(Jenner, December 2, 2005) - Maurice Bernier, of Quebec City, Quebec, visited Jenner on his bicycle journey down the California coast to his winter goal of Baja. His trek, which started in Quebec City, has taken him to Jamesby in northern Quebec, across northern Ontario and the Canadian praeries to Edmonton, then north to the Northwest Territory’s town of Yellow Knife, then south to Fort Nelson, British Columbia but back north to Watson in the Yukon, then south again to British Columbia’s Prince Rupert, then across to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, and down to Victoria. He then entered the United States on the Olympic Penninsula at Port Angeles in Washington State. From there, he’s trekked down the Pacific Coast and most recently arriving in Jenner, arriving here on Wednesday evening, November 30th, exactly six months after his Quebeck departure of May 31st.
During his travels, he has endured having all of his possessions stolen, but fortunately they’ve been replaced through the kind generousity and good will of people in Canada and the United States. What is singularly amazing about Maurice is his quiet determination, for he suffers from the degenerative, congenital muscular disease of Myopathy (aka Myopathia), a variation of muscular dystrophy. This affliction makes it extremely difficult for him to walk; indeed, to see him climb stairs one would believe he’d not be successful.
The weather forced him to seek shelter at his arrival in Jenner, so he set up a small tent at the Jenner Community Center immediately next to Jenner’s rushing creek. There he was discovered by John Chyle and David Kenly. He spent Thursday traveling about the town and learning of Jenner’s water problems and enjoying simple hospitality given in hopes that he continues a bit dryer, warmer, and happier. He left Jenner for points south on Friday, December 2nd.
Those who met him wish him a joyful and interesting journey.