Maple Creek, SK - 112km

Guess who made it to Saskatchewan! These guys! :) Huzzah!!

After losing lots of time trying to gather up supplies in the box store lagoons of Medicine Hat, we hit the open road and had quite a decent tail wind. And wouldn't you know it, we happened upon yet another fellow adventurer! Pierre, a 66 year old man who is a mind blowing walker - pushing a little carriage in front of him, he *walks* wherever he's going. He's in the midst of a massive walk from Vancouver to Newfoundland! He expects to arrive some time in October. He regaled us with some incredible stories of his previous walking journeys, such as Vancouver to Alaska as well as Vancouver to South America. At one point he had to cross the border at Panama and they would not let him. He explained that he was a Canadian who was determined to walk everywhere. After trying to convince him to take a bus across to his destination they realized he was steadfast in his intention - walk or nothing. They called in the big guard, naming him the the "canadiano loco" (sorry if I'm butchering this!) and ended up escorting him through with a police cruiser creeping behind him the whole way, flags waving and all. We await your book, Pierre! Hopefully we can see you when you come through Ottawa/Gatineau. Stay tuned for pics with the crazy Canadian walking man!

Just when we thought the sun had stayed its welcome we found our checkpoint in Maple Creek. Here stopped at an amazing gem of a restaurant in called The Star Cafe & Grill for some ribs, chicken, and great desserts! (We are trying to load ourselves with calories all day) The chef even personally came out to meet us and ensure everything was delicious - we're pretty sure the impossibly clean rib bones left over answered that question. Excellent place!

And what a way to end the day - we found one of the most remarkable places of our trip in the Ghostown Blues Bed and Breakfast. This place has to be seen to be believed, so we are going to take lots of photos. The owner takes great pride having restored historical wagons and cabins. You can stay in one of the only original wagons in existence today (or even sleep in your tent if you have one). The piece de resistance, however, is a giant restored classic church that is now home to the mess hall of the camp ground. It's beautiful, classic, and dripping with character. Although he used to be a cowboy and even helped in some films (was even John Voight's double in Return to Lonesome Dove) he says he recharges his soul and spirit out here. When he's not busy doing industrial construction, he's at home here restoring new places to stay for travelers so all can have a taste of old hospitality in comfort. We cannot recommend this place enough and can't wait to get pictures up!

Finally we both want to say thanks to all who have sent us messages or left comments! While we haven't had time to respond to them all, be sure that we are loving any words you send. When I wake up the first thing I see are Jan's feet...but then I see the mailbag and the world is great again. ;)