Sat in a fast food restaurant on a Sunday night, I steal their wifi and buy the cheapest food they have. Hopefully they won't kick me out.. It's funny how things change. I would never struggle for a solid internet connection back home, but here in Canada the cost of phone plans are far too expensive. I'm trying to have a minimalistic approach to life, indulging in creature comforts less and living more!!
After leaving South Australia in November, I have spent the past few months traveling around the east of Canada. I began my journey with a dear friend named Daphnee. We shared the same travel interests and decided to travel together for a month or so. Where I was taken in by her family who live on a small island in Miscou, New Brunswick. An experience that wouldn’t be possible without their kindness and ultimately what lead to me conjuring up the idea to cycle the Americas. The calming and simple nature of life on the far east of Canada, allowed me to think clearly and answer my own questions about what it is I want from this life.
Parting ways in late December, I ventured off on my own to Montréal. Immersing myself into the hustle and bustle of city life. Not having much of a plan other than chasing the best party, I spent most of my time dancing. Montreal’s vibe is sexy, playful and VERY horny! The progressive nature of the city will have you feeling more and more queer each day! The locals tell me all the time, “you should see it in the summer!”. I wish I could but unfortunately I’ve played city boy for too long and I can feel my true nature coming out. More and more, my mind would drift off, taking me far away from any city and placing me on my bike, where I belong!
On February 11, I would fly out of Montreal, a city that has blessed me with so much! Profound and intense relationships, new experiences and memories I’ll hold close forever. Arriving in Vancouver at midnight, I navigate a new city with my two backpacks full of outdoor gear I have collected for my bike journey and they are HEAVY! I would only need to suffer through one final sleep in a crowded and cheap hostel room (of course I get the top bunk..) In the morning I'll be on the ferry to Vancouver Island, where my bike waits patiently for me at The Jumping Slug in Port Alberni. The only problem.. public transport can only take me so far. It's a two day walk from the final bus stop or its hitchhiking. Easy choice! The beauty of carrying two loaded packs is people are more inclined to feel sorry for you and pick you up, well that's the theory. Fortunately, I'm also very good looking, add them together and you're golden! Standing in the post office carpark in Parksville, I ask a fellow customer for directions "hey mate, looking for the best way to the Port Alberni Highway" to his reply "I was just about to ask if you needed a ride, hop in". Mission accomplished! Mark takes me to a highway junction where he claims will be the easiest spot to get picked up and taken the rest of the way. For less than a minute I walk with my thumb out before scoring another ride. Seems I’ve cracked the code on hitchhiking! Elliot and I actually got along so well that we drove around for a couple hours together, showing me some of the Island's attractions before dropping me off.
It would be wrong of me to not mention Dean and Julie at the Somass Motel in Port Alberni. I cannot put it into words, just how much their kindness and generosity has helped me out over the past week. Initially letting me set up my tent on a small grass area out the back and then letting me stay in a room free of charge for two nights whilst I worked with the team at The Jumping Slug to get my bike up and running.
Since I left Australia in November, I have come across nothing but warm hearted people that are always willing to help. Admittedly, I have never seen myself as someone who is likely to give without reward. Kind? Yes! Generous? I’m unsure! But, when you’re exposed to the power of sharing with and/or helping a stranger, it shifts your perspective. I will carry this with me forever!
After two full days in the bike shop, we’re ready to roll. BIG! shoutout to Lee and his team at The Jumping Slug, they were beyond amazing and helped tailor the bike to my every desire. The relationship I will soon form with this bicycle will be one built off of all the highs and lows of this life.
Riding away from the shop, with the warmth of a setting sun hitting my face, beer in hand, excitement and nerves racing through me. Immersed in the infinite beauty of this moment, where everything has come together at once. I wish I could photograph it, but maybe sometimes, an image is stronger if it exists only in the memory.