Turnaround

Bone Chilling winds, rain and stoppages in 10 minute increments of hands-to-groin handwarming technique from 7 am Hinton time to 12 pm Edmonton time. Damage: $300 tent from MEC, waterproof bag both destroyed beyond repair, a pair of pants and MEC backpack cover lost between Jasper and Edson. All came to an abrupt end in my thoughts as I rounded ButterMilk Slough back home. The sun was reflecting off of a mass of grey, fluffy clouds into the shimmering water. It was no Club Med, but it felt like home. Although there seemed to be noone around the homestead, as I was expecting a crowd by the fire, cousin Larry popped out by the time I got off the bike. Within an hour there was a room full of cousins, aunts and uncles, numbering over 20. We haven't had a group like that in 25 years here. Rosco donated a replacement tent and bag, and I shot a couple memorable moments by video and camera. I'm just way too tired to do anything except lay down. I just want to bliss out with some old Archie comics, or National Geographic. The problem is, I sent them all to the Thrift Shop in town, so that I could mentally, and emotionally move on from my childhood. Well, like a DTES skid craving a recent addiction, I am on the move for one of those old goodies. I'm feeling guilty!