I got to California, finally...

Before I start tonight's blog post, I want to provide my deepest condolences to John Barclay.

For the next 11 days, I'll be posting my blog 3 hours later because I'm on Pacific Coast Time and it will probably effect John's sleep routine. Before John puts on his one piece pajama's with the built in feet attached, and before his wife Heather tucks him in and kisses his forehead goodnight, he reads my blog. It's his ritual and for John's sake, I'll try to post earlier if I can.

I almost didn't make it to Los Angeles. I got to the airport 2 hours early and when I went to get my ticket they said the flight was oversold and I'd have to go standby. What??? How can that be??? I bought and paid for my ticket??? Am I not supposed to be guaranteed a seat???

Because I didn't check in online earlier in the morning, all the seats were taken before I got to the airport. I told the girl from Air Canada that I have to be on that flight, I have a race tomorrow morning. I was pissed off. I told her, "typical Air Canada, that's why I don't fly with you guys". Then apologized to her, saying "I know it's not YOUR fault" and she said she completely understood my frustration.

So I went to the gate with my bags marked standby and not knowing if I'd be on the plane. If they couldn't get me on the noon flight, the next ones were at 5 pm and 7 pm. The line up at customs was huge. With an hour before my flight, I didn't know if there was enough time for me to get through customs, let alone get on the flight.

I finally got to the gate and asked the attendant if she could bump me up on the standby list as I had a race to do tomorrow. She said that she noticed that note was made in my file by the first women I dealt with. I tried to make it sound like the race was like the Olympics and I was representing Canada. Although in the end it didn't matter, I got the last seat and she said it was just because I was next on the list.

I felt sorry for the 6 other people who didn't get on the plane. I got to know a couple of them and we were all waiting like it was a lottery. Who'd get selected? I ended up being the only one. I got a middle seat, but I didn't care, I was glad to be on the plane. I felt a little sorry for the women beside me as she had to get up a few times, so I could go to the bathroom. I was drinking lots of water in preparation for tomorrows long bike ride.

Everything was going well. I had a nice conversation with my aisle mate. Here name was Maya Shatzmiller and is a Professor of History at The University of Western Ontario. She was a very nice lady on her way to visit her Son, daughter in-law and grand child in California.

My troubles didn't end after I arrived. First the car rental company bus passed by me and I had a long wait for the next one. Then the traffic from Los Angeles to Palm Springs was crazy busy. Normally it's a two hour drive and it took me over four. It was a parking lot the entire way. I didn't realize it was also a long weekend.

I got to my aunt and uncles and had a great dinner. My aunt is a gourmet cook. I told her I had to take a picture of the shrimp pasta she made for me. It was great, plus she had cake for dessert. I told her that I came here assuming I'd lose weight. Now I'm not so sure.

The bike is now put together and I'm tired. Time for bed, early to rise. The Tour de Palm Springs starts at 7 am.

Travel / Rest Day