Catching up on photos

We are bound by fog again. The thickest I've seen since we lived in New Brunswick. We are in the Voyageur Restaurant again and I just over heard someone say that there was no fog where they came from. So Diane and I are going to drive ahead to see how long the fog hangs on. Hopefully it clears soon. Then we will come back to today's start point and at least know we have clear skies ahead!
Here are some photos that I haven't had time to share with you.

Approaching the Hwy 17 bridge over the Little Pic River. Looking north from the bridge. Stunning. From the bridge looking south. Can you see three kayakers?

This is a dangerous road. There are hundreds of these memorial crosses along the way. Each is a reminder of the perils of this transportation route.

Always wondering whats around the next corner.

Train tresel and hwy 17 bridge behind it. Taken from Neys Prov Park

Ready to celebrate 1000 kms at Wawa. Done for the day. I've heard you should never turn your back on a goose - especially on that big!
Leaving Wawa the next morning. Today (July 4) Thunder Bay is only 219 km away! And Terrace Bay is 27 km behind us!

Some beautiful Birch? Aspen? Poplar? I have a hard time telling them apart. Especially in a photo.

Just the every day scenery!

Fog bound

Leave the road to the trucks in this fog!

A wet day too.
Last lake of the day.

This morning I woke at 5 am as usual but when I looked outside it was so dark I decided to keep sleeping for another half hour (I had only had 8 hours of sleep !!!). By 5:30 it was light enough to think about being on the road but there was quite a bit of fog. I wasn't feeling great but I dragged my "feelings" out the door with me to the road and got to work.

As we approached Terrace Bay the fog began to get thicker and thicker. I started to feel unsafe so I decided when we got to Terrace Bay we would wait for the fog to lighten up before going any further. So after bfast I got my hair cut, got a roll of loonies and two rolls of quarter (for laundry), did some grocery shopping, picked up some Calcium/Magnesium (w Zinc and vit D) vitamins, mailed some letters and got a cancellation stamp in my journal from the post office, oh yes and had lunch at a very good chinese restaurant. So by then we had spent about 5 hours there and the fog had lifted enough to walk.

We passed Schreiber but returned to this restaurant which has free wireless internet. The Voyageur Restaurant owner, Linda Jackson was more than hospitable as she agreed to allow us to stay in her parking lot overnight and even give us a place to plug in so we could watch a movie. Thanks Linda! We have chosen "The Queen." I just heard someone say its almost 10!!!! Yipes.

I am just going to put some photos up and call it a night. Had another great day walking home today!

He plans the steps

At Montreal Harbour in a small restaurant we met this nice Stoney Creek resident who worked teaching hazardous spill cleanu up. His company had worked on the Mississauga train derailment. He gave us all hats! Thanks Cliff!
Street signs in White River.
Did you know that Winnie-the-Pooh (the real bear) was purchased in WHITE RIVER, ON by a Captain of the Canadian army who took her overseas to England as their mascot. When the regiment was sent to fight Winnie was cared for by the London Zoo. She became a favourite of many children who visited the zoo including A. A. Milne and his son Christopher.
I went into the Post Office at White River for a cancellation stamp she used a special stamp with Winnie on it and then gave me 4 free first day covers with Winnie stamps on them.

When Paul first arrived he had planned to return on Thursday June 29 (today) but as the time went by he decided to stay with me for an extra day. Tomorrow he drives west and we drive east back to our starting point.

After walking today we drove into Marathon and planned to spend a special evening together - this isn't as easy as it sounds. We drove around the town looking for a "nice" restaurant. We really couldn't find anything, and then when we finally decided on one there was a sign on the door, "Due to unforseen circumstances we will close at 6pm." We laughed and got in the truck. We headed out to the highway to a place we had seen on the way in. There were no other cars in the parking lot and it seemed a little strange but we were hungry. When we went in the waitress/cook told us to sit anywhere. She seemed a little under-dressed in flipflops, lounge pants, and a t-shirt. Then her two boys (both under 6 years) were dropped off at the restaurant because their father, who was supposed to be looking after them, was no where to be found. The waitress/cook/mom told the boys to sit at a table and they weren't to move (remember they are under 6). Paul said that this gives a whole new meaning to the term "Family Restaurant."

Although I felt uncomfortable, and disappointed with our "special" night out together, my heart really went out to this mom. Yes, she has probably made alot of bad decisions, and she might need some time management advice but compassion meets people right where they are (right where compassion and mercy met me).

Another plan that the Lord had was to arrange for me to sign papers for the transfer of the ownership of our house. It is the last day Paul is here, the only lawyer was in town (he serves 2 other communities) and he agreed to wait for us before he left for home (Thunder Bay). So Paul will take the papers home signed by the notary public, a witness, and us. Another detail arranged by a precision master.

