your random messages on my phone, about things like your new hat..or getting a lawyer. I've missed you tons and tons, we are gonna make so many fun memories when I get back, the four of us!! Love you both, miss you both. Thanks for sticking by me!

This trip has been unbelievable! I can't even describe it to you. The hours spent on videos, photos, physiotherapy, blogs...its all been worth it. --Thanks Tim for bringing me along and trusting me with all of these things. I hope I did a good job! Thanks to all of the readers out there, and supporters of this cause. We couldn't have done it without you!

St. Johns..here we come...ALBERTA--we're on our way!!
xooxoxoxoxo


Christa

*New video on youtube ...www.youtube.com/SpokemanTour

Counting down!

We're five days away ....I can't fathom that. Tim started almost three months ago, and now, he has almost reached the end...the very tip of Canada. Some days, it seems like I just left home, other days, it feels like I've been away for years. I think both Tim and I miss home, but we've been blessed with such a great chance to see this country, meet the people and its been so cool to watch him impact lives. For every single tree or road sign that I've seen, I know there are that many people rooting for him across this great country, and even more back home.

After arriving into Newfoundland, we drove around a little bit to take in the island air. Everything here is so different, the homes, the accents, its so neat. A man from one of the provincial parks here pointed out this awesome trail to Tim and I, it was breathtaking! It took us about 45min to finish, but you could see everything. The path was mostly a boardwalk, with lots of uphill climbing, but when we stood on top of those hills we could see way out into the ocean. It was beautiful! Newfoundland is a beauty all its own.

Has anybody ever told you that what you dream just can't happen? Or maybe, what you desire seems a little to far fetched? --Tim had this dream one day to bike across Canada, and now, he is almost finished. At the start, I know that not everybody thought this trip would work out, there were many skeptics. I've found on this trip that when somebody doesn't believe in you, that is such a drive to be better and to prove to not only them, but to the world that you CAN do it and you WILL do it. I'm thankful that people didn't believe in Tim, because he is here now proving to them that they were wrong.

Now that the tour is almost over, Tim has a plan to write a book. Actually, it's not a plan, it is a goal, and if anybody can get it done, he can. One day, while we browse the 'inspirational readings' or 'documentaries' of Chapters or Coles, we will see many books written on Tim Harriman, maybe even a few of his own books will grace the shelves with their presence.

Tim is great, so therefore, he will continue to achieve greatness.

As I sit here in this RV (the one I can't wait to give away...) I watch Tim push his way up another hill. He is so determined, now more than ever to get to that finish line. To finish, and finish well.

GO TIM GO!!

Province 10 of 10!!

Jerry, Heather and Tim are out exploring this little place called Sydney, the very tip of Nova Scotia, where we catch the ferry over to Newfoundland tomorrow. I decided to take this time for myself. I've got the TV on, a bottle of water, and the computer. I'm watching 'The Shopping Bags' it's nice! Nova Scotia is beautiful! I have an amazing view of the harbour from my window, man, I am so blessed to be on this tour and see the things I am seeing. Tim and I were talking earlier about how some people think I am just on this tour...because I am...and I know people think that! Tim and I decided that we don't care what the haters' have to say, Tim is riding across Canada for a great cause, and I am behind him 100%, doing everything I can to help him along...which includes alot! I am very excited to get to the finish line, to see Tim cross it, to celebrate with him and his family at the end. What an amazing journey so far!

I don't know why, but I am SO excited to take the ferry tomorrow. It's a seven hour ride, over the ocean, and I hope I see some whales. I was just on this Newfoundland website, and they have every kind of whale you can imagine over this way...I am pumped!

Getting to the last province of this journey will be bitter sweet. I am so amazed that we are even in Nova Scotia, I mean, we started in BC! There has been alot of change on this trip, the way I look at life, myself, Cancer, I mean...even the way I write my blogs has changed! Not only in me, but change within the people of Canada. The people Tim has talked with, they've changed too. Who could talk to Tim, hear his words and not be changed? Watching Terry Fox on TV, those moments where you could see him talking with people on the roads...seeing Tim do the same thing is so neat. Canadians have been so great to Tim, so great to all of us! I have a brand new appreciation for Canada, and the people here.

