August 11, 2004

After an incredible month biking around Ontario, I returned to Waterloo late yesterday evening and spent most of today recovering and sorting pictures. The journey was staggering: my days on the road were full of wonderful people and sights and I’m still breathless with admiration and love.

I made it back alive thanks to Simon, who supplied me with bike parts, warmth, and endless cans of tuna;
And Martha who gave me her love and a part of herself to cure my loneliness;
And Trevor, who guided me on mountaintops for midnight swims and shivers;
And Zorianna, who came to Collingwood with hugs, wet hair, and cute bottles of wine;
And Alysia, who gave me her yard, dark rituals, new friends, and the sound of waves;
And Kathleen, who talked to me for endless incredible hours after a cold swim and a hot shower;
And Shrish, who fed me calamari after I battled my way through a storm;
And the Haldenbys, who gave me warm food, shelter, and a pair of socks when I needed them;
And Ray, who gave me a bad idea but an incredible destination;
And Tim Horton’s, whose toilets relieved me of the weight of my constipation;
And everyone who has made this 2000km journey possible — I’m deeply indebted to you all.

Soon I’ll tell you all about the ride to Tobermory and the bluest abyss I’ve ever seen, but for now I need to fall into a deep, restful coma. It’s good to be back after all that intensity.

Update: The following photo galleries now available online:

• Sarnia
• Collingwood, Owen Sound, Hamilton
• Tobermory
• Scenes from a Bike