This is Gracie Chalmers my grand-daughter. I hope that she will believe that she can do anything God asks her to do. And that she will find as much joy in serving Jesus as she does in her late night snack :)
OK my friends, I have to get to bed so we can be on the road early. We are going to be staying at Neys Prov Park this weekend. It is only supposed to be 14 degrees tomorrow - that will be chilly but thats sooooo much better than hot.
Congratulations to Paul M. DeGraaf for his 560 kms! accomplished in a month of walking. Paul and I are waving goodbye.
Thanks for all your comments and prayers. They are such an encouragement! Talk to you soon.

Paul, Paul, Paul

Have I ever mentioned that my husband is a genius with a camera? He took these two photos along the Old Woman Bay hill. Which we all agreed was a harder than the Montreal Harbour Hill. (Way to go for the shot Paul, laying it on the line and all.)

These lakes are all together in one area in Lake Superior Prov Park.

Morning glory along the road. Its so hard not to take more photos of all the awesome glory of God revealed along the road.

I want to share with you how God provided for our need on June 22. We knew that Friday night didn't hold an easy stay over. We were finishing the day in the middle of nowhere but we knew God would provide something. We were walking 27 kms that day so as we came close to the end of the day we started looking for possibilities - logging road? a wide shoulder? no our provider had prepared something better. In the picture Paul is approaching 27 kms and our private pull off - well we had to share it with a brand new high hoe. Although I knew He would provide when this construction site was exactly at 27 kms I was overwhelmed with His loving care.

We have also missed some big "flash bang storms." He keeps looking after us.

Paul is leaving us on Friday. I wanted to write about that but . . . We have arranged that he is going to come to visit when we get into Manitoba -the first week in August. So thats only 6 weeks away.

I do want to say how much I appreciate my best friend. Although he has been a pastor for 21 years he is growing and becoming a man of God. This is not easy work. It takes alot of humbling, alot of wisdom. It is a hard road but he has given himself to this work. His teacher at NBBI, Mark Bredin, told the class, "It just gets harder class." Paul is in the "getting harder" stage of life. There is no easy road to becoming.

You know we are all on a long journey - all of it is hard. But we have this hope. Christ is returning to take us home. Heaven is our destination.

Keep fighting the fight Paul, don't give up. I'm so proud of you. And I'll be proud to stand beside you at the throne.

We have been listening to this song by Brad Paisley alot,

When I get where I'm going on the far side of the sky.

The first thing that I'm gonna doIs spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,and run my fingers through his mane.

Or I might find out what it's likeTo ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going,there'll be only happy tears.

I will shed the sins and struggles,I have carried all these years.

And I'll leave my heart wide open,I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I'm going, Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,and he'll match me step for step,

and I'll tell him how I missed him,every minute since he left.

Then I'll hug his neck.

So much pain and so much darkness,in this world we stumble through.

All these questions, I can't answer,so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,and I see my Maker's face.

I'll stand forever in the light,of His amazing grace.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,there'll be only happy tears.

Hallelujah!I will love and have no fear.When I get where I'm going.

Yeah when I get where I'm going.

Kilometer 1000 !!!

The past few mornings have been very chilly. So the mist has be beautiful. We can hardly walk for taking photos!

Dressed for walking at 6 am in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Today we walked out of the park. It is 86 kilometers from one end to the other, so it took us four days to get through it. We have really enjoyed walking through the park. The views are spectacular and I am constantly wondering why anyone would want to go the Hawaii or Florida to see amazing views. Canada has it all.

We not only walked out of the Park but also covered kilometer 1000!!! We have completed one third of the walk!!!! Paul was asking me how I felt about getting this far. Really, it is very surreal and almost out-of-body for me. The mental acknowledgement is there of course but the feelings are flatline. But that is very typical for me. The higher the excitement the lower the emotional level. I am built funny that way. So, yeah we have covered 1003 kms so far and we are in Wawa, ON. It took us 38 days to get to 1000 which means we cut the time down by 2 days. Thats great.

We were warned about the hills in the north but so far it is going down the hills that I really find the most challenging. Paul was experiencing pain in his back as he walked until he started using my walking poles. They cause you to stand upright, walk with a gated pace, and also takes pressure off the rest of your body by adding a pushing motion (you are virtually using your hands to help you walk).

When I was doing research on long distance walking I was disappointed to not find the details that would help me prepare for the daily routine. So I decided that I would include a daily schedule here.