I'm going to go and relax in the hot tub downstairs! bye!!! :)

A list.

I'm not really in the mood to write...so I'm going to make a list of what I've been up to!

1. Visited PEI, came across the Confederation Bridge
2. Experienced a crazy hurricane in PEI
3. Saw yet another police escort.
4. Watched the sunrise, and sunset of PEI
5. Saw the ocean, stood in the ocean...
6. Saw a dead crab.
7. Watched the tide go out for miles!
8. Visited IWK
9. Saw a little boy who had cancer, sleeping, and my heart broke.
10. Did a 5K walk.
11. Went to 'Camp Triumph' and experienced inspiration.

12. Took a ferry to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, here we come!

Arriving in PEI, it was stormy and cloudy...exactly how I pictured it to be. It reminded me of being in a minor hurricane. Almost getting blown off the sidewalk, watching trees bend and sway, and walking in the pouring rain! When we all woke up the day after getting here, it was much nicer, I was able to experience PEI for what it is really known for. Tim rode with a group of kids and adults from Charlottetown, and a few from our home, Airdrie! It was neat to see some faces that we recognized. Tim was invited into City Hall to sign the guestbook and visit with the Mayor. Their City Hall is absolutely stunning! Everything is original, the walls, doors, staircases, the floor....it was like stepping back in time. After that, we walked over to a very nice cafe for lunch with all of the bikers and friends. After lunch was over, and Tim's CBC interview, Tim and I went shopping and then went to the Fire Department. I've seen so many firetrucks in my life I'm used to them, but Tim was very glad to sit up in the truck and just chill. The firefighter we talked with was so welcoming!!

Tim took his rest day yesterday, instead of today...so we stayed at 'Camp Triumph' here in PEI, right on the beach. The camp is for youth who have a family member who is ill, or have lost a family member to a disease or other issue. Tim spoke to the kids about his journey with Cancer, the struggles and the triumphs...watching those kids listen to Tim was so neat. They all sat there totally quiet, waiting on every word that came out of his mouth. Tim is such a great speaker, he motivated those kids to look at life differently. They were pretty happy when he told them he would spend an extra day there.

That night, I joined the kids for a campfire, and two of them played the fiddle! It was sooo amazing to hear them!!! They did some pretty crazy stuff, and one of the girls even danced for us! Tim came a little bit later and asked if he could talk to me....when we walked away from the fire he showed me his face....where he had cracked it so hard on the counter from wrestling his dad. I checked him out, and found nothing broken, but he may have a hairline fracture in his nose. He has a nice bruise at the top, and one under his eye. His neck was jarred pretty bad, so last night I took care of that...who knew that trying to take out your dad could cause such injuries! Man, sometimes I'm really glad I came along... ;)

Tim is out on his bike right now, on his way to the ferry to Nova Scotia! We are going to province 9 of 10!! How crazy!!!

Survivor.

Moncton, NB.

Its in those moments when you feel like you just want to quit that some form of encouragement comes for you at just the right time. In Moncton, we were honored to meet with Chris Collins, MLA from New Brunswick and his wonderful wife. Their son Sean passed away from Cancer on July 7th of this year. Chris hadn't been in the public eye at all for about a month, but he came out to support Tim and support the cause. What an amazing couple. We were able to spend some time with them during the day and then they took Tim and I out for dinner in the evening. After filling up on pasta, we went to Magnetic Hill, if you've never heard of it, you drive 'down a hill' put your car in neutral and 'roll back up the hill.' When really, its an optical illusion. It was really neat! After that, they showed us the natural coliseum where the Rolling Stones played in Moncton, and where U2 is going to play next summer. After that, we drove through some beautiful farming areas, with gorgeous homes, and finally they took us to their house. As we walked in, there were literally hundreds of cards on the floor from people in Moncton, family and friends. Then, I saw a picture of Sean. After hearing so much about him, I felt like I knew him personally, and my heart ached when I saw a picture of him and his dad. What a beautiful boy. He had this smile that will stick with me forever. I wish I could have met him. We looked at some pictures, and then Chris brought Tim a pair of Sean's drumsticks, and me a necklace that Sean used to wear. When he put it in my hands, the tears came. To receive a gift like that gave me the drive to press on. Thank you Chris and Lisette, I'm gonna wear this forever.

