Wednesday 30 September 2015

Day 11, Thursday September 24

Up at 7; breakfast at the cabin. Listened to the rain all night. Still raining this am. Deer on property eating berries.
Ralf getting ready to start his final trek to Tofino. I will leave in a few minutes and meet him after 20k.
Enjoyed my brother's company in the support vehicle. Made the time pass quickly. Warren is very entertaining. Every time we passed Ralf, Warren would put the window down, stick his head out the window and yell obscenities (lovingly from the heart ).
Had dinner at the Drinkwater last night and watched the baseball game on Warren's neighbour's TV (in their million dollar cottage).
FYI ...as the crow flies, the distance from from Courtenay to Port Alberni is about 40-45k. But it is a little over 100k going by highway. You have to travel south to drive over the “hump” (aka Arrowsmith Mt.) which is another challenging cycle.
Well time to say good bye to my brother and get in the support vehicle.
Ttyl, xx
It is another miserable day. Grey skies, torrential rain – you can see rivers forming on the highway; meeting Ralf every 20k.
Due to the weather met Ralf only once at 20k then changed frequency to every 10k. Ralf asked that I meet him every 10k and keep a record of the time. Because there is no cell reception in the heart of Vancouver Island he was concerned that if he had a flat or bike issues I would not know he was in trouble. 50K from Tofino was our last meeting place. Ralf pulled up to the window, wet to the core. Gave him more coffee from my thermos. As he returned the thermos he commented that it was almost empty. I said I wouldn't know (as I was saving my coffee for him). I snapped a picture of Ralf, trying to capture the water dripping off his face.He was looking straight ahead and mumbled “I'll be glad to get this over”. We're almost there Ralf. The last thing Ralf said to me was “see you in 10”
Ralf cycled down the highway towards the hill known as Hydro Hill. I wrote down on a piece of paper the distance 10k from where we were and the time. Pulled out onto the highway, snapped another pic of Ralf through the windshield approaching Hydro Hill. It would drive Ralf crazy when I would drive and take pics at the same time. He didn't appreciate how adept at this I've become. When we had moments like this I thought to myself it will be good Ralf when you are back cycling and out of my (creative) space.
I trailed a minute behind Ralf. Went down the hill, hairpin turn and then I saw a lifeless body lying on the other side of the highway. There was a pickup truck there and young woman standing over what started to look like Ralf. I left the car running at the side of the highway and proceeded to run over to them. As I came closer I noticed his Giant bike was scattered in pieces near him. I dialed 911 on my cell phone hoping that there would be reception but I was hoping for a miracle. As cars slowed down I yelled for anyone to call for help. Returned to Ralf's side; he was conscious. An off duty paramedic showed up to offer what help he could; 2 retired physicians on vacation from Britain appeared. CPR was started before the ambulance arrived on site. Strangers surrounded Ralf and did what they could do before the ambulance arrived 45 minutes later. EMS workers transferred him to the Port Alberni hospital 100k away. A second EMS vehicle met us outside of Port Alberni to relieve the paramedics performing CPR. Shortly after arriving in emerge the attending physician came out to express his deepest sympathies.
I laid by Ralf's side until 10:30 pm. I wanted to lie with him forever. The nursing staff were so compassionate. They had gone on line to know more about Ralf. They were so moved. The attending police were visibly upset over this tragic turn of events. The coroner returned after he had reconstructed the accident scene. He said he knew exactly where the accident occurred because he's called there a lot. No autopsy was necessary as it was evident what happened. Because British Columbia had a dry summer it caused the oil to build up on the roads. With this recent downpour it made the roads slick. Ralf's front wheel slid out from under him causing him to slide across the highway. He could see where his pedal hit the concrete retaining wall as it had left a mark on the concrete.
The nurse gently encouraged me to allow them to move Ralf to the morgue to retain his dignity. With each passing hour the body would be breaking down. The kids were coming Friday and I wanted Ralf to look as good as was possible (they wouldn't see him til the following Tuesday). I kissed him goodbye and said "I'll see you in the morning”. Again I told him how much I loved him. As they were wheeling him to the morgue I kissed him one last time. The nurse (name escapes me) came into the waiting room and commented how peaceful he looked despite being on the floor for so long.
I camped overnite in the small waiting room as I wanted to remain near to Ralf. Friday September 25th at 0700 hrs I asked to go down to morgue. I sat with Ralf (and attendant in corner) held his hand for an hour just embracing these last few minutes. Left Ralf around 0830. Kissed him and thanked him for the adventure we've had for 35 plus years. “See you in 10”
My brother was coming down to Port Alberni and meeting his friend who was driving my car in from Ucluelet. Drove to the Comox Airport to pick up Robyn, Megan and Christian. Also present were Terry, Andrew and baby Lauryn. Appt at funeral home to arrange details involved with flying Ralf home. Unfortunately kids were not allowed to see Ralf in morgue. My son in law has been phenomenal in every way. He flew everyone out (West Jet) to Comox and flew us home Saturday. Arrived at 11:00 pm. One hour layover in Calgary. We all worked on putting together the best send off we could. Ralf would agree ... Go Big or Go Home. We are doing both hon as difficult as this is.
Everyone has been so kind, loving and supportive. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