5 am Alarm goes off. Take apart bed and stow bedding under the seat. Get dressed in walking clothes: walking socks, shoes, tight leggings or shorts, warm up pants (if its cold), technical shirt, zipped sweater (if cold), hat (AGC cap if I want to put my hood up, or the Tilley if its sunny), safety glasses (clear if overcast, dark if sunny), safety vest, and my favourite piece is my belt. On my belt hangs my cell phone, walkie talkie, pouch (which carries wet ones, keys, ipod, camera, and info on the walk. I like my belt cuz I feel like bat woman with her utility belt :)

5:30 Drive out to start point. STRETCH (I have had trouble being disciplined to do this with consistancy). Get on the road and walk for two hours. The morning is the worst time for having to use the washroom so these two hours are regularly broken up (frustrating).

Well, I have to go because we are being kicked out of the hotel lobby that we are working in. But I wanted to thank everyone for their comments and also wanted to comment on "scraping." Before we left Melfort the church showed a video series called, "The Star, The Cross and The Crescent" by Andy Stanley. A woman giving her testimony said, "Our God is so big you don't need to scrape for anything." Diane and I were both struck with this statement and it has been our motto for the trip - "We don't need to scrape for anything." It is so true. God has provided as we rest in His promises, protection, and provision. (Hey, you can use that as your sermon outline Ashley - find your own poem :)

Well, I will finish the daily routine later - promise. God bless you.

Lake Superior Prov Park, Agawa Bay / 1000 km mark

I am writing from the guest station at Lake Superior Provincial Park, so I wont be able to upload any photos.
We are being challenged by the big hills here. Monday we did the Montreal Harbour Hill, I should be able to tell you how long it was but I only can tell you it was rather loooonnnngggg. Today was cooler, in fact we even felt cold.
We have increased the daily distance by 2 kms. So we are doing 27 km per day now (today we did 28 just because there was no place to stop until then). We needed to catch up to get home on time so we will continue with 27 per day.
Paul is doing wonderful! He didn't train but he has come and jumped right in. What an athlete!
On Sunday night there was a terrible storm. So much rain fell that roads were washed out and even parts of hwy 17 were damaged. We walked past a couple of mud slides and cave ins along the shoulder. The streams are gushing still and its Tuesday now.
We are soon going to pass the 1000 km mark!!! On Thursday we will be getting to Wawa and will have a celebration there!!! 1/3 accomplished.
Well, I am tired but Paul wants me to tell you that this morning at 6 am we saw a hugh bull moose standing in the water at the mouth of the Agawa River. Paul loves moose.
Ok, Paul just said that my writing is terrible cuz I'm so tired. I need to eat. We need to get gas. I am leaving you now. :) zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Scraping instead of trusting

You can see Batchawana Bay way off in the distance. By the end of the day we had got to the other side of the Bay.

Wanted you to see the rock face cliffs in the distance.

Leaving the Soo, Wawa 212 km and Thunder Bay 680.

Tried to let you see how steep this hill was - not sure I succeeded. We have mostly been going down all the hills. One day all that will change - Paul and I look forward to the Montreal Harbour hill with the excitement of a big challenge.

Yesterday started early. We decided to rise at 4:30 am and we managed to be walking by 5:15 am. I was so excited about our change in routine I could hardly sleep. Besides it was really hot and we were parked in a rough turn around area. Diane thought it may have been a gas station at one time but now all the traces of buildings were gone and all there was left was a gravel drive that arched from the highway across the property and back to the highway again.

It is always so rewarding to be up early. By 11 am we were having lunch at Chippawa Falls picnic area having done 21 kms of our day! We were all elated with our progress.

Back on the road we only had another 4 kms to do but Paul and I decided we would walk for an hour and then be satisfied with whatever kms we ended up with.

It was extremely hot once again (at least 30), but we were blessed with a good breeze that enticed us on. At the end of our last hour we had a diversion: our first indication that something was happening ahead was the way a semi slowed to a crawl as it came to the corner ahead. Our interest piqued we strained to see around the corner and finally we caught a glimpse of a police cruiser with its bank of lights flashing. Was it an impromtu inspection station? No, there was a semi trailer on its side in the ditch. It was on the same side as we had just been walking! We stopped to thank the Lord for His protection and watch care. There was a crew transferring the cargo from the disabled trailer to another, and a large tow truck waited nearby to upright the box. We spoke to a very nice policeman who explained the situation. The trucker had pulled onto the shoulder which was deep loose gravel. When he was unable to free his truck from the soft trap his decided to separate the truck from the trailer (which was a good idea in another situation). As soon as the trailer was on its own, the legs that usually provide stability sunk into the soft gravel and the trailer just laid down on its side.