I never met Sean, but his life has impacted mine in a huge way.

Canadian Showers

Let me tell you about showers. We take them for granted. Every morning when you wake up you simply walk into the shower, turn on the hot water and away you go. For some reason, I am constantly running into problems with the showers on the road. Nobody else ever has a problem. Just me. So this morning I came into the bathroom, expecting a nice warm shower, which is what I ...didn't get. I turned the handle and out came scalding hot water, so, I reached for the cold tap and nothing happened. I had to turn off that shower and make my way to another one.

So, shower number two.

I turn it on, adjust the temperature, and begin the whole process. I don't know if somebody flushed a toilet or something...but the water burned my back! I frantically reached for the cold water, which turned out to be...ice ice cold, and caused me to stand there shivering...and I began to cry. 'Why me?!" Standing there with shampoo in my hair, and ice cold water spraying out of the crooked tap, I didn't know what to do. So, I started again. I turned off both taps...and then turned them on again. Finally the temperature was perfect. Other than the water spraying like a jet stream on to me, and having to run around to get wet, plus watching a GIANT spider crawling around above my bag...I had a great shower.

I don't know what it is....but this shower curse seems to follow me around wherever I go.
I can't wait to get back to my own at home.

The remaining days of the tour are flying by. I can't believe where we are! Only a couple weeks left and we are homeward bound. Tim is still totally dedicated and driven, and getting really excited to reach his goal. We have been meeting so many people in this area of Canada, mostly in Tim Hortons, and having alot of fun in New Brunswick. I got to meet lots of Tim's family so far, they are all so great! :)

Well, Sudoku is calling my name....its time to conquer yet another puzzle.

See you soon!

Dreams, storms, and milk.

I've been having weird dreams lately... I dreamt the other night that I came home from the tour and walked into my cousins kitchen. She stood there and looked at me and said 'O hey Christa...' and that was it. I was thinking in my mind 'umm, I've been gone for three months and I don't even get a hug?' I also had a dream I worked at Boston Pizza, which I am honestly considering, and that I was a playschool teacher. I found a job posting for a playschool teacher in Calgary, which I am qualified for...that I might just look in to. I adore kids, and teaching them would be such an awesome opportunity. I wonder what all of these dreams mean...maybe its just an excuse to use my blog as a sort of resume! I'm free for work!! -(but I won't do any fast food, or clothing stuff...) Hahaha.

So, right now, we're hanging out in a gas station parking lot. We're in New Brunswick, and when you experience the east, you also experience the storms that come with it. Tim stopped for lunch, and previous to that there had been a storm warning on the radio. Within ten minutes of Tim stopping, the clouds started rolling in faster then I've ever seen in my life! The wind picked up so suddenly that you couldn't stand outside without almost being blown away. Jerry ran towards the RV from the store in a great effort to save Tim's bike, while Tim was trying to get it as well. Because of where the two of them were standing, they couldn't see eachother...nor the efforts they were both trying to put in. "Where did my bike go?!" Tim yelled, while at that very second Jerry was almost 'gone with the wind' trying to rescue Tim's only way across this country. In the end we all frantically closed all the windows and prepared for a big storm...which it was! Heather came running out as fast as she could from the store, and boom, it hit. The lightning was purple and blue and the thunder shook the RV. Wow. Its at times like those you learn to really appreciate Gods real power. Yikes!

