Damage Report

Interesting sunrise.

This morning began with a distinct haze over the city of Stettler. Part of that was cloud and part of that was smoke. The smoke hasn’t been an issue for several days – especially since leaving Saskatchewan. However, there were hints of it late in the day yesterday but by this morning it was quite noticeable.

Knowing I had a day off and knowing I was behind on my updates, I figured this would be a good morning to get caught up on such things. I headed over to Tim Hortons with my laptop and other necessities and prepared for a few hours of work. Two hot chocolates, two donuts, and several hours later I was once again caught up on pretty much all my online activities. Today was a good day. Or so I thought.

I returned to the Stettler Lions Campground to find that my tent did not look the same as when I left it. As I got closer to my site it was clear that something was amiss. My bike was lying on its side and my tent appeared to be more than slightly disfigured. Upon further inspection, the bike appeared to be okay. The same could not be said for my tent. The tent was wrecked. And the culprits were nowhere to be seen. I can only assume that the perpetrators of this crime came from the neighbouring site, but that site was now empty.

Yes, those poles are
supposed to be straight.

Shortly after assessing the damage, I met Ron who is staying in a site behind me. We were equally disgusted by the behaviour of the delinquent campers. Sadly, that didn’t really help the situation – although, it was nice to have someone with whom I could rant. Ron even made a few calls to track down a replacement tent for me but those attempts were unsuccessful – although appreciated.

I reported the situation to the Recreation Centre but to say that I don’t expect anything to come from that would be a gross understatement.

So now I’m in a bit of a bind. It’s too late to hit the road not to mention I’ve been hearing reports of hail and I’d rather not be cycling through a hail storm. I can actually hear thunder as I type this. I guess my next option is to go to Walmart to try to find a cheap tent that will cover me (literally) until I get to Calgary. I hadn’t planned on arriving in Calgary until Thursday but that schedule might change now.

As for my tent, I originally bought it from Mountain Equipment Co-op and I called them in the hopes they might carry replacement poles for a MSR Hubba Hubba Tent. Sadly, they don’t. It was suggested that I go to the Calgary store anyway and see what options they might have in terms of replacement pieces. Not ideal, but my options are limited.

Needless to say, I’m more than a little frustrated by all of this. That tent has treated me very well and has been with me throughout all my cycling tours. To have it put out of commission because of some inconsiderate campers doesn’t seem like a fitting end. Not to mention, it’s just ignorant. And of course, the cost involved in replacing it will be more than a little unwelcome. Sigh. I have to say, I didn’t anticipate this. At all. So much for the security of a real campground.

Maybe I should’ve gone to the Calgary Stampede after all.

Today’s totals:
Blog updates: 3
Donuts eaten: 2
Tents wrecked: 1