The officer was very jovial and encouraging but we thought since Diane wasn't arriving with the RV we might as well keep walking. Thinking we were at the end of our day doing more mileage was that much harder. The other option, standing in the sun, was no option at all. So we picked a road sign as a short term goal and headed off. Diane still hadn't shown when the sign was passing our shoulders so we picked one more sign and walked forward. Arriving at the sign we began to understand that Diane was having trouble. We decided to wait a bit and then hitch a ride back to where we had last seen her. But it was not necessary as Diane had flagged down a cherry-picker (what she thought looked like some kind of service vehicle). She never ceases to amaze me by her resilience and resourcefulness. The truck pulled onto the shoulder and the driver, a Newfoundlander who lives in Toronto said, "Your partner in crime is broken down. She sent me to take you back to her." What a great guy! He did all he could with that special easterner happy attitude. So I says to Buddy, "tanks eh!" and he drove off the happiest driver around.

I wish I had thought about it then, but it was only this morning as I walked that I wanted to tell him to go home to Newfoundland. I want to ask him if he wouldn't rather live poor at home than poor in Toronto? Go home.

So the RV wouldn't start, no click no nothing. So after a series of unfortunate events (were I to write them each one, all of the books of the world would be unable to contain them) we picked up Paul at the Canadian Tire in the Sault. The RV had an appointment for 10 am the today. Putting three sun scorched heads together, we decided to get a hotel room for Diane and leave her in the Sault to wait for the RV, while Paul and I returned to the cabin we had rented earlier in the day (don't ask - its a long story).

So today, Paul and the Ranger is my escort. We have only gone 6 km and came upon this haven on the shores of Batchawana Bay. The Voyageur's Lodge has THE BEST HOMEFRIES Paul and I have ever had in our lives. This is not an exaggeration. They also have free wireless internet!!!

We will do the days mileage and then return to the Sunset Shores where we have arranged for Diane to do the RV chores for the day (dump sewage, fill water tanks, and do her laundry). Not sure where we will stay tonight but every day is a whole new adventure all wrapped up in a single rotation of the earth.

Yesterday was the first day I succombed to "scraping" as the events of the day tumbled out of control. I regret my lack of faith and letting go of my confidence in the Lord's providential care.

This moose has everything under control.

The person who designed the loonie lives (or lived) in the Sault Ste Marie area.

Another beautiful morning shot just outside Espanola.

Here comes Diane crossing the Spanish River. (June 1)

Somewhere south of Sudbury on hwy 69 (date ???) Never tired of those rocks, trees, & water.

Look where we walked to today!

Today we walked into and through "the Soo," as the residents call their city. It was again very hot (29) but we kept hydrated and walked slowly. We had lots to keep our attention as we were in the city from about 10 am.

Concerned about a slow leak on a rear inside tire, Diane & Paul struck a plan for Diane to drop us off at our walk point and then take the RV to a Goodyear shop. We would walk to meet her there. As it turned out 1. it only took an hour to get it fixed, 2. it only cost $22.50. So we met at a designated spot and we continued on walking and sent Diane on to WalMart where she would be able to get into some air conditioning. The thermostat in the RV said it was 93 degrees!

We arrived at WalMart and joined Diane at Chez MacDonald's. Leaving Diane to wait for us to call we continued on to Fourth Line - our 25 km destination for today.

It just so happened that we ended our walk at an ice cream shop! So I went in to get cones and only after they were in my hand realized that they didn't take debit! She was going to give them to me for free but I assured her that our driver was coming and then we would pay her.

So while Paul sat in a breezy porch I laid in the sun to try to even out my odd tan. My legs are three shades of brown and my face puts one in mind of a racoon! Paul suggested I should try to not wear my sunglasses when not walking.

Lupins grow wild here!

Did you know that lupins grow wild around here? I had no idea - I thought Nova Scotia was the only place they thrive like this. There is so much to listen to and see I feel like I am missing so much when I wear my ipod.

Now Paul! no hitch hiking!!! We wanted to give you a glimpse of the road we walked on Monday.

Last night something amazing happened. We were camped at the Ojibway Campground and another RV pulled in beside us. When we came back from our walk the two men were sitting outside. I said hello but they didn't respond. Later when I went out to video tape I spoke to them again. They said they were from Holland touring Canada for a month. I told them that I would have to get my husband because his name is DEGRAAF. They looked surprised. I thought it was just because he was of Dutch heritage. But they said we are DeGraaf too! with 2 a's not 2 f's. We had a wonderful time chatting and taking some video of the three DeGraafs.

Diane is waiting to be picked up so I will have to go. Starting to walk north of the Soo tomorrow. Lots of people say how bad the hills are going to be. I am excited to meet the challenge ahead. I know who lives on those big bad hills - my Lord. He will be there waiting for me. And I am going to imagine all my friends cheering me on.

