A few months or so into the journey has us lingering on Vancouver Island as we await our travel insurance to kick in, and hopefully continue to avoid the white fluffy stuff. We left Southern Ontario what seems like years ago, but was really only in August. Since then we’ve driven across the country, encountered winds that could blow a motorcycle laterally across the road, enjoyed the grandest company and generosity of family and friends, and learned that everything looks better from the seat of a bike: even the Prairies.
Northern Ontario was spectacular as ever. We visited with many good friends, including Cathie and Joe who fed us (too well!) and shared their slice of heaven with us once again. Ben, Sherilyn & Olivia, who are generous and fun beyond compare (and who are kindly watching over our few remaining household items), Pat our old (er, I mean previous) neighbour who is holding down the Sandy Beach fort, and our great friends and mentors Paul & Julie who put us up (and put up with us).
Driving across the Prairies was a pleasant surprise. I’ve done it a few times by car, and I’m sorry but it is Capital-B BORING. But from the seat of a bike it was completely different. The smells, the sights, even the curves (yes, there are curves … at least in the secondary roads we took) made the journey quite fun. We found the rare and difficult-to-kiss Prairie Camel,
met some fellow travellers, including Mohamed from Australia (originally from Iran),
who was headed east on his motorcycle, and of course plenty of good eats and food. 
And, I discovered that I look even older than I thought — I was offered the “Senior’s Rate” at a motel in Swift Current! Ah well, whaddya gonna do … 
We discovered Al Capone’s Hideaway, 
Ann’s lake, 
and found out that Dog River is real, 
but kinda small 
.
After enduring hurricane-force winds from Swift Current to Alberta, we finally made it to Calgary, into the welcome and safe arms of Donna and Sam. We cleaned up, slept well, and got ready for Ann’s mom’s memorial and the next steps in our journey.