August 11, 2025.

This morning was slow going and wasn’t feeling so great, even after my long rest day in The Soo’s Best Western. I’d called Dan’s Custom repair and confirmed they’d be able to get me in to tighten my chain. When Dan came out to talk to me with his great big larger than life smile and laugh, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. He zipped my bike in and took care of the burned out bulb, tightened the chain, and checked my oil. I’d planned on getting things taken care of in Halifax, but Dan figured I’d be ok until then if I kept an eye on my chain tension.

If you’ve been following my stories, you know how lonesome I’d been on this trip after saying goodbye to Brian back in Portage La Prairie. I have to admit, I teared up quite a lot after Dan’s greeting. I teared up again while I sipped coffee and ate my banana. When someone is REALLY present with you, it melts lonliness immediately. Thank you for this, Dan!

I was off and racing east again in not time. The joy was back and I reminded myself that I am the master of my journey. I can choose to think about the lonliness, or I can embrace this adventure fully and focus on all the things I GET TO DO! My pre-Dan-greeting morning was the last time I felt lonliness. I’m writing this two weeks later and I’m happy to say it truly has been a joyful trip despite the fact I’m doing this alone.

When I came to Thessalon Bay, something told me to take a look. Again, I don’t often do these things when I’m on a mission. I’m headed to see people so I felt my journey had purpose today. Anyway, I toured around Thessalon Bay and eventually stopped by the water. I took a break, ate a yogurt, apple, and a granola bar. Embracing my adventure means I need to stop more often. I had a chat with my friend Trina from back home and we had such a nice visit! If you’re reading this, Trina, thank you for filling my cup that day!

The day was really heating up by this point. I had to do an extra loop through town to fuel up and my timing was terrible! With all the road construction, I ended up sitting on the highway waiting for it to be our turn. 32 degrees, fresh black top, sun beating down, me in full gear. I think I must have sweat out all my water break within the first 15 minutes of that wait!

With the wind wicking away what I’d lost in my wait, I soon decided I needed another break. I noticed a library on the side of the road in some little community, and pulled off into a side road. The gal in the library happily led me to her washroom. People have been so accommodating and I found myself thinking again about all that for which I am grateful.

By now the day had risen to a whopping 35 degrees so I started unzipping every vent, removing every panel on my jacket I could, and taking off the back panel of my riding pants. The heat is oppressive and it feels like I’m riding into a blast furnace. No amount of speed brings cooler winds. Chugging my VERY warm water without any shade was sub optimal, to say the least. I guess my timing is improving, because a semi truck pulled up beside me. The shade cast by the truck was a welcome relief, but then things get even better! The driver popped up over the top of his cab and asked if I’d like a cold bottle of water! I jogged over to accept, surprised by the amount of energy the thought of a cold one got out of me.

Next stop? North Bay, ON