See you at the top! Hey don't forget Christ is coming back!

Mish Mash is easier to spell than Miscellaneous!

Written in Sault Ste Marie, June 10, 2007
We are sitting in the parking lot of a sister AGC church here in the Sault, Bible Fellowship Church. Pastor Craig & Kristi Buckner were warm and welcoming and I was offered to share the walk with the congregation. We were blessed with $365 of donations which are already on their way to Careforce.
The church has unprotected wireless, so we are sitting in the parking lot doing our laptop work, me writing to you. So I wanted to take this afternoon to share some photos that I haven't posted yet - so you can see what we are seeing.

Dad & I walking, Diane driving in the background.

When my parents came up to visit on May 23, 07 my Dad parked ahead and walked back to walk with me. Mom stayed at the car and took the photos. Later that day the door of the RV fell apart and if Dad hadn't been there I really don't know what we would have done. We took a campsite at Grundy Lake Provincial Park, a place where we camped when we lived in this area (south of Sudbury). He jiggered the door up for the night and then the next morning we went into Sudbury to get the things he needed to repair the door (drill, screws, 2x2 piece of spruce, caulking). I am so thankful that God knew that we needed my skilful father to fix our door that day and put it on his heart to come. It was Dad's birthday that day, May 24 and my birthday on May 22 . So Mom brought a decadent turtle cheesecake! Thanks Mom and Dad. It was great spending time working with Dad on the door.

Dad & I working on the door.

I am wearing my bug shirt (and pants) while working on the door with Dad. Since then we haven't had any problems with pestilance. There have been almost no mosquitos or black flies. OHHHHH yes we did! Diane and I were sitting at the table, her coat was hanging on the back of the drivers seat when I spotted THE LARGEST SPIDER I have honestly ever seen. Diane wanted to get a photo....I went in for the kill with the bottom of the kettle. It escaped but reappeared and after putting all my weight on it to kill it under the kettle took a peek and it started running away!!!!! Paul finally got out of the bathroom, cued by all the screaming and excitement. He grabbed a paper towel and handily killed the vermit! I believe he used a move he learned from Josh's how to kill an enemy silently tips. Just then my phone rang and it was Steve from CJVR!

Free parking has it's draw backs :)

On Friday May 25, we parked under this hwy overpass. We were tucked away so that no one could see us from the hwy, but when the trains went by (every hour) they were only meters behind us and it was very loud. :) The train in the photo is rolling by at a good speed. Saving money means inconveinence. A small price for a simple life.

Pastor Gary & Marg Landers and Diane, Val Caron (north of Sudbury).

On May 27 we spent the Sunday with Valleyview Community Church in Val Caron (just north of Sudbury). Diane and Pastor Gary and Marg Landers are pictured here in front of their new property, a closed Catholic school who gave the church a wonderful deal on the building. These people have watched over us, prayed over us, blessed us with donations, and took us out for meals, had us in for a shower and a meal, offered us a plug in and a place to park for the night. What a welcoming church! May God bless all of their efforts in reaching out to their community through this new building! Thank you Valleyview for your hospitality!!!!

Paul found the Canadian flag in the ditch and put it to good use.

It is so great to have Paul walking with me. We were pulling the Ranger with a homemade tow bar but somehow (no blame to anyone) it got torqued and Paul is unsure of it's safety. So now, Paul drives ahead 10 kms, parks the truck (he seems to always find a little spot) and rides his bicycle back to the RV, secures it on the back and starts walking with me.
I would be terrified to ride a bike along this highway. This is the shipping lanes of the north and trucks constitute at least 70% of the traffic. The speed limit is 90 but I am sure they are travelling at 100 km/hr. He wears his bike helmet and safety vest but... I am praying for him while he is riding.

An early morning shot along Hwy 17. What wonder and beauty I see.

We saw two or three horse and buggies in this area near Desbarats (50 km east of the Sault).

We are a happy lot, moving along Hwy 17 every day. Some of the truckers have come to know us as they transport between points with regularity. Those ones start honking a long way off and give a big wave. It is beginning to feel like we are part of a unique community. Its a funny aggregate of those who meet over and over as they move along together. I am NOT going to use, "this stream of humanity!" no! I will not. But now I have written it... what shall I do.
(move on to a different topic)

Morning beauty.

Just walking home!

On the way to Thessalon. A beautiful little town on the north shores of Lake Huron. We had lunch there at a little restaurant and were told by locals that a tornado had gone through the night before. I have to tell you about the date square I had there. I asked how big it was and she laughed. It was 4" x 4"x 2"! I must say, WOW! It was excellent. Something I will dream about for time to come. We certainly did hear a big storm (thunder, lightening, big wind) during the night but again we were spared the full brunt of the weather. They had quite a bit of damage done in their town that night. We found the town to be welcoming - in fact at the post office we were invited to come and settle there!

