Running to Waskesiu
64.1 km ran today; 855 km total
Day 18: Thursday, June 11th, 2026
Distance: 64.1 km
Route: Timber Bay to Waskesiu area
Weather: Cool, windy morning with periods of rain, cloud and sun
Road Conditions: Gravel roads and pavement
Wildlife: A sow black bear and three cubs
Memorable Moment: Arriving in Waskesiu to find a surprise welcome sign waiting for me thanks to Outter Limits!
The day began at our campsite near Montreal Lake after a windy night beside the water. The tents held up well, but there wasn't much sleeping in with gusty winds and cool temperatures hovering around 10°C.
By 6:30 a.m., everyone was emerging from tents, making coffee, packing gear, and getting ready for another day on the road.
Morning at camp near Montreal Lake after a windy night by the water
One thing that has become part of life on this run is continually simplifying. Darryn has played a massive role in this and his systems are becoming even more streamlined as we go.
Darryn spends his days crew-chiefing, running with me, driving alongside me, and his evenings organizing, cleaning, and preparing my gear for the next day.
I’m so lucky that Darryn is my crew chief! It was hard to ask him, because I knew it was a massive job and he continues to go way above and beyond. He has volunteered and continues to volunteer so many hours of his time and I can’t thank him enough.
Darryn worked as a geologist and has spent plenty of time in some of the most remote enviroments - he brings a unique, diverse, and highly specialized set of skills to this adventure. Darryn also has a solution-focused mindset that continues to help us fix, foresee, and side-step various challenges.
Darryn has organized various systems The essentials - items I might need quickly throughout the days
A rolling aid station stocked with snacks and fuel for long days on the road. Darryn keeps this in his van for me. Thanks so much, Darryn!
Shoes, clothing, and running gear organized for quick transitions.
At 7:30 a.m., we left Timber Bay and headed toward Highway 969.
Joining me again were Andrew and Rachel Machnee along with their four children - Zephorah, William, Benny, and Zavier. The Machnees are cycling the route with me for some days.
It has been so much fun sharing parts of this journey with them. Each member of the Machnee family continues to impress me and the rest of my crew with their enthusiasm and resilience.
Andrew and Rachel have been good friends of mine since we were kids. It’s so inspiring to see how they live and adventure with Zephorah, William, Benny, and Zavier.
Zephorah, William, Benny, and Zavier were nothing but positive - even in the more challenging weather conditions and after cycling for hours and 50 - 70 km each day!
Rolling south with the Machnee family through Central Saskatchewan
We stopped for a quick photo at Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
A quick stop at the Montreal Lake Cree Nation sign before continuing south
The Machnees and I continued toward the Highway 2 junction, where we regrouped for lunch.
These roadside meals have become some of my favourite moments of the day - good food, great company, and a chance to catch up before heading back out.
Lunch break with the cycling crew before the afternoon stretch
Darryn joined me for several kilometres as we made our way toward Waskesiu. For this section we did some bush-wacking. The mosquitoes were relentless enough that we resorted to covering as much skin as possible.
Sometimes the mosquitoes win, and you adapt. It’s always an adventure when Crew Chief Darryn joins me for a run!
When I finally arrived in Waskesiu, I was greeted by a wonderful surprise outside Outter Limits. They have been incredibly supportive of this project and have helped provide gear for the run.
Seeing their welcome sign waiting for me was such an uplifting moment.
A warm welcome in Waskesiu from the team at Outter Limits.
Barb (Chad’s mom) and I walked the last kilometres together.
In the middle of our walk, I stepped into the trees for an over-the-phone CBC interview while Barb waited nearby.
Another family wanted to hangout with Barb and I during my interview.
A black bear and her three cubs wandered onto the road ahead of us, temporarily becoming the centre of attention. Everyone stopped, gave them plenty of space, and watched as they eventually moved safely off into the trees.
We were fine, but Barb and I were just a little nervous. Barb snapped this photo in one of the rare moments when our support vehicles were not as close to us as they usually are.
A sow and three cubs wanted to get in on the interview.
The day finished at Beaver Glen Campground, where everyone settled in, enjoyed showers, and shared supper together.
Andrew built a campfire that became the gathering place for the evening and helped keep some of the mosquitoes at bay.
Ending the day around the campfire at Beaver Glen.
As I continue south, I'm reminded how much of this journey is about community.
Every day brings new roads, new conversations, new encouragement, and new people who become part of the story.
On June 12, I'll turn 38 - the same age my mom was when she passed away from leukemia. It's something I've thought about often throughout this run. More than anything, it makes me grateful: grateful for the years I've been given, for the people beside me, and for the opportunity to honour her through this adventure.
Whether you're following along from home, riding a bike beside me, waving from a vehicle, or supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you for being part of this adventure.
Every step, every message, and every donation helps carry this journey forward.
Today's post reflects the events of June 11, 2026. I’m working on getting caught up!