After meeting more of Tim's family, we're all pretty tired, but its like there is a renewed energy in this RV. I think that Tim, Heather and Jerry really needed to be with family and experience their support. They are such a wonderful group of people, and I'm honored to have met them. While they were here we had a light meal together, played 'super spies' in the hallways of the hotel, went to Mcdonalds, Walmart, (where I spent WAY too much money) and took lots of pictures. I also drank milk...which I am highly allergic to, because I thought it was soy milk, boy was I wrong. SO wrong.

Its nice to be in New Brunswick, a new province, and a very different way of life. I've noticed that the people here are so outgoing and cheerful. They offer huge smiles and actually carry on conversations..! AND, best thing ever...they speak English. I think my blood pressure has gone down alot since leaving Quebec. Don't get me wrong, I love the people so much there, its just stressful when you're a foreigner in your own country. I bet they feel pretty much the same way when they come our way though, now we can relate to eachother I guess.

The storm is still raging, we will be here awhile ...
Until next time,

Christa

French-no...not me.

I took french in school once, but the teacher hated me, so I stopped taking it. Now, I'm in Quebec, and I know like...maybe two french words. So, I have this plan...I stay in the RV when we go to places like our last BBQ. Because I dropped out of french, I mostly stand around watching everybody talk, trying to figure out what they are saying. Anyway, part of my plan is to only go to places where I won't have to talk to anyone and embarrass myself. Somewhere like, the bathroom..! Just my luck though, I walked in to one the other day and a little girl starts talking to me, with this urgency in her voice, and I have no idea what she is saying. I tell her I speak no french, and she keeps talking....so, I look at her friend and her friend says 'that is a shower...' I guess they must think that I don't know what a shower is, actually, I probably didn't look like I knew, because I was just standing there looking at this little girl. Another place I've walked in to thinking I was safe, was a grocery store. Usually, you pick the things you want, get in line, say hello to the lady she tells you what you owe, and you leave. No, not this time. At the check out, the lady started talking up a storm to me, and when I said 'pardon?' very very politely, she just stopped talking. I felt terrible.

Now, I don't leave the RV without Jerry, Heather or Tim.

Quebec has been very very good to us, the people here are so accommodating! The scenery is beautiful too, we've seen lots of old houses, pretty farms and churches that seem to touch the clouds.

The other day I got on the bike with Tim, and today both of his parents took turns riding with him. I did about 10K with Tim, and after that, my eyes were opened to what he really feels like at the end of the day. I'm a runner, I could run forever, but riding a bike is totally different. Your back, legs, neck, ankles and even arms get sore...now that I've ridden along side him, I really appreciate what he is doing alot more. It takes alot of determination. That guy is amazing.

Anyway, there is a new video on the website...! www.youtube.com/SpokemanTour

Old Montreal

After two days in Montreal, we are on the road again! We spent our days mostly hanging out in 'Old Montreal,' the most beautiful part of the city. The buildings were beautiful and the history was stunning! The cobblestone streets were perfect too. We ate out a few times, got lost downtown ...at night... explored the little shops, took a carriage ride, and walked along the river. I found Montreal to be a city of great culture and celebration. The people there just enjoy life, but there is also another side to Montreal...call it a loss of hope perhaps. Everybody we came across was very nice, but we saw many people who you just knew were hurting. I was approached by one woman, who had this sense of despair in her eyes, and all I could do was listen to her and give her a smile. For some, especially those with mental disabilities or diseases, getting the most out of life is almost impossible. In the middle of the streets, surrounded by hundreds of people, there are those who have no idea what to do with their situation, where to go or who to turn to. I know that feeling, so seeing it in others is heart wrenching.

When we say 'I hope somebody helps them...' that is selfish. Its time to stop asking our government, our pastors, our leaders, our parents, and our friends to change the situation, its up to us. If we would only take a chance, make a decision to change one persons life, instead of acting selfish and leaving it up to somebody else, we would have a totally different world. When somebody in your church is struggling, don't go to your pastor, do something about it yourself! When you find out that your neighbor has no money to feed his kids, don't write into the paper about how terrible our economy is, DO something about it! Its so easy!! Our world needs people who will stop talking and just act. Our world needs more people like Tim Harriman.