Friday, June 8 - Really early to swim in Lake Huron! Anytime of the year is early to swim in Lake Huron!

Just outside of Thessalon we stayed at a private campground. Both Paul and Diane went swimming!!! Later while walking through the camp people asked Paul about going swimming. The news had travelled around pretty quick. It was a beautiful beach and excellent price ($20). We had showers, emptied our sewage, washed our clothes. But, then when Paul and I slept out in the tent we had to listen to people talking around their campfire until 1:30 am. That comes awfully close to 5 am.

This photo is for Ryan Nelson.

A free wheeling couple from Maine.

Meeting people along the way is one of the highlights for me. This couple are from NW Maine. They won the GoldWing in a raffle. Their licence plate is "OUI 1" (we won). We welcomed them to Canada and answered their questions about the walk. They trusted us with a donation right there on the spot.
We also learned at that picnic site that people do stay overnight at picnic sites and are not told to move along. Thanks to an RV couple from St. Catherines we now have one more option open to us for overnight!!!

On Saturday June 9, Catherine, a reporter with CTV Sault Ste Marie, came out to where we were walking and spent about an hour with us interviewing and filming. The piece ran on the 6 pm news on the same day. I am sorry I didn't think of calling people to let you know to watch. She said we could email her and she'd send us a copy. We had fun doing talking with her.
Diane gave an excellent interview. She isn't often in the front & center but she really shone as she spoke of how the walk has impacted her and hopes it will make a legacy for her family (and newborn grandson). Its great to see my ministry partner being used like that. God also laid it on Diane's heart to speak to some street kids here in the Sault (we are in the city for the weekend, parked in a church parking lot). She went to talk to these kids begging at a traffic light and ended up praying for them right there and then giving them a tract!!!

Diane being interviewed by Catherine of CTV, Sault Ste Marie.

Denise being interviewed somewhere west of Bruce Mines, Saturday June 9, 2007.

We have covered 730 kms so far. This brings us only one day short of being a quarter of the way home! Seems pretty amazing to me. If you do something everyday and put alot of those days together you get something pretty big done in the end!

My sweet kids, Becky and Josh. Thanks to Josh, and his great advice my feet are in much better shape! Its so nice to get to the place where your kids are advising you. This photo taken April 29 at Breadalbane. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR MY FEET!

Something I have been thinking about while I walk:

A good friend of mine said before we left, "I think this thing your planning to do is humanly impossible, but I think you can do it!" What a wonderful blessing. Those words have been an encouragement to me while I walk.

But I know walking 25 km per day isn't impossible. Many people have done bigger things. But something that is humanly impossible is forgiveness. When you have been offended, sold for a bowl of porriage. When someone has gained at your expense it feels like you have no power - like you are a victim. And it is true, if you don't have the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is humanly impossible but each of us is called to do it. "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."

So many people have said that they wish they could be sharing the adventure with us. But the adventure of trusting God in the everyday interactions of life is waiting for you. He will supply your every need, even the need of being willing and able to forgive.

Your future, my future is in the impossiblility of forgiveness. God bless you as you walk the road with him.

Self portrait.

Well, I guess I have to say goodbye. Its almost time for bed. I will pray for you and I know that you are praying for me. I will talk to you next time I find internet! We were told that north of the Sault there is hardly any cell phone service until you get to Manitoba. So we might have a long dry spell ahead. Don't give up, and neither will I.

Journal Entry June 4

The temperature is dropping. After many days of high 20's and low 30's the forecast is for 5 degrees and maybe snow. What a shock. It rained all day today which is fine with me - I'm well equipped and cozy in my rain gear. But if it snows we'll have to make decisions one moment at a time.
There is a strong wind rocking the RV, but I feel safe & cozy here inside. Thank you Lord! Time for bed.
(This night we parked at the Serpent River Trading Post. It is on the Serpent River First Nations Reserve.)

