loved driving through Saskatchewan–austere, stately–more later(?)
Construction detours in Edmonton conspired to delay us further but we cheered with the radio to the winning goal of the World Cup opener in Edmonton followed by news reports of Edmonton Pride. Such is media, how we can feel connected just by listening and as though we are participating in these events as we trail slowly behind pick up trucks making their way through the city street detours to get back onto highway.
June 7; Day 6: Writing on the road to Alberta. About to touch down onto the start of the Alaska-Canada highway. We have travelled 4218 km. This morning we rose in a dirt road municipal campground built around oil pipeline stations, wild rose bushes, and plenty of biting bugs. The birds sang past midnight as it was still dusky light when we drifted off.
We drove a couple hours before stopping in Grande Prairie for coffee and a bit of clean up. Maryam was just opening her Fusion Cup and we waited for her to set up. From Mississauga of Pakistani ancestry, Maryam moved to GP in 2011 and opened the cafe 11 months ago. She has found a Muslim community of over 100—comprised of people from different national origins. Her mosque in Mississauga was more culturally similar. We commiserated on the fast stress of Toronto. Her welcome friendliness led us into conversation about her northern experiences and I asked her if GP is North. “There is much much much more North than here,” she said and then described the awe of seeing the Northern Lights with her husband as they drove along the road one night, pulling over to watch the brilliant majesty of the universe. Most Grand Prairie people she’s met have never seen them and she spoke about how living in a smaller community lets her slow down to enjoy such events and even our conversation then. She has painted these words inside her cafe: “Enjoy the Journey. Life isn’t measured by how many breaths we take but by how many moments take our breath away.” Relocating has pluses and minuses. Karen mentioned one day leaving Toronto and Maryam left us a question to ponder: Of the places you’ve seen or will see, where would you relocate to? Fusion Cup
lakeflowsnorth 
This technology is great – don’t feel you are so far away. Good thoughtful words in this café! Continue to take care, drive carefully and stay away from bears.
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By the way Cath andKaren, my friend’s granddaughter is on the Soccer team for Canada, she is No. 17, last name is Fleming. Blue Jays doing well.
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Thanks for the update and the great quote, Catherine. I love it. It’s wonderful to have the luxury time to slow down, appreciate our surroundings fully and really connect with people. Peter and I are in Edmonton visiting Robbie and Joanna, so we missed you by a couple of days. I am looking foward to hearing about your ongoing adventures. Thanks so much for sharing this glimpse into your journey. I hope you’re having fun. Love, Wendy Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:27:47 +0000 To: wendy.peebles@bell.net
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Thank you Wendy. Say hello to all of yours there for us. I’ve been dreaming of our First Unitarian people. It is good to see your voice in the comments section!.
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