Winnipeg
When I pulled into Town And Country Campground near WInnipeg last month, it was too dark to see the field of bright sunflowers that stretched across the quarter section that abuts the campground. That field of sunshine was sure a pleasant surprise the next morning though when walked the dogs past it. It sure doesn’t feel like a month since I first saw that field. Now the sunflowers are all already dried up and bent downward like a massive silent prayer. The changing seasons are upon us. Winter’s coming way too soon to this beautiful prairie. Saying that, this has sure been a strange travel year for me.
When I left Helen’s last year, I knew I wouldn’t be spending another winter there. After considering my options, I decided another island winter in this RV was going to be too difficult and expensive. I’d join the other Snowbirds and head South for the winter. Summer came and went faster than ever. Maybe because I’m old now.
Travel Plans Adjourned
I was supposed to leave for North Dakota and then head for Texas and Arizona last week. However, life conspired to adjust my travel plans. A few weeks ago I wrecked my knee while I was sleeping. It was like some sort of rite of initiation into old fogeydom. I hobbled around for another week, and decided the cure would be bikejoring with Annabelle. Just so you know what I’m talking about: Bikejoring is a sport where a trained dog pulls you on a bike. The dog wears a pulling harness and there’s a special spring loaded attachment on the bike.
It’s a super fun sport for both humans and dogs. Annie loves our bikejoring expeditions. Since she was about 2 years old I’ve depended on them for giving her the exercise a super high energy dog needs. With me pedaling and her pulling, we averaged speeds of up to 30 kmph (that’s 18 mph for my American and Alberta friends. I’ve done it so long now, I’ve never considered the possibility of a crash.
However, last week I discovered something new. The only requirement for a bikejoring crash is a friendly wave to someone while bikejoring. At the same time the dog gets spooked by a big truck and runs into the ditch. I hit the ground fast and hard. Pavement is a very, very rude instructor.
Staying In Winnipeg A While Longer
After making sure Annie was okay: I did a slow inventory of my injuries. Wrist: Road rash. Knee and lower leg: Painful but would have to bear weight 1 km back to campsite. Shoulder missing multiple layers of skin and Arm: not functional. Blood on face. So I limped home using my bike for support. By the time I got back, I was astonished that not one of the perhaps 15 people I came across asked if I was okay or offered to help. But I not going to get started on the human condition.
Luckily I was able to be assessed and treated by a doctor the next day, thanks to Canada’s universal medical system. Everyone in Canada has the right to get care, wherever we are in the country.
I just want to point out how fast life can change. It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or at home on a highway. I was going to leave WInnipeg last week but I haven’t been able to do much at all, let alone drive. So I’ll be here awhile longer.
Lynne Fedorick is an RV expert and experienced outdoor author who has written hundreds of articles for RV Life, RV Trader, and other leading publications. She evaluates RV gear, portable power systems, and emergency preparedness equipment for real-world RV travel. Lynne is the founder of RVAdventureGuide.com, offering RV travel tips, reviews, and destinations from a uniquely Canadian perspective.