Algoma Mills, ON

I am sitting in the township offices of Algoma Mills in a room they have provided for free internet access and I am crying. Crying because of all the love and encouragement you have sent my way - through notes, gifts, phone calls and comments on the blog. There are so many of you that I am shocked at how large the family of God is. Your words of hope and encouragement are like a strong wind at my back moving me gently forward. EVERY word and prayer is important and needed so please don't give up. Stay with me all the way.
And then there is our faithful God. Nothing changes in Him. Nothing is frightening or overwhelming. I am without words to describe the way God has provided in every little detail - and as I write those words I am thinking, "They won't understand what I mean. Those words aren't big enough." But all I have is the feebleness of words to express God's faithful provision. The psalmist says, "How majestic is your name in all the earth!" Was it a question? Not really, just an open ended way of saying that there is no way to express how majestic, powerful, gentle, loving, providing, attentive .... our God is. My heart bursts with gratitude that He thinks on me.
I am happy walking everyday. Each morning we pray that God will provide a place for us to park for the night. And every night there is somewhere - last night it was a snowplow turn around. There was a big no parking sign that read SNOW ROUTE. We did hear of snow forecast for east of Sudbury but not where we were (how strange after so many days of 30 degree temps). So parked and played a game of scrabble (yawning and not able to sleep - I did get 125 pts for one word). We went to bed thinking that the police might ask us to move along in the night and that would be ok. Instead when we woke up (slept in til 6 am)we had two neighbours (2 semis sleeping in the turnaround too). We hadn't even heard them pull in. We must be getting used to sleeping through the highway noise. We have an ongoing joke about needing to have a train go by so that we can sleep. EVERYWHERE we stay is close to a train track. This is more of an indication of the north's dependance on the train system than our propensity to find a noisy place to sleep. Although that night beside the train tracks under the hwy overpass was very very noisy. One train took 4 min to pass that night, and trains passed every hour.
Sorry that I am unable to post any photos today as I am working on their computers which don't have the capability to download the photos from our cameras.
Today we have got our first good view of the North Channel. This is a historic waterway that runs along the north shore of Lake Huron. It was a beautiful vista and will post the photos asap.
I have mentioned blisters - with Joshua's advice I have stopped soaking my feet every night so that they can get hardened. Am also use Gold Bond Body Powder on my feet and in my socks to keep the moisture down. The blisters are hardening now and there is no pain. Josh also told me I should be changing my socks at breaks. This has been excellent advice.
Also, there was a problem with the top of my right foot - to remedy this I began wearing my orthotics (should have been doing this all along) and changed sides of road that I walk on - now facing traffic so I can walk on the pavement until I see a car/truck coming and move off onto the gravel. Changing the sides of the road has also helped with the slant on the shoulder - my right foot was carrying the majority of the weight on the right side of the road.
We have also changed our schedule for the day. We get up at 5 (unless we sleep in :) and I walk for about 2 hours. Then we stop for a long bfast. I am back out on the road for another 2 hours and then we have lunch. One more hour of walking gets me to 25 km but some times we go on for another hour. This seems to work best - stopping every hour just seemed like more of an irritation than a help.
Well, I hate to leave you but I am on my way to Blind River today and Paul is coming back from Josh & Becky's today. He is also visiting his parents in Huntsville.
Some exciting news is that yesterday we found out that Diane & Carmen's daughter Charmane is in labour. She will be delivering early but not to early to worry the Dr.s. In all the excitment Diane went to start the truck and it was dead in the water! I was quite a ways ahead and she sent me a text message to say she thought the battery was dead. Talking to Carmen he thought the solenoid was gone and Paul suggested the same diagnosis. Diane had the forsight before we left to purchase RV CAA coverage. So she called for assistance. Within an hour (to my surprise) a young fellow named Eric showed up in a small tow truck. He tried to boost it but no response. He had another idea and came towards our truck with a hammer when I suddenly thought, "I wonder if its in PARK." I asked Diane and to our relief that was the only problem. In the excitement and confusion of becoming a grandparent Diane had forgotten to put it in park when she turned off the ignition. We thank God again for all His care and provision. We all had a good laugh and were none the worse for the incident.
We do laugh alot throughout the day. What a blessing to be here. Keep writing your comments - our love to all.
Denise

Summary of Week Four, May 28 - June 3

Monday, May 28. Today Denise continued to walk along the Highway 69 north to the town of Estaire. This is where Denise's dad built a home for their family. They lived there until she was five years old. Today she walked 28.2 kms. For the night they drove back into Sudbury to stay at Rauno and Maya Jokinen's home.

Tuesday, May 29. This was another no-walk day. The RV needed some repairs (tune-up and replace a rad hose), laundry and shopping for supplies. Today Paul arrived in Sudbury to be reunited with his sweetheart after five weeks!

Wednesday, May 30. Denise resumed the walk (joined by Paul) from Estaire to Sudbury, covering 28.4 kms. We parked for the night in the driveway of Marilyn & Bob. They have a beautiful lake front home on Long Lake in Sudbury.

Thursday, May 31. Denise and Paul walked from Sudbury to Whitefish, 25.6 kms. This evening we stayed at the Centennial Park Campground near Whitefish. This day we walked along Regional Rd 55 to bypass the restricted access part of Highway 17 west of Sudbury. Today Denise crossed the 500 km mark.

