I emerged from northern Ontario's Canadian Shield feeling victorious, having conquered possibly the most challenging part of my cycle touring adventure. It wasn't just the gnarly hills, but also the unpredictable weather - it was unnaturally cold and rainy for mid-August.
I could sense the finish line, the final 600 km of my 4500 km journey, and I was ready to come home. After a really quiet time with few social interactions through the Prairies I was inspired by how many conversations and connections I made through the Canadian Shield. I wanted to make the most of the home stretch to create more connections. After all, some of the motivators for my trip - love, hope and inspiration - were also part of my goals during the trip to spread to others.
|
Some of the beautiful connections made in the mountains - my first Warmshowers host, Coleen
|
 |
Gia and her niece Mia shared a wonderful conversation at a cafe
|
Day 33, 34 - Thessalon, 94 km; Massey, 122 km
It continued to be an unnaturally cloudy and cold summer. It was rare for the sun to come out at full strength and for me to remove my long sleeve layers. It was certainly nice to almost never break a sweat. However, the grey was depressing and it got quite cold at night - once it got down to 6 degrees celsius and I had almost every piece of clothing I brought with me on, including two pairs of socks!
I entered what was for me unofficially Southern Ontario, and on the first night I stayed with a Warmshowers host just outside of Thessalon. Tom is a gentle and positive individual, 70 going on 50. Many years ago he bought an old church in town and converted it into a music venue, hosting bands touring through the area. Alas, he couldn't sustain the project due to high costs and lack of revenue. At least he has his hobby farm with goats and chickens.
But in staying with the musical theme we watched Roger Waters and Pink Floyd: The Wall on his big screen TV.
Before arriving in the home stretch it took me 8 days to ride the north shore of Lake Superior, the first of the five Great Lakes of North America. Today I started along the north shore of Lake Huron. Thankfully it was a much flatter and easier ride. I took the time to dip in the lake whenever I had the chance, and make elaborate nutrient rich snacks.
 |
So thankful for freshwater dips to stay clean and keep my muscles cool
|
 |
Keto bun with peanut butter, yogourt, dates and fudge
|
 |
Bagel with butter, seaweed, avocado, egg, tomato and Tabasco sauce
|
 |
Riding east for 7 with everyday getting shorter, I finally witnessed a good sunrise
|
Day 35, 36 - Manitoulin Island, 94 km; Island Ferry, 71 km
Manitoulin Island is a beautiful place to cycle. Wide shoulders make it really safe, and the terrain feels wide open, with sweeping views of Lake Huron easily accessible across the island. And, similar to the islands of the west coast of Canada, Manitoulin has a distinct culture due to its relative isolation. It's the perfect setting for an intentional community like the one I visited.
Justin's homestead is home to 20 people, growing food and sharing communal meals, working on building projects such as greenhouses and power assisted touring bikes! It was really easy connecting with people here, not to mention having an inspiring story to share.
 |
The communal kitchen in the Tilson Homestead
|
 |
With a lot of rain in the overnight forecast I was allowed to tent in the greenhouse
|
Due to lack of availability of ferry bookings I was forced to stay another night at the Tilson Homestead, which I was ultimately happy about since I could spend more time with the awesome people there. Although the next day I battled a fierce headwind to get to the ferry, to get to Bruce Peninsula.
 |
MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry linking Manitoulin Island to Bruce Peninsula
|
 |
I have developed a penchant for finding unlocked sheds to sleep in
|
 |
This one stored recyclables at a community centre
|
Day 37, 38 - Chatsworth, 128 km; Fletchwitz Farm, 38 km
Spurred on by a good wind and an opportunity to stay with a dear friend I made a big push through the Bruce Peninsula for a 128 km day, so I could have a short day and arrive early to Fletchwitz Farm.
In the summer of 2017 I worked for Simon and Talia, helping them with their unique building project - a timber frame house with straw bale walls. Simon and I became very close friends through this experience, and it was a joy to make his beautiful home a stop on my epic journey, and to see the progress they have made.
 |
The goal of Fletchwitz Farm is to regenerate the land using grazing animals
|
 | |
Simon and I reunited, with a new family member
|
 |
Sharing a nourishing and appropriately distanced dinner in the greenhouse
|
 |
Back at my old cabin at the back of the property, getting reacquainted with my pond
|
Day 39 - Home, 126 km
T-minus 2 days! Now I could really feel the end because, informally, this felt like my last day, ending at my parents' home where I grew up. After tackling some big hills, it was pretty easy cruising the rest of the day. Plus it was finally sunny and warm out all day - for the first time since the Prairies! I could actually wear one layer and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I took a few snack breaks in small towns where I had great conversations with people on the street and in cafes.
 |
I was donated this brownie by a local! Which I ate with coffee and DIY snacks
|
 |
Found this awesome river dip spot close to home
|
 |
| I'm finally home, nearly 2 months and 4415 km later! |
|
 |
| There's nothing like a home cooked meal after a long and arduous journey |
|
|
While my family was happy to see me, my parents didn't show much emotion or interest beyond that - their reaction would have been almost the same if I had simply flown home. They are very simple people and it is something I had eventually learned to accept about them. At least they shelter and feed me unconditionally.
My sister, however, was very inspired, and my niece was happy to have a fun eclectic personality around the house!
Day 40 - Last Day - Downtown Toronto!
I was really excited to reach the finish line, especially because my best friend would join me for it! A few hours after leaving home we could sense our descent into the Greater Toronto Area bubble as traffic became unnervingly heavy. About halfway through the day though we got through the hard part and emerged in the Humber River pathway system. I was very impressed by the nature that's available in Toronto. I never had a chance to experience it before, and this was such a great way to do so!
| | |
 | Toronto's traffic is as infamous as Los Angeles
|
|
|
Got in a dip in the Humber River
|
 |
Feeling triumphant and powerful!
|
