All I’ve done in Assiniboia today is eat and sleep. And laundry. That’s what rest days are for.
It’s hot again today and I’m glad I’m not out on the highway. Tomorrow will be a shorter day, just 20 kilometres to Limerick. Sunday is supposed to be cooler, so I might try to finish the last 40 kilometres in one go. I haven’t decided. Maybe that’s a bad idea.
Watching cars and trucks speed past me the past few days has left me thinking about the freedom–or the illusion of freedom–petroleum has given us. Our planet–the only home we have–is on fire, but we can get to Moose Jaw in an hour. What a trade-off. Of course, I’ve been busy proving just how hard it is to travel without burning petroleum. We’ve created quite a dilemma for ourselves, and we’re mostly ignoring the consequences. I need to read Rebecca Solnit’s new book on hope in dark times, because I feel terribly overwhelmed.
It’s been years since I read Don Quixote, but I’ve been thinking about the distinction between the man of ideals and the man of appetites, between the Don and Sancho Panza. Sleeping in a ditch during a bizarre quest like this one doesn’t make you an ascetic or an idealist. When I get to town, I think only of my belly, like Sancho. And I haven’t even seen a wind farm.
I’ll go to the Co-op to pick up a couple of things, then back to the hotel to rest. Then I’ll walk back downtown for supper. Such a lazy day.
Aaaaah, a rest day:) 20 sounds good tomorrow. Does that mean another bed, a beer and a nice meal tomorrow night? Hopefully. Have a good evening and enjoy the shorter stage tomorrow.
Geoff
Bed and beer and food is in the cards for tomorrow. Sunday night? I’m not sure.
Really glad to hear you’re getting a rest day! Good recuperation!
Assiniboia doesn’t look like a Spanish village Sancho. Mind you, a few I walked through were pretty desolate in their own way. You are wrestling with big questions and it is interesting that walking has brought them to the fore again. As we know, walking isn’t just about getting there, it’s a spiritual practice and it connects us to the life of the world – with all its pain and possibility (and dying possibility!) Thanks for sharing these thoughts. Will they play into your research and writing? We’re heading to Alice Springs today. The decision to drive feels like a better one that flying but there are still all the issues you raise here re fastness, fuel and the planet. We are going to meet with indigenous people to talk and learn about listening to land but to get there we are resorting to our ‘modern’ modes of travel. I hope tomorrow’s walk goes well. It’s good you are somewhat rested and refreshed. Buen camino, Neil
How long is the journey to Alice Springs?
I’ve stopped for the day and I’ve eaten. Now it’s nap time.
We could do with lessons on listening to land here!