Day 68: Presence is a Present - 40km

Sandra's in Vankleek Hill to Cyndi's in Bourget

We were on the road at 8:30. With another big 40km day ahead of us, we were prepared to put in the hours.

We said our goodbyes to the lovely Sandra, who was thankfully driving our packs. The roads were quiet the whole day, even when we were on the highways they were quiet. When cars did pass by, the moved all the way to the other side of the yellow line. What a difference it was from the crazy Quebec drivers! It allowed some time to think. With our plans coming to change over the last few weeks, Jewel and I know we won't be able to get to Vancouver by October. A reality we seriously considered from the start, though all our thinking the past two months was based on living in BC. Today was the first day we seriously asked ourselves, "what are we going to do after?" It made me anxious and stressed, not knowing which city to live in, or what we will do with the horses, the in between time before next summer, and if there even will be a next summer for me (riding).

I started thinking about finding a job, waitressing or bartending. Talking and serving people I'd rather not talk to. Trying to make ends meet, pay for the apartment, the phone bills, the classes, food, the horse.. Back to the cycle, the grind. It made me so happy to just be where I am. On this quiet country road in Ontario with my horse. It was hard to be present, because since entering Ontario, it feels a little like an end. I can't deny that I must think about what my next moves will be in my life. Career wise, and for personal growth.

I try to apply all the things I've learned so far this trip, but I still found myself anxious. In the end all I could do was be present, enjoy the ride.

We met the Browns who offered us water, carrots, apples, lemon cake and lemonade which was a lovely break. We had another break on the quietest road next to cornfields, I fell sound asleep immediately, having strange dreams as the weather went from cold to hot. We had a quick interview on the side of the road, and got caught in a downpour. I didn't mind the rain, turned my hat back and face to the falling drops. It took away the heavy heat and the bugs. We got drenched but knew we were nearing our destination.

Cyndi met us on County Rd 8 on her Curly haired horse. It was nice to ride and talk with her, and she completely understood how tired we must be. She bought us pizza, and gave us her camper to sleep in. She understood that we were probably sick of talking to people. It's true, but at the same time, it was nice talking to her, and I didn't mind her cute curious children coming up to us and asking questions.

We're well fed and now off to bed. Cyndi has her barefoot trimmer coming tomorrow. Talk about perfect timing! So the horses get their feet done too! So amazing.