Day 69: Happy Trails- 34km

Cyndi's in Bourget to Art @ Happy Trail in Carlsbad

We left at 11am today, but it was totally okay because we had a little fan club following us, AND we got to see a barefoot trimmer.

Cyndi was amazing right from the get go. She told us the trimmer was coming, and called to make sure she could do our horses too, what amazing timing. Lucky for us, Uta came at 8am, and did a great job on the horses hooves. Cyndi's friend also joined us for a ride, along with Cyndi's two adorable kids, Russle and Rose on their two ponies, Ralph and Tilsberry.

They joined us on the road for about 6km before turning home. It went by so fast riding with other people! And we trotted a lot which helped. It was nice to meet other horse people that had a very similar philosophy to our own. They never showed their horses, all they do is trail ride and have fun with their horses. The kids, I'm not exactly sure of their ages, but I think around 5 and 8. They each had their own pony and could ride along the road with us, Rose was on a lead attached to her mom's horse. I think it's so cool to meet these parents that let their young kids ride. I know so many people that have asked us if our parents are worried sick. No, they're happy for us. I think it's important to practice safety with kids, but I also think it's important for kids to experience life, horses, or whatever that may be.

I feel so lucky I was exposed to horses when I was, although it wasn't till 9, it was still young enough to give me a confidence riding. Cyndi reminded me of my first Cindy, who taught me all about horses, how to ride, but most of all, how to get back on. How to feel free with a horse, how to be brave, a little wild, and how to have fun. I was thinking about CIndy the other day. I miss her and I'm always sad we grew apart. When we gallop on the horses, or something really funny happens, it reminds me of her. Reminds me where my joy for riding came from. It's never about the horse breed, the saddle, the shoes, nothing like that. It's those moments when your riding through the woods or fields and something funny happens; your horse farts, or someone falls off into a puddle or gets whacked by a branch. Sure it's not always safe, but it's a hell of a good time, and they are moments I never forget.

We were on Russel Road all day, an 80km/h highway. Luckily there was a huge shoulder, and traffic was relatively respectful.

A kind man working at a Garage offered us water. We stopped for a bit and chatted. As we were walking again, a car pulled over to us a slowed. It was the same man, he had gone to the convenience store and bought two Popsicles for us! It's the little things like that that just make our day.

We stopped for French fries, and it was a good thing we did because we left our lunch with Joseph, who had not yet come by. The rain started. Slowly at first. It started to get worse and we took cover just in time under some trees. I was literally hugging a tree trunk and got soaked as if under a shower. We headed back out, drenched. I was still in good spirits. After thinking the other day about what life would be like once returning home, I've become so much more grateful for each day, each minute on the road. I already think to past days, and how great they were. I don't want to miss another second complaining about being wet, or getting wrapped up in my own suffering. So even though we were soggy and hungry, it was a beautiful ride.

I got to talk to two of my best friends, which always makes me happy. It's one thing this trip has given me; more time for friends. Even though I'm not physically with them, I try and call them much more regularly. It is one of my goals; to be a better friend.

We got in to Happy Trail just after 6. Art helped us settle in, and Cyndi and Joseph came by truck with our stuff.

We're showered with our wet tack hanging by the fire to dry. The three of us talked more about our goals with Kecing Canada, and social media. Feeling excited and rejuvenated for this next chapter.