-Christa

Ah! Quebec!

We just entered Quebec, and we are headed to Montreal for two days. Tim has a rest day tomorrow, as well as a hospital visit this afternoon. The hospital visit and media even in Ottawa went great! A group called "Elgins Guard" came from Ottawa to Smith Falls to meet with Tim, they then escorted him to CHEO, and then to the media event. At CHEO, Tim met lots of great kids. I was able to spend some time talking with two little girls, who were both very excited to get a bracelet from Shannon and Abby back in Alberta. They loved them girls!! One of the little girls at the hospital, Morgan, had a beautiful crown on her head, she infact was a real princess, and I informed her that I had never actually met one before. She was so cute.

There is nothing cooler than seeing Tim ride through a tunnel of kids holding up their hockey sticks. Not only that, but they were doing it in honor of little Elgin, and the thousands of kids dealing with Cancer in Canada. The support Tim had at that event was so amazing. Hundreds of people showed up! He even got a new bike!!

After the event we went to stay at the Nelsons house! Jerry, Tim's brother is married to an awesome girl named Amy, whose parents (The Nelsons) invited us to stay at their place. What a warm welcoming couple. Mrs. Nelson even cut my hair! It was neat to stay in Amy's house, we had a great time.

Now we are on our way to Montreal as I said before...looking forward to having a day to just chill and get things done. {Not that I don't do that every day... ;) }

-Christa

Canada's Capital

Every night, while I lay awake in bed, I think about how I didn't write in my blog...again. I apologize for making you all wait so long for this post, I know you've been looking forward to it, sitting on the edge of your computer chairs...waiting....! Except, much to my dismay, that is not likely the case, and you could really care less about this blog, or any of the other ones of written for that matter. O well, I'll continue to write them anyway, even just for myself.

At this very moment, Tim is up ahead with about twelve riders from Ottawa. They are escorting him to the Children's Hospital in Ottawa, and then after the visit, we have a big press event with the riders and 'Elgins Guard.' Elgin was a two year old who died of Neuroblastoma on May 19, 2007 after watching to Ottawa Senators play hockey. Today a big group of kids will be meeting Tim in Ottawa for a tribute to Elgin, the little guy who had such an impact on Ottawa.

The past few days have been really awesome. Having the Harrimans back has been great. I've been working on part two of the newest video, which is now up on the 'youtube' site, and taking lots of pictures. It seems there is never a moment of rest when it comes to the website, videos and phone calls.

At the moment, I am searching the internet, (my only source of connection to the outside world) for a job. Before leaving for the trip, I had planned to come back and begin my EMT training on October 1st. Because of the tour, I am unable to make it to the pre-testing dates, so I have to wait now until January. At the moment, I'm really just a little bit confused with what I am to do with my life. 'Monster.ca' has been a big help when it comes to searching for jobs....but I don't want any job, I want to make a difference in a life, but these days, you need to go to school for a year to be able to do that. I'm a little bit discouraged, I'll be honest, although I wouldn't trade this tour for anything...not even my career. I'm dedicated to this trip, and to Tim until the very end.

Well guys, I must get back to work....talk to you soon.

Christa

My new best friend

At Niagara Falls

A killer whale, at MarineLand

How do you begin a blog, when so much has gone on? We're back to tour on Sunday, so right now, I'm soaking up the time I have left with my mom and sisters. We've had alot of fun together! We visited Niagara Falls, MarineLand, ...did lots of shopping, did some roller coaster riding, good food eating, and lots of subway adventures! My mom almost took out a lady on a bench, she (my mom) was looking back at a sign, wasn't watching ahead, and scared the living daylights out of this poor women on a bench. My mom would have really hurt her knee, and the poor lady...who knows what would have happened to her. But don't worry, I saved them both. I think the women maybe had a minor heart attack though. Its a very good thing I have medical training. ;)

