Day 25: We LOVE Moose Jaw! (6km)

We have had a fantastic two days! When we arrived to Moose Jaw yesterday we met up with Kim, one of our most beloved friends of all time who left Toronto a year ago. Because she was on a work assignment here in Moose Jaw, we've been lucky to spend the past two days together. Kim has treated us amazingly well by sharing her hotel space with us last night and making sure we were well fed --Thanks Kim, we miss you again already!

However, our wonderful experience in Moose Jaw does not end there. This morning we attended a Cardiac Rehab "Cardiaction" program and it was a ton of fun to meet the more than 20 participants and volunteers. We even got some media coverage. Alex was interviewed yesterday for a radio segment that aired today and we were interviewed for the Moose Jaw Herald newspaper. We knew word was spreading when I was approached in a restroom by someone who had heard the radio segment and asked to give me a hug, I very happily obliged.

The people in Moose Jaw are warm and wonderful. We have been amazed and touched by the welcome and supports bestowed upon us. The top spot in this department definitely goes to Dawn Bohlken and Dot Hicks, the coordinators of the Moose Jaw Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs. They have gone way above and beyond to make sure we are well taken care of and entertained in this beautiful town. First they coordinated our sponsored stay at the Wakamow Heights Bed and Breakfast where we are now for the night. Everything about this property is absolutely gorgeous, from the grounds, structure, and carpentry to the intricate luxurious details adorning our suite. Our room comes complete with a large veranda that offers a panoramic view of downtown and we couldn't ask for sweeter hosts than Lois and John.

Dawn and Dot also arranged for us to receive bike tune-ups, courtesy of Boh's Cycle and Sporting Goods, which they provided promptly today. And to recharge our weary muscles, we had a donated visit to the Mineral Temple Spa where we were able to relax in the warm mineral pool. Still, our day wasn't complete without a little culture and yet another donated treat in the form of admission to the Moose Jaw Tunnels. We took part in the fortune tour, which builds a narrative and fictional characters around the racism and dehumanizing labour exploitation experienced by Chinese immigrants to Canada during the construction of the cross Canada railroad. This is a history that has been on our minds since passing the last spike back in BC. We're glad to see the acknowledgement of these contributions, as well as recognition of the torturous living and working conditions that Chinese immigrants have been forced to endure.

Despite all of the activities throughout the day, we still managed to pay a good visit to Moose Jaw's beautifully preserved downtown and enjoy some gastronomic splendor. For lunch, Dawn and Dot treated us to thai food of unparalleled quality at Nit's Thai. We've heard people drive the 2.5 hours from Saskatoon to eat there, and after trying it we are not surprised! While there, the owners brought us a $60 donation for the foundation along with one of the best meals we've had in a long time. Dot's husband David, who is also a Cardiac Rehab volunteer, joined us for lunch as well. During our meal, we mentioned we had left our provincial maps in Vancouver and that we would need to pick up new ones to hep us navigate the flood induced road closures between Regina and Winnipeg. About an hour later, David flagged us down on Main Street to pass maps for our remaining provinces out his car window --such a great help, thanks David!

We topped off our remarkable day with one more meal (of deep dish pizza) shared with Kim before she made her way out of town and we rode up to enjoy our immaculate suite at the Wakamow. Every moment spent in Moose Jaw has skyrocketed far beyond our expectations and we are incredibly appreciative of the innumerable caring encounters we've experienced. A wonderful day, place, and people!