Day 19: Strengthening Our Spirits - 34km

We left Sandi & Pete’s just after 9am. We were on our way, trekking along. Time

seemed to pass quickly, and the horses condition has definitely gotten better as we moved faster, and started adding in some more trotting. Before noon, Sherry, her husband and daughter pulled over and offered a donation and anything she could do to help. Since the convenience store we just passed had no vegetarian sandwiches, and pretty much just junk food, so Sherry Morgan said she could get groceries for us. We met up at the perfect time on the corner of Philips Road, and had a lovely lunch and talked with these kind people.

Joseph continued on the 101 to go straight into Fredericton. We were planning on going through, I really wanted to see the town. But Sandi warned us they could fine us and tell us to turn around, so we went down some ATV trails and two lane highways and back streets instead. Jewel and I went a 300 meters out of way to get Pizza at a gas station. We just hobbled the horses on some grass, not giving it a second thought. We forget that it’s a big deal for other people to see horses in the middle of nowhere at a gas station, to us its become normal. We’re always grateful for the many people we meet along the way. However sometimes we get stopped so much, it’s hard to cover the distance we need to. We hope people understand that we are exhausted and do our best to engage in conversation, but by the end of the day, we’re quite spent. Unfortunately, we can’t stop and talk to every car or person that pulls over, otherwise we would never get to our destination before dark, but we love the waves of encouragement!

The rest of the day flew by, considering we covered 34km! Speaking to my best friend in Montreal made my day, and I was almost done my novel! (Yes I read and ride). Jewel had been walking all day, so she got on Lux for the rest of the ride and lead a stubborn “Oreo”. Coming into Island View I was jamming out to Black Keys, and embarrassed mylsef singing aloud when a biker went by. We walked up the huge hill to Everett’s Orchard Farm. WOW! What a view, rolling hills and the Saint John River. Another paradise we would never discover if it wasn’t for this trip. And to top it off, Chuck Everett offered us a huge cabin to stay in. It’s so nice for us to have our space and some alone time. We can cook and do LAUNDRY! Double win. We all took a bath and settled in.

Here's one of the views from the huge cabin!

It’s crazy how at the start of the day, I was feeling pretty insecure and doubtful of myself. Feeling a little judged and unsure. But I knew that if I just kept walking, we’d meet other people that would encourage and support us, and brighten our day. I also learned that my spirit needs to be stronger, and to not let others impressions or opinions get to me. I by no means consider myself a horse expert, and I’m in a continual state of learning. Part of that learning though is knowing when to filter good from bad, and to keep myself emotionally safe from negativity. I got a lovely text from Carman, my Dad even said just call Carman if you ever need to feel some support. It’s like she knew, cause she sent me a text later that day offering to drive the 7 hours to meet us for anything we need. Remembering her warm spirit and generosity, and all the amazing people we’ve met along the way renewed me.

It’s true what they say, it’s not the places you see but the people you meet. Thank you to everyone who has lended their support and strengthened our spirits on this trip. You do more than you know. To feed our bellies is so generous, but to feed our souls is everlasting.