Day 65: Firefly Lane // Welcome to Ontario - 46km

Nathalie's in Saint Andre, QC to Sandra's in Alfred ON

We departed too late, not knowing the exact distance of our destination that day. No dot to lead us on this map, just general directions of where we were heading.

We took our time at breakfast, trying to suss out if we could get a ride for our packs, and avoiding the morning rain and grog. Milking our second coffees and visiting the owners horses. They shared hilarious Fox Hunt stories, and we really enjoyed Nathalie and Pierre's company.

We finally got on the horses, after stopping right away to find my favourite 4 year old water bottle that fell off Jewels saddle, we were off to a slow start. We didn't find my beloved bottle. So I practiced the art of letting go and we continued. We were still following Jewel's googlemaps, which led us down a path in a park about 1km to a fenced off road. There was no way to get around it, we asked some groundskeepers where we could go, but had to back track. After leaving at 10:30, having roughly 38km ahead, and now backtracking, it was not a good start. So we got back on track, and we're headed through this park/campground. The same groundskeeper told me how to exit, but when we got there, there was another locked gait. UGH! Again?! There was a path for pedestrians to squeeze between the gait and a guard rail. We turned back, I thought it was too dangerous for the horses..

But unless we wanted to backtrack another 2km, we had to get around it. We tried to squeeze Ora through it, but she wouldn't go. We had to jump it. This wouldn't seem so difficult... except that there were branches in the way, and it was coming around on a curve. There were other various obstacles. Mostly I was just nervous something would go wrong. Jewel had a lot more faith, "If you believe you can do it, you will. Lux can do it! He used to be a jumper." She was right. I lined him up, and recalled all the things I learned about jumping when I used to do it. I think the forth try I got him over, a little rusty but we made it! After trying to get Ora to walk through the small opening, she eventually jumped it from a stand and we were back on our way. More behind schedule.

So now its 1pm, we're on a highway, and we have 30km to go. I didn't care though. We didn't have our packs! That morning, we had talked to Pierre and Nathalie and they agreed to drive it! Thank goodness. I just kept saying, "at least we don't have our packs." That, and we were finally leaving Quebec! After 60 something days on the road, I've learned just to accept what is. Battling reality does not change it, it just me in conflict with something I cannot change. So the acceptance, despite all the barriers, still made the day enjoyable.

Our last day in Quebec, we celebrated the whole way as we crossed the bridge in Ontario. We screamed and shouted our own made up songs, danced and were silly. We didn't care who saw. Didn't care for the line up of drivers staring at us and our horses, singing loudly as we crossed the bridge.

We only continued to celebrate. Leaving behind the bad and speedy drivers, we felt we shedded that part of our journey as we crossed water boarders. Practically imaginary in their inability to be seen, but to us, very tangible as we walked closer to land on the south. "Welcome to ONTARIO".

The best feeling all day. Relief flooded in, we're done Quebec. We're nearing the end, the beginning of the hardest part, but also the end. We're home. And there is definitely more to discover.

When we left, our GPS said it was 38km to Vankleek Hill Fair Ground. The closest landmark to the address, as it wouldn't pop up on google maps. We didn't know how much further it was to Sandra's house.

We stopped at a grocery store around 8pm, grabbing our yoghurt dinner, the sun was setting into the most beautiful pinks and oranges. As we turned right in the little town and headed to Sandra's, it was the most peaceful night yet.

Going down the hill, the sunset in front of us. It was like everything quieted. The cars stopped, the buzzing of traffic disappeared and the bugs went away. The air finally began to cool, but cool to that summer night cool - still warm in a t-shirt. As the light faded and country fields rolled out in front of us, the smell of sweet grass and wild flowers filling our noses and making us feel at home. It was like we were walking on Elm Street in Grimsby.

Something felt different. There are moments in the trip, when you can feel everything changing. Nothing tangible, but you know how the trip was, is no longer how it will be. It's like crossing an invisible line into a new chapter. Maybe we're different. But this moment felt hopeful, and peaceful, like a summer I had when I was a little girl and the night was full of warmth and expectancy. As the light faded completely and we were left in darkness, fireflies came out. On either side in the tall grass, they appeared and disappeared all around us. It was unlike anything I had every experienced. Jewel and I on our horses walking down the center of this country road, illuminated by a full moon that played peek-a-boo with the clouds, and tiny bugs sparkling on either side of us. Pure magic, except it was real.

I know I will never forget this night. It was like something from a movie.

We were still on an excited high pulling into Sandra's at 10pm. We loved night riding. All the difficulties that we deal with in the day; bugs, sun, traffic, people, heat - go away. Our only worry is visibility. (We do have reflective vests, but need more).

Sandra was awesome and not at all put off by our late arrival. She got us settled right in, and we set up our tents, awaiting Ty and Monika who were to arrive around midnight. That was also why we were probably excited on the ride, knowing we had a wonderful day vacation with friends to look forward to.

We had a really nice chat with Sandra in the kitchen while we awaited our guests, showered up, and were out there just in time to get the biggest hugs ever. We set up their tent, Kira staying close by, and decided to all sleep in the big tent together. It was fun and cozy. We were all buzzed and excited about us being back together. One of those summer nights you wish for.