My father and I are bicycling across Canada this summer. We hope to raise some money and awareness for Amnesty International (AI).
AI is a worldwide movement dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights. AI takes action to stop grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination. We campaign to free prisoners of conscience, protect refugees, abolish the death penalty, and end political killings, "disappearances" and torture. AI seeks to expose human rights abuses accurately and quickly. We systematically and independently research the facts of individual cases and pattens of human rights abuses. These findings are publicized, and members, supporters and staff then mobilize persistent public pressure on governments, armed political groups, companies and others to prevent and stop these violations.
An ancient Japanese legend states that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. This legend was popularized by Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who contracted leukemia as a direct result from the atomic bombing at Hiroshima. She died after folding 600 cranes. Today, tens of millions of cranes are folded in that country and others every year. These symbols have come to represent hope for a better world. I have folded 1,000 cranes and we will give these out in exchange for donations.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Out of the Okanagan

Sadly, after our last post, disaster struck. Bob got a bee in his bonnet, stung him in the noggin. And the day remained dismal for us, when we got to the campground and found a fire ban in place we had to resort to eating raw hotdogs for supper. Yum.... To top it all off, the zipper on the tent door was broken. The fates changed and our fortune turned after passing through Sicamous; houseboat capital of Canada. (Thus the picture below.) Fresh peaches bought from roadside stands, an awesome and well deserved swim in Lake Kalamalka (the temperature was 36 degrees Celsius), and a free pizza from Uncle Dave's Pizzeria in Vernon. To top it all off we figured out how to fix the door of the tent without having to buy a new one. We passed the 6000 kilometre mark today, Vancouver in 4 Days!!!!
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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 21, 2009 at 9:37 PM

    Good deeds bring good karma ...and good luck... ... Vancouver in 4 days...unbelievable.....When you get home we will make sure that the hotdogs are BBQed ... ps save us a crane.... cookville granthams

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  2. TayyAugust 22, 2009 at 5:07 PM

    raw hotdogs are goooddd. put 'em between some bread with mayo and cheese, and you've got yourself supper. you guys are so close! i'm super happy for you! :D whoo!

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  3. AnonymousAugust 23, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    Glad to hear you've made it so far and are getting close to your final goal! We tried to write earlier but had internet problems! We've been telling our friends and relatives about the two brave (or crazy) men from NS we've met in Obatanga! If you ever decide to make it up to northern Ontario, look us up. We'll have a hot meal (not hot dogs or beans!!!) waiting!
    The Gauthiers from Moonbeam Ontario
    (Nicole, Jean-Pierre, Danelle and Justin)

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  4. AnonymousAugust 23, 2009 at 9:26 PM

    Congratulations fellas! Brilliant work. You must be very pleased with the whole thing. And justifiably so!! It has been an interesting sensation getting on with the day to day over the last months, realizing that the two of you were out there clicking off the k's. Your dedication to the effort is inspiring.
    Cheers
    kim g

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  5. - amnesty international ottawa officeAugust 25, 2009 at 6:14 PM

    Wow .. truly amazing! Congratulations on going so far. It must feel fabulous to have the end so close in sight. Thanks for all the awareness and money you've raised for Amnesty International - it is very appreciated! Enjoy a relaxing and well deserved end-of-summer reward on the west coast.

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  6. The CrawfordsAugust 25, 2009 at 7:56 PM

    :) I'm glad you got the tent the tent fixed!! Remember my Great Outdoors Advice, always SEEK SHELTER! Karalee

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  7. AnonymousAugust 25, 2009 at 9:51 PM

    You will soon be in my home town...Victoria should not be missed. Visit the BC museum there and step back in time... have tea at the Empress...tis quite an English thing to do...congratulations on an amazing journey... see you guys soon cg

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  8. accidental altruistAugust 26, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    you're so close! have you got a welcoming committee scheduled in Vancouver? if not - we should arrange one for you!

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