Letter to the editor of the Brampton Guardian

September 29, 2015

Dear Editor:

Last week, our community lost Ralf Jarchow, beloved husband, father, son, friend, colleague and community champion, to a tragic cycling accident. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues on behalf of William Osler Health System and William Osler Health System Foundation. We are all in shock and saddened to have lost such a great friend. Brampton is poorer for his passing.

Ralf’s passing is made even more heart-breaking as he was on the last leg of his second epic cycling quest to raise funds for the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. Before setting off on his journey, Ralf and his wife, Valerie, expressed their deep appreciation for the strong support they felt as they began the 11-day bike odyssey from Calgary, Alberta to Tofino, B.C. Armed with a desire to give back, Ralf undertook the ride to raise funds but also to help build a strong community-driven campaign for health care, a cause that was especially close to his heart.

Donations to Ralf’s Ride have been overwhelming, along with expressions of profound sadness in losing a wonderful person and a true champion for Brampton. His passion inspired others to follow in his lead. We are overcome by the outpouring of kindness and generosity, a testament to how much Ralf touched the lives of so many.

When Peel Memorial opens, we will be able to express our tremendous gratitude by honouring Ralf in a lasting way. Today, we extend our thoughts and prayers to those who knew and cared for him.

Ralf – you are deeply missed. Thank you for showing us what a champion looks like.

  • Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation, Brampton, Ontario.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
                                                                                              Isaiah 41:10


Thanks for the adventure Ralf. I love you now and forever. See you in 10”
love Valerie xoxo





