Day 85: Right and then Wrong

Irvin Holllands in Essonville to Lorrie's in Halliburton

We awoke to silence and relief that it was morning. We packed up quick to get ready to meet pat at 7:30am. She called me late last night to offer to take us to her cottage nearby for breakfast. We had been talking back and forth for a while trying to find a time and place to meet up, so finally we could!

I met Pat way back in March when we were planning the fundraiser for our trip. She helped us out a ton so it was great to see her again, as well as someone who is from our hometown Grimsby.

Her friends and husband (above) prepared a delicious breakfast and we got a tour of her beautiful cottage.

It was 10:57am when we hit the road for a 35km day. It's definitely harder leaving so late but it was worth it for the kind people and strong coffee. (Which we didn't realize was so strong until both Katie and I couldn't stop shaking...oops)

The first 10km we did a lot of trotting to get a move on. Especially when it was tight bends and narrow shoulders with guard rail, we do our best to go as quick and safely as possible, making sure to wave people to slow down and move over!

25km, 24km, 22km.. I watch as google maps goes down in kms every 10 - 15 minutes. I know once we pass through Haliburton we will be in the "home stretch". But before we do, we have to go down a long and bendy hill with guard rail the whole way.

I try to stay close to Lux and Katie so cars pass us at the same time, but Ora is considerably slower, and it's already hard enough on her joints to go down hill.

Every 5 seconds we look back to see when cars are coming. There's a string of about 7 vehicles. The first being a truck pulling an over-sized tractor behind it. Katie and I both frantically wave our arms to get it to move over. To our surpise, they actually do! They slowed down and pulled way over in to the other lane. Being so thrilled they were respectful, Katie gave them a thumbs up as if to say "Thank you". They responsed with a loud honk...

Ora got spooked and swung around in to the center of the road, me being pulled with her. I looked up to see a huge, white transport truck coming head on. The front silver grates and headlights kept getting closer and for a moment I was sure we would clash. I had an awful image go through my head but then all of a sudden we were on the side of the road and the truck, along with the other cars were going by slowly and far away from us. The tension in my body subsided, took a breath and buried my face in Ora to hide my tears. I didn't know why I was crying but I couldn't stop it. Ora's eyes held the same fear that I felt. I hugged her so tightly and I felt like we had a conversation. I can't explain it really, but it we just understood each other.

I couldn't help but feel like a terrible person for putting her in that position. Katie and I both know we are fully responsible for our horses. Their lives are in our hands and if something did happen, we have to accept responsibility. This was definitely a reality check of that. It wasn't really a "close call" because the truck was going slow, but it was enough to make ya think.

Once we got down the rest of the hill and through town, we stopped for lunch. We were supposed to meet a news reporter but they ended up being busy, so we all finished eating and headed back out for the last 14km.

To our surprise, there was a health food store on the way! We couldn't go by without stopping. The komboucha and healthy treats was worth spending the money. It rejuvenated our spirits and tummies.

Lorrie welcomed us to her barn & home, letting us know her home is our home. ahh.. always nice staying with incredible, open hearted people like Lorrie.

We also met up with Joseph and his long time best friend, Drew. They all had a big bon fire but I decided to go to bed early. Another day done.