Richard had suggested that we go to the AA burger bar for breakfast, and so with my gear loaded, I cycled over to meet them. Waiting for my 'Kitchen Sink' breakfast to arrive, I helped Richard and Maggee with their cryptic crossword, although truth be tolod, cryptic crosswords are not my strong point. The breakfast was oustanding, but Richard wouldn't let me pay which made me feel a bit awkward and very thankful. He's a really great guy, and I could learn a few lessons from both him and Maggee... in fact, we all could.

As I waved goodbye and  cycled away, it was a strange feeling. They didn't just do this for me, they do it for any cyclist that passes through, and that sort of generousity and kindness is a rare thing. Special people, and I wish them all the best.

There were ominous looking clouds as I cycled towards Quesnel where I was due, again, to visit a warnmshowers host. I managed to dodge most of them, but one caught me as I was 20 kms short of the town. And not just a downpour, as some joker in the cosmos decided to throw hail into the mix as well. I went from bone dry to soaking wet in about thirty seconds. Coming into Quesnel, I found a payphone, and called Aand Lee for directions to where they live. If a drowned rat turned up at my place, I'd think twice about letting him in, but they were great. I soon had a cup of tea, and we swapped stories whilst I warmed up for a bit. Showered, cleaned and dressed, they offered me a beer (can't really say no to that!!) and we had a great meal - just what I needed!

Again, April and Lee were fantastic people who were willing to share their home and time with a stranger just passing through. April had done some time travelling through Australia and New Zealand, and Lee was one of the organisers of the Quesnel cycling club. (www.goldrushcycling.com). Lee also runs another website which is www.buysellquesnel.com They gave me one of their club cycling shirts, which I intend to wear as soon as I am in short sleeve weather again, which I think may actually class as the first donation I received from a sponsor!! The universe acts in great ways, as only days before, they had been sorting out old MP3 players, and on hearing that mine had undergone a total existance failure, they offered me one as a replacement. Outstanding. At eleven, with many thanks, I called it a night, and slept like a log.