Day 32: Stephan & Denise

Sonya’s Campground in Saint-Basile to Provincial Parc de la Republique.

My turn to feed the horses, although I’m always a bit resistant when my alarm goes at 6:15, I was happy once I hopped on Joseph’s bike to go to where the horses were staying. Sonya graciously let us have her paddock and put her horses in the barn. It reminded me of that paddock at home, built in the trees, except their fence was put together with pieces of trees and branches, giving it a very natural feel. I missed biking, and early morning peddaling through the campsite while everyone else slept was nice.

As we were packing up to leave, Sonya came over and asked us if we wanted her to drive our stuff to our next stop, like Clermont had done the day before. YES! We would love that. Usually we get to know our hosts a lot more before we have this kind of exchange. Because we were camping at the campsite, we didn’t get the chance to talk to Sonya too much, yet she was so interested in our trip, and so kind, she offered to drive our things even though she hardly knew us. This was and always will be such a relief. I even went bareback to give Lux’s sores a little breather. We headed out, again not entirely sure of our destination.. would we make it to Quebec? Today marks one month into the trip. Stephan, another camper who had given us wood the night before, put the word out to his friends on facebook, but if that didn’t work, we’d head towards the provincial park.

Ora sometimes falls asleep on breaks while smoking carrots.

We ended up going to the park, unsure of where the next possible stop could be, and asked if they would take horses. The man working the counter said no, animals over 6 feet in length weren’t allowed. But once I explained what were doing, he called his superior. They decided to let us stay, and the Park Warden and security let us sit in the back of their golf cart while we lead Lux and Ora. Ora would not run behind, but Lux would. I repeteadly told them to slow down, Lux trotting quickly to keep up. I should have just jumped out but didn’t want to twist my ankle.

We arrived at our site, another beautiful one and set up. Sonya and Michael showed up with our stuff and helped us unload. The Warden brought us wood, a bucket and shovel. Not ten minutes later we see this woman waving at us from afar. Stephan and Denise! All the back from Rusagonis, near Frederiction, came out to see us. They were on their way back from Quebec and stopped in. Stephan took Joseph to get groceries, which they treated us too, and coffees! We had such a nice time with them, hanging out by the fire and swapping horse stories, they really are lovely people that we’re so happy we met. Our lives have been enriched by the people we meet, another couple that's inspired us and kept us motivated with their support.

That night, the clouds were beautiful as the sun sank deeper, wisping into different shapes and animals in the light sky. That night when I awoke at 2am, it was SO quiet. I felt so peaceful. I was so happy to be camping again, and realized how much I missed being in nature 24/7.