Friday, June 1. This was the longest day that Denise has walked covering 36 kms. finishing the day in McKerrow. Paul left the walk for a visit with Josh and Becky DeGraaf. This night D&D stayed at the Nairn Centre Truck Stop.

Saturday, June 2. Denise completed her walking this week with 25.7 kms in the town of Massey. The total for the week was 143.9 kms. They camped at the Chutes Provincial Park.

Sunday, June 3. This was a well-needed rest day at the Chutes Provincial Park. So far Denise has walked 572.8 kms.

Summary of Week Three, May 21 - 27

Monday, May 21. Denise started her third week of walking by completing 26.6 kms, stopping in the city of Parry Sound, on the east shore of Georgian Bay. They stayed in the Walmart parking lot overnight.

Tuesday, May 22. Today is Denise's birthday. She walked 26 kms north on Highway 69 to Pointe Au Baril Station. They parked at a Information building for the night.

Wednesday, May 23. Today Denise was met on the road by her dad & mom, Bill & Ruth Orr. When she reached the bridge where Highway 69 crosses the Magnetawan River, the walking was done for the day. It was a big day completing 30.4 kms. They stayed the night at Grundy Lake Provincial Park. This was a nostalgic few days, for Denise's family has many fond memories of camping here when they lived in Sudbury. Check out Ruth's blog to see photos of Denise and her dad walking together.

Thursday, May 24. This turned out to be a rest and repair day. The door on the RV fell apart. Denise's dad was there to save the day and make the necessary repairs. They stayed another night at Grundy Lake.

Friday, May 25. Today they got a late start at the walking, so Denise only covered 17.6 kms. However, Denise was very thankful for the encouragement from her dad & mom. They headed home while she continued her walk north west to the town of Cranberry. Today she broke the 400 mark. This night they parked under a railway bridge.

Saturday, May 26. Continuing north along Highway 69, Denise walked 24.1 kms. They stayed in the parking lot of Valleyview Community Church in Sudbury for the night. This week they have completed 428.9 kms in total on the walk.

Sunday, May 27. D&D attended the Valleyview Community Church. Denise was given time during the worship service to share about the Simple Steps Walk and the Village of Hope. they received a few individual donations as well as a special offering for the project. We would like to thank Pastor Gary Landers and his wife Marg for their gracious hospitality and encouragement. D&D stayed in the church parking lot one more evening.

Summary of week two, May 14 - 20

Paul writing here for Denise. She is having difficulty finfing a wireless connection. I'm visiting with Josh & Becky at their home in Golden Lake, ON. I'll be back with Denise tomorrow. Here's a catch-up summary of the walk.

Monday, May 14. Denise walked from Stayner to the little town of Anten Mills. Covering 25.1 kms. They stopped for supper at a typical small town chip stand, The Fry Guy (see previous blog post for photo). The Fry Guy graciously invited them to park in his lot and hook up to his electrical for the night.

Tuesday, May 15. This was a big day covering 28.5 kms. They traveled north east on Horseshoe Valley Rd intil they reached #12 highway (about 6 kms. west of Orillia). That evening they stayed at the old faithful: Walmart parking lot in Orillia.

Wednesday, May 16. The most direct route north (400 highway) is restricted access. So Denise had to take a route that would wind along the back roads of cottage country. Today she proceeded north to a small town called Hamlet, just before a bridge crossing the Severn Canal. They accomplished 27.1 kms before setting up camp at the Lauderdale Marina. Today Denise broke the 200 km mark.

Thursday, May 17. Denise walked along Regional Rd. 13 for most of the day completing 27.7 kms. They stayed in the yard of an abandoned cottage, where they were about 10 kms west of Gravenhurst as the crow flys.

Friday, May 18. Today they continued north west through cottage country to the town of Glen Orchard, covering 25.3 kms. From here they drove into Port Carling, on the shores of beautiful Lake Rosseau, and stayed for the first time in the walk at a motel: the Crestwood Inn.

Saturday, May 19. From Glen Orchard Denise walked 10 kms along Regional Rd 169 until she reached highway 69 at Foots Bay. From here she proceeded north on Highway 69 ending her day and week at Hayes Corner. Today she walked 28.5 kms, making a total of 304.2 kms (that's a tenth of the way!). Tonight they drove north to Oastler Provincial Park praying for an open camp site. This is one of the busiest weekends of the year for Ontario Campgrounds. They had their choice of eight open sites when they arrived.

Sunday, May 20. This was a rest day at Ostler Provincial Park. They stayed here another night.