Day 71: People Are So Good

Larry & Debbie's to Grit's Sunset Farms

What a day. I cannot believe the generosity we experienced.

The day started of right with Debbie making amazing waffles with fresh fruit and lots of coffee for us. Then Larry donated $100 for Dog Guides. We set off, packs and everything towards Manotick. I found a wallet on the side of the road and called RBC to find a way to return it to the owner. The wallet was so big and heavy! It had some change, but mostly was just big and bulky! I couldn't believe it, someone lugs this around!? I thought. And I used to have a wallet like that too. Full of receipts and cards and things I don't need. Now, everything I carry I think of its size and weight. I can only carry what I really need with me. Everything else is just extra weight. It's a lesson I hope to carry with me after the trip. I think unburdening the weight of the things I carry with me helps me think and see more clearly. Less baggage, more room to explore.

When we got to Manotick, we had to stop for some Timmies. When I came back out Jewel was swarmed with people. Everyone had seen us on CTV the night before, and I guess it played again in the morning. We collected over 300$ that day just in donations!

The kindness didn't end there. Keira was messaging Jewel on Facebook, asking if we needed anything. We didn't have lunches so we said if she brought us some food that would be helpful. She came with a huge veggie tray and fruit tray, water, and apples for the horses, and a donation! She was so nice, and had been following us for a while. We also met her cousin who gave us water.

We were sitting near a field on the side of the road when I hear someone say hello. I say hi, not really seeing who was there, until I recognized Rachel! She is my friend's mom! Lance was there too! I used to lived with Meagan when I lived in Montreal, and I got to know Rachel and Lance. They were so excited to see us, and just brought the most amazing energy. They brought us VEGAN FOOD!! Oh my Jewel and I were drooling when we saw what they brought us. It was so yummy and amazing. And fresh plums and bars and wraps. The bestest freshest food. They stayed and we all chatted for a while. It was so so nice to see them.

They took our packs in their car, and even escorted us! We all met up at Tim Hortons where Joseph was doing some editing. Lance bought us all large Ice Coffees, and they drove our stuff all the way Sunset Farms. While at Tim's, we saw Cyndi and her kids again! It was like a little reunion in the parking lot. It was so nice, so lovely to be surrounded by such warm people.

Jewel and I had an easy ride the rest of the day. We met with John Curry, the local newspaper reporter who was very kind. We road the horses through a huge neighbourhood, surprising a lot of people. We cut through this wooded trail and then cantered down Hazledean road to Sunset Farms. We were warmly greeted by the beautiful Tori! They even made us the cutest sign. Grits was away picking up her puppy. And shortly after, Mom, Dad, and Grandma showed up in the car! It was such a lovely reunion. We hadn't seen Grandma since we left for the trip, and it was so nice to finally catch up with her in person. Then Uncle Brent came with our cousin Catherina! We went to Uncle Brent and Aunt Emmas for a big dinner. The third reunion of the day.