When I got to Moncton, I pulled off at a gas station to fuel up and figure out where to sleep for the night. You know I like the low roof, side of the highway style motels. I remember watching “One Week” years ago and the main character’s visit with another traveler outside their rooms*. Those have been some of my favourite experiences on this trip; chats with fellow travelers outside our rooms in the warm evenings across Canada. Anyway, I asked the person at the till in the gas station if there were any motels along the highway. His response brought an array of thoughts and feels for me.

“I don’t know. I’ve never been outside Moncton Before.”

I felt sad for whatever life circumstances meant this 20-something young man meant he hadn’t had the opportunity to venture outside his home town. It made me feel grateful for the opportunity for my own travels. It made me feel fiercely proud of my own fearless 20-something children. It did not, however, make me feel disappointed at having to figure out lodging on my own. I’ve grown to trust my choices and this night’s choice did not disappoint!

I pulled in front of the office at the Motel 6 with the Route 6 Spicy Bar & Grill, switched off Jules, and took off my lid. I was immediately greeted by a fella who congratulated me on being such a long way from home. He asked where I was headed. I told him I’d been out to PEI and Nova Scotia and and was now heading home. It felt pretty great, I’m not gonna lie, to hear how impressed some folks seemed to be when I shared my journey.

After checking in, the first order of business was a shower. It had been a long and sweaty day on the bike and I was really looking forward to a fabulous hot shower! I turned on the water and returned to my dry bag for my shampoo and such. I chuckle now as I recall the moment I pulled back the shower curtain ready to jump in. I can tell you, dear friends, although I chuckle now, I definitely was NOT laughing when this happened.

So I pulled back the curtain and you guys, I would have bet big money on the idea that a previous guest had shaved a cat in that tub! There were short and curlies from one end to the other and the water wasn’t draining. Already primed for a shower, but not interested in standing in hair soup, I perched with one foot on the edge of teh tub and the other gingerly steadied on the soap dish half way up the wall. The first half of this gymnastics routine wasn’t too bad. It was when I needed to switch my feet that it got interesting. Now that I was all soapy and slippery, it is a blinking MIRACLE I didn’t land butt first in the now very full and hairy tub.

It was a quick rinse, but still felt good. If we’re looking for silver linings here, I’d have to say the experience was enhanced by the feeling of gratification that this old, stiff body still had at least a small amount of athleticism left to pull off a feat like that! Next stop, let the office know the plugged tub was not my doing, and then find some grub.

Upon ordering my second beverage, I noticed some folks wandering outside with their drinks. Always an eager explorer, I grabbed my drink and wandered through the door too. To my delight, there was a lively patio filled with people visiting, laughing, and having a wonderful time. I saw a table of folks and sauntered over to say hello. They very happily obliged when I asked if I could join them. We got to talking and Dan exclaimed, “Hey! Are you the one with the bike?”

He excitedly told the group about my adventure and we all had some laughs. Danny, if you read this, you should know that your greeting when I pulled in that day brough such big smiles to my face and heart.

Thinking back now to visiting with Danny and Linda, Donna, Paul, and Hunter and feeling so blessed to have spent the evening with these people. It wasn’t rare for me to join in conversation with strangers along the way, but an evening of camaraderie that I felt with these folks was unprecedented. We laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed the very impressive and diverse musical talent of Hunter.

That day I felt I was among friends I’d known for years. I felt a strong sense of belonging; something that I once chased so fiercely. Throughout the evening I made a point of pausing, to be present, so I could remember each moment. Some of my favourite moments were:

• Learning that Donna had recently vacationed within 30 minutes of my home in Alberta
• Hunter asking if I would be interested in hearing one of his original songs. I felt honoured to hear him sing and play his own song
• Watching Dan artfully deliver a tray of drinks to the table
• Assuring Dan that my sopping wet pants would soon dry (not so artful a delivery after all)
• Paul’s giggle
• Linda’s smiling face

When I set out the next morning, I half-considered staying another night. Instead, Jules and I wheeled out and rode into a new day with new adventures ahead.

*If you’ve never seen One Week, do yourself a favour and watch it. This 2008 flick was when I first knew I was going to ride a motorbike across Canada one day. Here’s the trailer for it. It still puts a lump of joy in my throat and makes all the happiness leak out my eyes!