Day 96: Surprise!!! - 27km

Trevor Hammond's in Burks Falls to Greg and Connie's in South River

We showed up to the barn and as soon as we walked in, Faro (Jewels big pack) was opened and all her things were strewn on the pooh covered floor. Her sleeping bag, journal, clothes, were covered in manure. Great start to the day! Luckily, Bill was there to drive our stuff, and, we could send the stuff back with him to be cleaned before getting them that night.

We tacked up and were on the road. Lux and Ora were perky to start. But after the first hour they were back to their slowed amble. We were all rested, 3 nights in a bed at the cottage, the horses in a barn.. we should feel better. Why don't we feel better?

Another shift in the trip, Jewel and I both agreed. It was like.. we didn't care anymore. Maybe that's not the right word. But I guess it felt a little pointless. I didn't care how far we made it, or if it rained, or what the next hour would bring. Depleted. I figured I should have had higher spirits after two days off, but we both agreed we were past the point of exhaustion that two days off could replenish.

The sky to the East was blue with white clouds. Directly to the south were dark blue clouds, the sky completely covered. We were riding down the highway when this car was pulling up beside us, I watched it drive closer and when I saw the driver my mind couldn't wrap my head around who was inside. "What are the chances she is driving on this road in Burks Falls? Maybe she got a new job here" was what my mind rationalized. It was funny because about 15 minutes before I had phoned her wanting to catch up. My best friend Katherine Roesler drove up and surprised me.

I immediately started crying. She stopped the car and got out and I ran up and we hugged and I think my crying made her cry. I couldn't believe a friend cared so much that she drove up to the middle of nowhere to meet me. I was so overwhelmed with love and sadness. In that moment it was like everything I was trying not to feel bubbled up. Missing my friend, the loneliness, the hardship, the boredom, the sadness was all there and hugging her made me so overwhelmed with all that and joy. To feel loved by a best friend is a special feeling. Since this trip started, I've been putting more of an effort to keep in contact with my girlfriends. And having the opportunity to do that in person felt extra special. It was the best surprise this entire trip so far.

The dark clouds were closing in and I knew we had limited time to find shelter off the highway. So I reluctantly got back on Lux, and Jewel and I cantered down the service road to find a shelter. Joseph packed up his bike and got in with Katherine. We all met 1km down the road under someones large pine trees. We must have stayed there near an hour. Katherine feeding us salt-water taffy and muffins, swapping laughs and stories, the four of us squishing in her front seat to avoid the rain. When it slowed a little, we continued.

Katherine and Joseph went ahead to find a coffee shop and bring us coffee, Jewel and I continued. I was completely revived from my earlier depression. I felt like a new person, excited, alive and Jewel and I were joking around all the way to our next destination.

Along this trip, we've passed a lot of roadside memorials. It's always sad and grounding to see the displays of love and loss on trees or telephone poles. This one was really vibrant,with flowers,pictures and plaque. Everything looked really new. Jewel looked it up. It hadn't even happened a month before. On July 17th this year, an 18 year old girl had lost control of her car. It's crazy how fast your life can change. She is Jewel's age. A solemn reminder that without safety and health this journey wouldn't exist, and my heart goes out to her family and friends that are feeling the loss.

Katherine joined us on the bike, and we pulled up the driveway to Justin and his parents Greg and Connie's house. Linda was there with THREE puppies in her arms. 4 week old border collie pups. What a welcome! The entire family was so sweet and welcoming. We set up our tents and Joseph and Justin went to grab groceriers. We all enjoyed the evening fog and bonfire. Justin was such a great guy and joined us around the fire as we all swapped stories about what we were like in high school and our hopes and dreams and interesting, funny, and embarrassing stories. I was so happy to have Katherine in my tent, I slept like a baby out of pure contentment. This trip just took an incredible turn for the better.