Day 77: Stuart - 40km

Stuart's in Renfrew to Sheryl & Michel's

Looking back, I can't believe this was all one day. We woke up around 7 and had breakfast while neighbours came around the house to see the horses. I was still so groggy I wasn't the most sociable. But by the time we made it to M&R feeds I was more awake. We did the 12km an hour faster than we expected. With no packs or boots we were fast on the CN trail. Stuart had called the town to have all the gates opened for us along the trail. Although it wasn't necessary as we fit easily thorugh the walking and biking openings.

(In front of Stuart's Childhood home)

The trail workers were very nice and donated to us! Thanks to our radio time, we had a lot of people come out to M&R Feeds. Lion's Club members came out and gave us a cheque for $200 for Guide Dogs. Other locals also dropped by to donate. The hroses were happy as Stuart set up water and hay, so they ate happily as people dropped by and snapped pictures. Stuart had also put out a donation bin at the counter in the feed store which was very thoughtful and helpful. That day alone we raised $530! We were blown away by the generosity of Renfrew. Thanks to Stuarts planning, the media coverage really helped us out. As we continued our ride that day, other people had heard or read about us, and we collected more donations along the way.

I was following written directions from Sheryl, who'd I'd spoken to the night before. After passing through beautiful fields we ended up going into thickly wooded roads. It down poured at one point and we took coverage, but then it grew hot and humid again. Sheryl had warned us about bears, but also said she'd be surpirsed if a car passed us on this road. She was right. Jewel and I kept our eyes open for movement, half hoping half dreading we'd see a bear. (I still want to see one!) We didn't. But got pretty scared when some wild turkey hopped out of the bush! It's so nice to ride away from the humm of traffic, but at the same time, the road feels longer. The views of trees on either side start to feel like your walking on the spot. We were so happy to get to Sheryl's just after 5! Two hours earlier than we expected.

Our 2 hour pit stop at M&R Feeds

The Renfrew Lion's Club!

A long hot ride ahead of us.

We showered and the showered the horses. Michel (our first vegetarian host, which we were very excited about!) Made us amazing vegan ratatouille, with vegan sausages and everything. It was incredible. Marie, Stuart, and Joseph drove up with our packs and we said our goodbyes. Lisa, a nearby horsewoman stopped by to say hi. She was really sweet too and we all had a good time at dinner talking about vegetarianism and the environment. Topics that never cease to intrigue me. Michel was hilarious, I loved his sense of humour. He made sure we stopped talking so we could get to bed at a good hour. Some hosts are really keen and tuned into how tired we must be, and Michel and Sherry totally understood. They showed us the little yellow house, and we were off to bed.