Today my mom and I met up with the Harrimans and visited Sick Kids in Toronto. What a beautiful hospital! They have pretty much thought of everything when it comes to patient comfort and normalcy, we were amazed at some of the things they have thought of. We had a really neat tour, and then Tim got to interact with some of the kids. When they all came out of their rooms to meet him, I was really touched to see that all of them were little girls, with different colored bandannas on their heads. One little girl in particular, made me want to cry. She was so little, dressed up in all pink, shy and very cute. I looked at her, and imagined her with long hair, and thought, why is she here...why is she going through this. Then she said something to Tim that made everybody laugh, it really brought such a joy to the room, and I saw that little sparkle in her eye light up the whole room. Things like that never leave your mind, or your heart.

Tomorrow I'm off to Ajax to meet up with the Harrimans again, my family flies home on Sunday afternoon. I've had alot of fun experiencing this part of Ontario, CBC news was so neat, press today went great, the kids we met were inspirational and the things I learned here will be really beneficial to who I become in the future. Thanks TO!

I'm with my family! We arrived in Brampton yesterday and met up with my mom, sisters and Grandma at Mcdonalds, and of course, Tim went inside and ordered some food. . . . okay, we all did. He has five days off, this time he is allowed. Its hard to keep him away from that place! After arriving at my grandparents home, we visited a little while, and then the girls and I went shopping. Of course we did...shopping is what we do best!

The past few days have gone by so quickly, we've spent most of our time cleaning up the RV, and getting ready for a big press day on Friday. Yesterday morning, we visited the kids in the Pediatric Oncology Unit in London. It was another eye opening experience, which left me feeling drained at the end. I think it left everybody drained, because we all slept on the way to Brampton. Seeing first hand the rooms they live in for months at a time, the pictures of them when they were healthy, and all of the cards posted up around their rooms is really tough. We met a girl our age, who had the most positive attitude I've ever seen, in spite of her situation. She told us about her shoulder length hair, which would be cut off and replaced with a wig. A girls hair is one of her very important traits, but knowing that this disease would be taking that from her, broke my heart. Ya, its only hair, but its her hair, and that will just be another thing she has no control over. My prayers are with you hun, and your mom, keep up that positive attitude, you can conquer anything!

We met other kids, like Luke, who had the brightest smile and the coolest stories about his adventures at MarineLand (where I am going today...!) He's been in and out of the hospital since he was three years old, but it didn't seem to bother him, he still made conversation with the other kids and tried to have fun at all times. Luke is the type of kid who can brighten anybodys day. We met lots of other cool kids, one young girl gave Tim a really neat bracelet. She sells them to raise money for the kids in the hospital, and her bead collection was huge!!

I'm glad we got to experience the London kids, they were all so positive and outgoing, the nurses and doctors were very warm and welcoming and the pizza and cake was a bonus too!

-Anyway, I'm going to go and spend some time with my family at good ol' MarineLand!

My Canada

Pack your bags and head over to Lake Huron, who needs an ocean when you have this view? I am so glad I get to take in all of this beauty, I’m amazed at what my Canada really is all about, I never ever new it was this beautiful. Canada is a photographer’s dream come true.

Yesterday, Tim had a rest day, and we spent it in Tobermory! We did some horse back riding, shopping, eating and boat watching. It was fantastic! The little shops along the harbor are gems! I bought a book to read on this long journey, and an umbrella, because guess what...it poured on us all day long. The rain was so hard, my umbrella broke...well, it wasn't that hard, but I had to return my purchase anyway. We stayed at a campsite that really isn't a campsite anymore. The people that owned it were gracious enough to give us a free night, and let us ride their horses! (Thanks Haley!)

We’re almost in London, and that means I get to see my mom and sisters! Its hard being away from them for so long, I plan to sit with them and just talk, about what I’ve missed in their lives over the past month and a half. I don’t think you realize how important family is until you are away from them for a long time. I wish sometimes that I could share the beauty with them, that we could be together and run down the beach and dip our toes in the water….someday I plan to bring them back here and show them some of the amazing things I've seen, not only in Canada but in the other areas in the world I’ve visited alone.