Wednesday 23 September 2015

Day 10, Wednesday September 23

Day 10, Wednesday September 23,
Did not post a blog for day 9 as spent the day/ night at my brother's (Warren) place in Courtenay B.C.
Had enjoyable day hanging out with Warren, sister-in-law Sarah and nephew Scotty. Ralf was able to get bike tuned up at the Mountain City Cycle. They specialize in Giant Bikes so Ralf's Giant was n competent hands.
Ralf had light breakfast of peanut butter and toast,banana. Started off for Port Alberni at 7:15. Temp 4C, head winds, raining... but no snow.Apparently Courntenay doesn't get snow except last year they got 4 cm of it and had to call a snow day as no machines to clear roads.Wouldn't our kids have loved it out here back in the days.
Warren travelling with me in support vehicle. We will be staying at his cabin tonite on Sprout Lake which is halfway to Tofino. Tofino ... Ralf can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!
Met Ralf every 20k.Stopped in Coombs at the Goats on the Roof Restaurant and General Store. Got some pics of the goats on the roof.Lunch was exceptional.
Back in the pouring rain. I stopped at Cathedral Grove to take pics. Some older women there taking pics. One woman shooting with Cannon camera. She came up to me and commented that I looked like I knew what I was doing with a camera and could I help her to get the flash working on her camera. I tried but unable to do. I'm sure it's an easy fix but nothing worked...I sure could have used Gail's epertise. Next time I'm in Henrys I'm going to ask them how to put flash on in case this happens again.
Warren has WiFi at cabin I will try and post some pics
The trek from Coombs is hard. In 5k Ralf will have to climb Mt. Arrowsmith a 411 ft climb ,4 km climb.Then it's 10k downhill.Fortunately Ralf goes the other direction tomorrow to Tofino.Very steep-every truck is pulling over to check their brakes before heading down on either side.
The road to Tofino is 99k; windy and narrow.
At cabin now.Wood burning fireplace going to full blast, enjoying a glass of wine,well maybe 2. Going to Drinkwaters for dinner and maybe catch Blue Jay game. It has been great getting together with Warren and his family.Sarah driving up to cabin to pick Warren up tomorrow. We will be on the road to Tofino.
Now that we are in the cabin the pouring rain has stopped, go figure. Murphy's Law is alive and well!
                                                    in Coombs at Goats on the Roof
                                         Ralf and Warren having lunch at Goats on the Roof
                                                            Cathedral Grove
                                                             Cathedral Grove
                                                               Cathedral Grove
                                                    Cedar and fir logging at Sprout Lake
                                      Empty beer cans at the cabin ... it was a good summer!
My retired brother

Tuesday 22 September 2015

Welcome to the Baits Motel

                                                      the Log Pub in Spences Bridges
                                                      stuffed cougar in the Log Pub
                                         Jerry, one of the 130 residents of Spences Bridges
                                                      the infamous Baits Motel
                                               staying in one of the luxury rooms
                                   upgraded from #10 to #9 to have room with coffee maker
                   dinner at the Packing House; reservations recommended for the Saturday night special
                                         decided not to drive but to walk the 50 feet to diner
                                          Bones the resident cat of the Packing House diner
live entertainment by owner's sister til 7 pm
                                 Leaving Packing House,view of packed parking lot at 7:30 pm

                                Ralf deciding which bed to take...he chose the one on the left.
                                beer bottle opener conveniently nailed to bathroom door frame
                                                           House and Garden 1940
Plastic cacti adorning telephone booth
                                     coffee machine in corner ... the deluxe room at same rate
                                            0540 Sunday morning; leaving the Baits Motel
panoramic view of Baits Motel in picturesque Spences Bridges

some more pics...


                                                 Hwy #7 to Vancouver
                                               Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal



Don't you wish you were here?











