Day 80

July 31 - 33km (Manitoulin Island)

I was all alone again. West of Tobermory, I didn’t know anyone for thousands and thousands of kilometres. I think my break had left me too comfortable - I had gotten used to sleeping on a bed in an air-conditioned room and didn’t have to worry about biking 100km a day. So, I was feeling a little nervous - but ultimately excited to resume my journey.

As I was sitting at a cafe waiting to board the ferry, I made conversation with fellow passengers. Of note, I met Kathy and Scott, a very kind couple who had a home on Manitoulin Island. They graciously offered a place to stay for the night on the island.

After a short bike ride to their place, I was introduced to the Costigan family. They made me feel right at home, and that feeling of loneliness that I described earlier? It was completely gone. The Costigans helped me realize that I wouldn’t really be alone for the next half of my journey - there would be friends along the way. I just didn’t know them yet.

I took a dip into the lake and then we had dinner. This was a very funny family and the dinner table was lively with conversation. Afterwards, Scott helped me plan my route on the mainland. I was actually very nervous to bike North Ontario due to the highway conditions. That wasn’t a problem for tonight, however. I went to bed and slept well. Kathy, Scott, Isla, everyone: thank you so much for letting me be part of your home for a night!