Bill and Sustainable Living

The plan for day four was to stick with Highway 62 for most of the day.

A good choice.

A break at Madoc’s first Mosque and we noticed two cyclist coming the opposite way. They immediately shot across to our side of the road for a conversation. Interestingly, they were doing a circuit that involved the rail trails and had chosen the highway for the same reason as us. The one guy had a Scottish accent and as they were leaving the other says, “great talking to you, as I can’t understand a word this guy’s saying.”

We weren’t expecting any establishments on this part of the route but were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon the Rustic Roadside Restaurant. We ordered a couple of tarts and a raspberry pie: delicious. Then Maggie tells us she’s only been open one week, that she has a full menu and the next thing we’re eating deep fried pickles and a crusty chicken sandwich. Had a few laughs with Maggie who threatened us if we didn’t write an online review.

Here’s where things went a bit awry. I planned the route to shave off several kilometres to our destination (see below). The road started as pavement then turned to gravel, or more accurately, sand. We started fishtailing and once again we’re moving slowly.

Bill

Meanwhile Bill has parked at our campsite and is cycling toward us.

The road turns back to pavement for a while then back to the sand. Had to walk up a couple of hills. Then we run into Bill who was given a beer by a local while he was waiting for us. It was great to see him though as he’s really struggling with the concussion and not being with us on the trip

Then on a particularly tough hill I have to stop, Bill has stopped and two seconds later – as a truck is passing us – Chuck falls. We laugh but Chuck isn’t aware that the trick has stopped and isn’t about to crush him; he’s not laughing.

Roads improve and we’re facing a big climb to our night’s campground. We arrive and Bill has beer and cold beverages. I could have kissed him.

Our hosts are working on their sustainable home. She’s from Turkey and he’s Russian. Lovely couple with quite the dream of living off the grid and running a retreat and yoga studio.

After Chuck’s struggle with his tent (near tantrum) we enjoy dinner (thank you Bill), a roaring fire courtesy of Chuck and then we bid Bill a farewell. Again, so great to see him but tough I’m sure for him to leave.