Monday 21 September 2015

Day 8, Monday September 21

Day 8, Monday September 21
What a different day from last Monday ( in Calgary). Ralf will say that the first day was the hardest. He was sooooo cold.He wasn't prepared for the extreme cold weather. To recap yesterday... “ Hell on Wheels” ... 120k into a driving rain; up and down hills with a steady headwind of 20-30k and gusts up to 60k (Ralf keeps asking “why am I doing this ? ”). We're 'living the dream' Ralfie :>}
Today the sun is shining; no torrential rainstorms in the forecast for today; 12C as I look at ext temp on dash; NO winds.
Left Hope, cycling hwy 7 to Vancouver. The highway is flat initially. Going up a mountain after 30k that is steeper than the Rogers Pass - more challenging definitely.
Vegetation lush,lush,plush. The complete opposite of Salmon Arms which is dry,dry desert -like.
Hwy 7 is a picturesque, winding drive. Stopped in Mission for lunch break. Staying with brother and his family in Courtenay ,Vancouver Island tonight. Ralf taking a cycling break Tuesday to spend day with brother- in -law Warren.
Ralf at times is like Mr.Magoo. While at plaza in Mission we stocked up on wine (to have with family); and bought lots of goodies at Cobbs. Was picking up at card at Shoppers Drug Mart to give Scotty (nephew). Ralf to pick me up. Waited for a while and walked to other end of plaza where car parked. Saw car with rear latch door up. Ralf nowhere around but everything in car within an arm's reach- iMac computer,Nikon camera,box with 8 bottles of wine ( 4 white, 4 red), all chargers, 2 suitcases, ss cooler with water and sports drinks, snack pack of 10 timbits ( chocolate glaze and sour cream ),roll of duct tape, plastic shoe box with 2 odour eater balls rarely used, and a bag full of granola bars...just to mention a few items.Ralf was picking up lunch at A&W.Didn't return for awhile. Fortunately everything was accounted for ...oh Ralf ...
Ralf had the Bell Mobility check out his defunct phone.Turns out battery was dead and Ralf thought phone was fully charged. We are so not tech people. Also turns out he is eligible for new phone. He will look into new phone when back home.
Drove 20k, called back as bike has flat. Fixed. Will sit here for 15 min in case another flat.
Shit the RCMP just pulled up...gotta go.
He's just sitting there. Another RCMP just flew by with lights and sirens on.
Meeting Ralf where road divides and highway to Vancouver/heaven.
No safe bike paths so Ralf in car to Vancouver. In Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. Had dinner in Horseshoe Bay.Ralf had the salmon; I had shrimp; we shared edamame and of course wine.
Loading onto the boat to Nanaimo.Looking forward to seeing my baby brother who is a senior citizen according to McDonald's age for a senior coffee.
The next blog will continue on Wednesday after Ralf takes a day of rest.
FYI the wind gusts in Hope were not 50-60k but registered 81k/hr.No wonder Ralf had concerns about safety.
Will post pics later when at brothers place ( WiFi )
Signing off for now!


Sunday 20 September 2015

Day 7,Sunday September 20
This is my second attempt at writing on desktop for day 7. I should have listened to Christian as he is always telling me to 'save' whatever I do.
