Cycling my way across Ontario seemed incredibly long until one day past Pettawawa, I read a sign which read, "Eastern Ontario". Unbelievable! Soon I would arrive in Ottawa. I stayed in Arnprior, east of Ottawa the night before and rode a pleasant route off of the Trans Canada through beautiful Ottawa Valley farmland for approximately 70 km's. I hooked up my little iPod and rode in with tunes from The Beatles Love Album and The Best of Earth, Wind and Fire on a gorgeous Saturday morning and afternoon. I count this as one of my best days of the trip. Rocks and trees were replaced with greens, yellows and reds of well organized farmland and buildings. When I passed Terry Fox Way and some multi-story office buildings on the perimeter of town, I knew I'd finally arrived. I booked Webb's Motel and it became a perfect base to see a few things and get things done for my next stage. My ticket for Amsterdam from Halifax is for the 22nd of July so I had to modify my plan because it was obvious that I didn't have enough days to cover total kilometers to my destination. Plan A: Cycle as far as I could from Ottawa (perhaps Montreal) and get transportation to Halifax or, Plan B: Fly to Moncton from Ottawa and complete my ride in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I opted for Plan B and here I am in Halifax. This is the city from which my mother arrived from Norway as a young girl in the 1920's and it was the departure point for my father and the Calgary Highlanders during the Second World War. I wanted to cycle here to experience it as intimately as I had arriving at so many other destinations in Canada. I will complete the Ottawa to Moncton leg next Spring and include Newfoundland in the plan which will fulfill a truly coast to coast experience which will even be better.
Ottawa is a remarkably beautiful city and I became familiar with a few areas including the parliament buildings beside the Ottawa River. I spent most of time on Carling St. where I stayed and Richmond Road where I visited bike shops and Mountain Equipment Co-op. I received great treatment from Scott and Ken (the owner) at CyclePower where I joined the guys to watch The Tour de France for a couple of stages in the mornings. The staff at Webb's Motel on Carling street were also extremely helpful and supportive once they heard about the Clean Water for Ethiopia project. Even Canadian Tire staff across the street from the motel were supportive. Everything was great about my stay and I was sorry to leave Ottawa so soon but time overuled and I boarded Porter Airlines for Moncton where I got in around midnight. Unpacking my bike box the next morning proved interesting as a few parts were loose or missing. I found everything and tightened up loose components and I was on my way (albeit a late start) to Amherst, followed by Truro.
One of the best aspects of this trip are the people I met along the way. We've acknowledged many of you who read the blogs from time to time and you have played a role in the success of this project, be it small or large. I've made new friends across the country, some briefly and others I hope to continue. I gained tremendous respect for some of the X-Can riders I met along the way...what remarkably strong individuals they are - like modern day Voyageurs, I think. I achieved moderate distances in a day but met (and heard about) some riders who were covering tremendous distances per day. I culled unnecessary equipment a couple of times via Canada Post during the trip and still felt I was carrying too heavy a load but everything was used. Still need to work on this.There were others who were regular supporters from home, like June Evans who followed Spot Tracker everyday and her enthusiasm was inspiring. The same applies to Brian and Jan Strehler who followed my progress daily and followed up with phone calls every 2-3 days. Once when changing an inner tube outside of Swift Current, my cell phone rang and it was Brian Strehler calling to see if I was okay because I hadn't moved for quite awhile in an isolated area on the map. That is support!
Calls from my good buddy, Gary Lauwers were also most encouraging and I appreciated his insights and friendship. It was also good being in touch with my Mom who recently turned 90. Her mind is sharp but she suffers from a deteriorating back condition. We talk more from the road than when I was at home so in an odd way, this trip has contributed to our relationship. It's also been good keeping in touch with my younger sister, Jane who's support is also appreciated.
One person who's contributed over and above is Lynda Kerr, my girlfriend, who has overseen lots of logistical support issues, been an active listener and is looking after my great little cat, Latte. Cats are pretty independent but require lots of care and attention like kids. Latte loves Lynda because of the TLC she's provided and I am most appreciative. Latte will be boarded at the Cyber Cat Lodge while Lynda joins me in Europe for a month during the first part of my journey through the Netherlands and Germany.
There's lot's more to say but it's best to be brief. I intend to continue this blog in Europe until my return but am concluding the Canadian portion of the project. Thank you for your support...I learned a great deal and have been blessed by good weather, safety, health, friendship and prayers from my friends at St. James. Bye for now. I look forward to being in touch with you during the next phase of the journey.
Doug
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