I knew way back in BC, that getting to the east would start to get busy…and wow, it has! When I start to get stressed, I remember why I’m doing this, why I came along, and then everything gets better…and I say a little prayer…that helps too. ;) We have two hospital visits, in London and Toronto, a full day of press in Toronto, and a huge event in Ottawa! Keep your eyes open Ottawa…it’s gonna be huge! (Email me if you want more info.)

I hope you guys have been enjoying the video and picture updates on the website; I really enjoy working on them. Please send me some feedback on what you think!

info@spokemantour.com

That’s all for tonight,
-Christa

The human spirit….

Some have been shattered, bruised, ignored, held down, and others…encouraged, grown, nurtured. Those that contain scars, rise above the rest and defeat the challenge, overcome the obstacle. For Tim, his spirit has faced its fair share of pain, but as I sit here watching him ride, I am amazed. Reality says that it’s a very hard task to ride across the country; reality also says that without everything going right, this trip won’t work. The human spirit always seems to defy reality though, and Tim’s spirit is proof of that. When you see him out there, pushing up those hills with every ounce of strength, you can’t help but feel a big burden for him. A video or photograph could never capture the real impact he has on the people driving around him and us, the ones in the RV. Watching him, is watching history in the making.

He does this for the little girl, who has only a few weeks left to live….and for the young boy playing with his friends with no idea that his body is being taken over by Cancer. There are no losers when it comes to Childhood Cancer, every single child is a fighter, a warrior and no matter what happens to them, they win.

I love Tim’s spirit, his dedication, his determination, his joy, …and I know with everything inside of me, giving up is not an option for him.

Tim – The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. -Arthur C. Clarke

There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something. -Henry Ford

Christa

This is gonna be a short blog, because its late and we all need sleep. Today was a really long day for Tim, but he made it! Some of those hills made me tired, just looking at them...but knowing Tim was climbing them was even harder to watch. He looked very relieved when we came up over the hill into civilization! We are staying at a Days Inn tonight, which is super nice, we went out for dinner on the water, and looked right over into Michigan! It was so neat.

Anyway, I'm off to bed, sleep well everybody!
-Christa

(mom, I'll email you in the morning!! xoxox)

Swimmin' with the tadpoles. ;)

Early mornings, showers the spray to the side instead of straight, friendly shower spiders, fruit loops, chick flicks and ginger flavored bug spray…these things are the highlights of my Ontario experience so far, well, that and we got to visit the birth place of Winnie the Pooh. At the moment, we’re at a new camp site, given to us for a night, right on the lake, ahh, so pretty! When you walk out into the water, there are tons of little tadpoles swimming around everywhere, and when you step in, they take off and then come back to see what the painted toes are all about. That’s another thing I’ve been doing a lot, painting my toe nails! Yesterday we had a rest day in Marathon, Ontario. We decided to do a free for all day, so we parked at a mall, equipped with a Saan and Extra Foods and took off for the day. I have never been so excited to go into SAAN before! We were joking about reaching civilization, for real; we spent like an hour in Canadian Tire of all places…desperate much? I need to not spend so much money at places like Canadian Tire. I think I’ll give my wallet to Tim or something, he can watch my money. Mom, when you come to Toronto bring me some cashola ok? Hahaha

Anyway, today Tim had a great ride. The weather was awesome, it was warm and a little bit rainy but near the end it was pretty clear. We ended up in White River today, met Winnie the Pooh, and ate some pretty tasty, very sugary popsicles. Now, we are in the RV, cooking up a storm! Well, I’m not, but Marc is making burgers and hotdogs…I do not have the skills to do that!

Everybody on the road is doing great; we are enjoying the many lakes, wildlife and pretty scenery along the way.