Didn't have to sleep with one eye closed in the Baits Motel as I was basically awake all nite. Between the shag carpet carpet cleaner smell, the trains passing through every hour and Ralf 's snoring that kept me alert all night. Was happy Ralf wanted to get up at 5 and start our day. Out the door bright and early ... more like dark and not early enough. Because it was so dark out I decided to drive behind Ralf with my emergency flashers on til there was day light and he would be visible by cars. We had just left Baits Motel and on the highway 2 deer jumped in front of Ralf. One crashed into the mesh fence to the left of Ralf.Excitement at 6:30 in the morning -gets your heart racing...who needs coffee to wake up?
It has been pouring rain all day with a mix of sleet. Ralf said his legs are toast...speaking of toast we haven't been able to find anyplace open for a coffee and breakfast. I had some old cold coffee in my thermos from yesterday which I've been sipping away at.
Tried posting pictures last nite on blog but for whatever reason couldn't. Will try again when we reach Hope tonite. Hope we reach Hope ... couldn't resist writing that.
I don't know what is worse -the downpour or the Westerlies.Regardless it is not pleasant.I'm sure Ralf is glad this is his last cycle trek.
Ralf has been cycling 6 hours non stop. Found a restaurant open in Boston Bar, not to be confused with Bar Harbor. It was noon so Ralf had lunch break- hot bowl of chicken noodle soup, 3 strips of bacon, French toast. Waitress brought soup out first followed by syrup warmed up, later 3 slices of bacon then the French toast last ????? Ralf inhaled all of it he was so exhausted. Ralf wanted to nap on bench so I kept asking waitress for more coffee. I'll probably still be on a high tonite from all the caffeine I had so Ralf could sleep.
Rain stopped when we were having a break and of course it has returned with a vengeance since we've started out again. Ralf's Blackberry has packed it in ... it's toast too ...We will have to see if they have a Bell in Hope ... (not a Hope in Hell) phone for Ralf to buy. Just love that word!
We are now doing 5k breaks-and watching the time to see if Ralf is longer than 30 min. If he is longer than 30 min I will have to back track and find him.He was due for a new phone last winter but he's squeezing all the life out of the phone that he can.
Thank goodness Ralf had a 30 min nap. God's angels are at work protecting Ralf from catastrophic situations. Passed an ambulance putting a neck brace on a young man.His car was in the bike lane (that Ralf would have been cycling in) upside down. The weather is so bad and dangerous to be driving in it let alone cycling.
Wind gusts reached 80-81 k/hr.Ralf had to walk bike down last mountain as he feared being blown into path of transport trucks.Ralf is never scared but today he was.The winds were unrelenting; tree branches were strewn across the highway. Ralf decided to pack it in due to safety issues and will make up the 30k on the island. Ralf cycled 10 excruciating hours today with one break for lunch.
Ralf has a new exfoliating method which is 60k downhill into a 30k driving rain -like taking a power washer to your face.
We are now in Hope, staying at the Heritage Inn formerly the Best Western.Watching the Emmys and then we will go across street to Italian restaurant.Hope y'all having a relaxing evening.Ralf going to check his laundry as I blog this.
We are more than halfway there but have already have reached our goal.Please feel free to continue to donate. Every dollar given will be matched. Remember this is for a great new medical facility. Let's make Brampton a world class health centre!


