Day 60: Farewell Family - 0km

Days Inn in Blainville to Marc-Antoine's in Saint-Sophie

Ah, what a week it's been. Can't believe it's already come and gone. It was restful, though not at all what I had expected. Only a good reminder that nothing is ever what you expect. Saying goodbye to Mom and Dad was sad, and saying goodbye to Kazi too. Watching Jewel say goodbye to him is especially hard.

Spot the vegan's bedside snacks @the Days Inn.

Last night we stayed in a hotel. It was what we had wanted for a few days, big beds with pillows, running water, showers, a TV. Something Jewel and I especially fantasized while riding and sleeping in tents. The funny thing was, I slept worse than I have in a long time. We watched parts of 2 movies. After going for a delicious dinner, we vegged out infront of the TV. I didn't fall asleep till after 2, my head spinning, feeling restless and awake. I guess sometimes it's really not comfort that your missing, or that will make things easier. I find it's an easy thing to focus on; comfort, that if I had it everything would be better. But staying in the hotel solidified it's not necessarily true. I didn't sleep better, I didn't feel better. Vegging out, being static only made me feel worse. Though our bodies really did need the rest, I think it's good to know I still need to stimulate my mind and body in other ways. Reading, crafts, writing. I didn't blog at all, I didn't even read my book. Those things I think I need a break from are actually the small routines that keep me happy, keep me feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Mom and I walked across to get Tim's for breakfast, then we packed up the hotel, and did some last minute grocery shopping. We got to Marc-Antoine's, where we unloaded everything, the horror-trunk. Earlier while unpacking and repacking the trunk at the hotel, Mom found a TOAD IN THE TRUNK! Everything had been sitting under a tarp in the rain, and the trunk was exploding with camping gear and 5 people's food and packs, even the poor puppers were squished.

We got everything sorted, and said our goodbyes. It's always sad to say goodbye, but within the hour Jewel and I are settling back into our routine. Emptying our packs, sorting, cleaning, discarding, arranging. We went inside, and prepared our lunch for tomorrow. Marc's family is so nice, they are giving us a bed to sleep inside, and making us dinner tonight! Jewel and I get the whole basement to ourselves,and theres even Netflix downstairs! We're excited for tonight! But also know we will have an early start tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to getting back on the road.. which is saying a lot, because a week ago I was feeling overwhelmed at the prospect. I can tell the horses really needed it too, and they are getting back to their normal selves! Lux is all high energy and his eyes are very bright. I can see them happily grazing in a field right now, and I think they will be happy to be on the move tomorrow too. And we already know we are taking another 2 day break minimum this weekend because our other brother Ty and his girlfriend Monika are coming up! More good things to look forward too.

I feel better doing things, even packing, blogging. I'll have to remember this when I'm completely exhausted tomorrow. I'm happy for my parents too. I can imagine the smell of the house when you return to it after being away. It only lasts a few minutes, the only time you can really smell what other people smell when they enter your home. The dogs barking and coming running. I think they will need a break from this break. I'm so grateful to have them, and all their support. But I'm also happy knowing they will be comfortable at home tonight.