Thanks for reading,
Christa

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Sneaking in hickory sticks and water to a hospital room is by far the worst thing I have ever done…well, I didn’t do it, but Cheryl did, I guess we were a tag team. We are seriously bad! This tour is turning me into a terrible person. ;) I had to visit the hospital…again the other night, because I have these lumps in my neck, which turned out to be swollen lymph nodes (in the weirdest places) because of a virus. I also had a reaction to the fly bites I’ve been getting. They puff up real big and itch and bleed, I felt hot, tired and just plain ill. BUT, I’m feeling better now, thanks to lots of rest, and tons of water. The doc said this virus would go away on its own.

The road has been such an interesting place so far. I find myself comfortable even when I’m in the middle of nowhere, but sometimes I really miss my own house. My entire life I’ve been the type who could spend hours in my room alone, listening to music or reading…but on the road, there is only a few minutes of alone time every few days. This is something I had to get used to pretty quickly; at first it was really hard, not so much anymore. Although, when I do get moments to myself I can breathe, and just enjoy the surroundings and hear myself think. On this journey, you discover a lot about yourself too, I’ve seen myself adapting to this environment in a far different way then I expected. On the road, we don’t do much shopping or stopping in very civilized areas, so when I heard there was a Wal-Mart in Thunder Bay, my heart leaped for joy. How weird…I am not like that, I am not a shopper! ;) No, but seriously, I find that I have real patience, and I mean the type of patience that plants have when they wait around for the rain. After an hour, they don’t shrivel up and die….they’ll wait for months if they have to! I find that I enjoy scenery a lot more then I ever used to, I take it all in and thank God for it. I find myself looking forward and anticipating change, where as before, change wasn’t really my thing.

Speaking of change...yesterday the Fenske family, Tim and I, went to see the longest bridge in Canada, it was high, it went back and forth and it was scary. I almost had to pinch myself because I was so high up, and I asked myself 'why am I up here...why am I risking my life?' ;)

Anyway, enough with my rant, I'm off for dinner!


-Christa

Peace.

Ahh, Ontario. I think Ontario beats Saskatchewan for 'small' towns, but it sure doesn't beat Saskatchewan when it comes to beauty. I just came in from sitting out by the most beautiful lake, it was so peaceful and quiet...it was nice to get away for a few hours. It made me think alot, just about this tour and what I am here for. I've been thinking about the extent of what Tim is doing, its so much bigger than I actually realized. While he was out on the bike today, the road kept twisting and turning, and it seemed like it would never end. I wondered what was going through Tim's mind, I wondered if he was getting discouraged, and then I remembered what he always says...'nothing will ever stop me.' He has met alot of kids, and I know that when he gets sick and tired of the heat, bugs, never ending roads...he remembers them. I remember them too...and when I get discouraged, and trust me, I have been, their faces seem to pop into my head.



We're in a little town of ....just about nothing! I miss the big city, but I love love love the scenery here! Everybody needs to take a trip across the country, its so pretty. The weather for us has been great, earlier today it poured (thankfully after Tim had finished...) and then an hour later, the hot sun came out and I was chillin' on the beach. With five people in the RV, it can get pretty crowded and hot, so when we can, we all get out and experience nature for awhile. Haha. Speaking of five people...Kassandra came along for the ride, and her and I share the big bunk in this crib. The other night, I woke up to her taking the covers off of me and putting them on herself. For the rest of the night, I had just sheets, and she had all the blanket...isn't that always how it goes when you share with somebody? She had no idea, and I was very cold. O, and the black flies, the little bugs that Alberta doesnt have, love me. I'm running out of skin for them to take! Cheryl thinks its cuz these flies have never seen an Albertan before, so they are going after me...its not fun when they swell and itch. We've had some pretty fun adventures since the Fenskes joined us! We did mini golfing, which I have never done, and today, Kassandra taught me how to play crib. I think you have to be a math whiz to play that game...I'm terrible at it. Anyway, its too hot to keep this lap top on my knees, I'm gone!



See you in Thunder Bay!

-Christa