Saturday 19 September 2015

Day 6, Saturday September 19


Day 6, Saturday September 19

“Whether you think you can or can't - you're right.”
                                                   - Henry Ford

Woke up at 6:30; thought ,great Ralf still sleeping, I will quietly go to the washroom.Back to bed, heard housekeeping opening our door. Turns out it was Ralf with coffee. Okay up and at 'em. Was a little tired as Ralf up at 1230 and watching television ... pillows over my head.
Cloudy,rainy and 10C. Rain in the forecast next 2 days. Meeting Ralf every 20K. Ralf wants to get an early start on the day before Westerlies kick in.Terrain very brown. Large homes and dilapidated homes on the hillside.Not sure what people actually do here.
Hills challenging (3+k long) but Ralf not taking breaks (in the warmth of my mobile home,aka car). Again trying to get in as many miles as he can before he has to deal with the wWesterly winds.So far no winds ... thank you Jesus! See you in another 20K.
Came to rest stop for more pics off highway. Saw some washrooms (?) and thought may as well take advantage of a toilet. Oh my ... Sandy if you are reading this blog I'm reminded of a time 46 years ago when we were at mom's house trailer in Buckhorn.It was late at nite and you had to use the outhouse. I went with you being the good cousin that I am. The outhouse was the deluxe model but you didn't see that because it was pitch black outside. You put your purse down beside the hole you were perched on and when you were done your purse was nowhere to be found. This was a two seater outhouse-why anyone would have one is beyond me. When I heard (literally ) what transpired I ran back at lightening speed ( sounds so much better to describe it like that ) to trailer to get broom or rake to retrieve your purse. All I'm going to say is that I managed to get the purse up from that black hole...that's what cousins are for.
Sitting on the reststop stainless steel toilet over an abyss, that was all I could think of. I made sure my iphone wasn't in my back pocket (despite having a bag of rice in the car); placed my keys carefully on cement floor. Wasn't going to have Murphy's Law happening here.
Good news ... rain has stopped at least where I am parked and temp is 13C. Still cloudy, so for you camera buffs I've set my ISO @1600; S @ 1/400-1/600, F stop @ 5.6 or F11-18. So there you go you computer tech people- take that (hahahahahahaha).
Waiting for Ralf at the top of a tall hill.Wanted to get a pic of him coming up this very tall hill and of course I missed it. He was pulling up to my window ...DARN... He relieved himself and I thought I'd do the same. No cars at this look out point for the whole time I've been here but of course as soon as I'm seated on my make shift toilet seat on the edge of the door a camper trailer pulls up. Well enjoy the show folks ;)
Meeting Ralf in Cache Creek-35k away. Sun peeking out from behind the clouds,temp 16C. Called back as Ralf has flat. Second flat in about 670 k. A lot of cars on Trans Canada for a Saturday morning. No one else is cycling. Did I mention Ralf took my car through a car wash in Kamloops yesterday.What a guy. His bike could use a wash .It is covered in a blanket of dirt and grime.Oh tire fixed so back on the road again...
Okay we are having lunch in Cache Creek and it's worth blogging about. Met Ralf at entrance to CC.Decided after fill up ($13.00) to have lunch at Manie's Pizza Bar and Grill. Empty inside.Couple of people sitting outside having schmoke. Think it was Manny and wife. Okay next door is the Wander-Inn and Restaurant.Pulled in there and it's closed. Ralf walking his bike to the Sandman Inn beside Wander-Inn. Heartland Family restaurant open so here we be. Asked the waitress with the pink stud in middle of her tongue what happened to the Wander-Inn.She said it was bought to be made into a hotel but became a grow -op.They got busted; got government card/approval for a grow -op and back in business.Remember when I asked earlier about what people do here ? ... now I know.They smoke (up) and drink.There is a library across the street ???? why. Ralf said it is for the 2 people who don't smoke (up). Or the library may have books on How to Start a Grow-Op volume I and 2 ; Brew Your Own. There doesn't seem to be a dentist in town from the teeth I've seen. Ralf said he probably left due to lack of business (busine$$ opportunity Joe...this town needs a dentist).
The food at the Heartlland Family Restaurant has been exceptional. We had the clam chowder soup but it tasted more like a great minestrone soup. Ralf had the homemade hummus and it was loaded with garlic so a big thumbs up to the (female) chef. Going to use a real toilet while here and then ready to go. Heard tourists talking at the table beside us and they said there is a heavy downpour ahead for them. They came with bikes on the bike rack. So what are they worried about...tourists...
Sitting at 21k mark.Clouds to the west looking ominous.20C
Following the Fraser River down to Vancouver now.The drive is breathtaking. Hwy winding with subtle elevation changes.The hardest part of today for Ralf has been between Cache Creek and Spences Bridge because of the winds.Normally he would glide down the hills but has had to cycle downhill.
Stopped in a town called Spences Bridge.Population is 130. Went to the (only) pub in Spences Bridge- Log Cabin Pub.It was once the largest log cabin structure in B.C.Very quaint,rustic .The owners also own the only motel -Baits Motel (not to be confused with Bates Motel).Looks like we are staying here tonite. The bar maid , Shaelynn, assured me there is nothing to worry about ... may not shower tonite just to play it safe. If there is no blog tomorrow, please notify the authorities!!!!!
Tonight we are going for dinner at the Packing House – beside the motel.Reservations are recommended because they have 'Saturday nite supper specials”. Ralf suggested we walk to the Packing House instead of the 50 ft drive.

Seems like we are the only people staying here. Shaelynn switched our room from #10 to #9 because it has a coffee machine in it-fully loaded room. Decor-a retro room; I did a bed bug check. I'm definitely sleeping with one eye open tonite.

Friday 18 September 2015

Day 5,Friday September 18

Day 5,September 18
Good morning.Up at 5:20.No continental breakfast offered in hotel so went to diner on Trans Canada for the usual-eggs,sausages,toast and coffee.
In the Prestige Pub for dinner last nite. Seems to be the place where the people of Salmon Arms goes on a Thursday nite...and probably the other 6 nites too...a meeting place. Was still trying to work out the picture blog that I spent most of Thursday blogging (and not Ralf's ride :-( ).The waitress heard my story even if she didn't want to (but everyone is so nice so she just listened). She summoned Derrick over who had some computer expertise. Well Derrick managed to put my 14 pics on the 'picture only' blog. He said I could add captions but I didn't want to mess anything up so just pushed Publish button. If you didn't understand the logic behind the pics the title should have read “ Why the West?-wildlife,wilderness and weather....why not?” I showed a picture of a moose statue that was across the street from where we stayed in Moose Jaw. That was the major attraction and you could see it from our hotel room. Not sure if we had to pay extra for that room.In Revelstoke I saw a pair of bears...again a statue in front of a ? gas station. The blue bird was at the summit atop of Rogers Pass (all the wildlife)
Wilderness is the majestic mountains and Ralf. Debated putting him under wildlife or wilderness.Well weather is anything from rain to snow...they are both water and wet.
To Sorento.Onto Chase.Stopped at a wood carver's /sculptor's abode on the highway. Met by a rottweiler and res (reservation) dog and artist. He looked like a thin Grizzly Adams. Large eagle,owls,wolves,bear carvings. Wish I had of brought camera with me. Kept looking for Ralf.When I told Grizzly my husband is coming along on his bike he said that someone with a green jacket went by a while ago. Oh thit... I missed him again. Jumped in car and met up with Ralf in Chase. Chase is the halfway point between Calgary and Tofino.
Originally Ralf was going to do the cycle from Tofino to Calgary so that the Westerly winds would be at his back.Thank goodness we decided to do the opposite. Had we travelled east instead of west it would have been uphill all the way.Today another great day.Temp started off at 10C and now 16C.It's been a roller coaster of hills. At least when you are travelling uphill for a few k you know you'll be coasting downhill. When Ralf was doing 60 k into Chase I honked the horn to let him know I had turned off the highway ... won't do that again. Met Ralf in 20k. Temp rising to 20;Ralf ditched his jacket.Ralf said the winds have been easterly which is unheard of....that's God's favour Ralf .Thank you to everyone for keeping Ralf in their prayers .Ralf asked me if I noticed the Shuswap Golf and Country Club. Like I have other things to watch out for and a golf course isn't at the top of my list. Ralf stopped of course and proceeded to walk into the rough which is beside the hwy. He was 180 yards from the tee where he found 2 golf balls. FYI -”that's the distance Danny Basciano drives a ball” ( quote from Ralf). This just confirms my suspicion that Ralf has an illness ... our garage is full of golf balls. I know what I will do with these balls if Ralf goes before me.I will have everyone throw a handful of golf balls on Ralf's casket when they lower it into the grave.
Made it to Kamloops and just in time... the winds are changing. Ralf finally caught up to me.Said his legs are toast especially (R) knee ; bum is raw. That's not good Ralf -you'll have to put some vitamin E cream ( with Bum Butter) on your toosh.I don't need it anymore as Cindy from Bodyworks brought products over to pub last nite for my face.That's the beauty of a small town-people bend over backwards for you... (not Ralf )...Never mentioned that when we were in Salmon Arms we visited an esthetician in Bodywaves. Someone said I should see Cindy who is the owner of B.W. When we went in store there were 3 women behind counter-one person quite large (not even a pretty face); another woman covered in tattoos; and another pleasant person with fake eyelashes. Asked for Cindy and the fake eyelashes was her. Very nice girl.I was reminded that one should never judge someone by their looks. People probably say the same about me when I'm beside Ralf ... she probably has a great personality. The people of Salmon Arms are the salt of the earth. Nothing negative to say about this place.
We are checked in to the Best Western in Kamloops.Love the Best Western. Kamloops is not what I anticipated.It is not lush at all...very brown - landscape not people.
Going to close this off for now. Going for dinner .
Went in to downtown Kamloops. Declined 4 pan handlers.Shops close at 5 (??? on a Friday).
Went to Earls for dinner and like a Milestones. Dinner was great;watched Blue Jay vs. Boston. Left restaurant when score was 6-1.
Ralf doing hs care- Vitamin E on his butt; Anti – Flamme ung to his knee( herbal relief creme ).
7:40 and I'm ready for bed).

nn
                                          Ralf's find at Shuswap G& CC, B.C.
                                          on the way to Kamloops
Kamloops ...not what I expected