Days 89-90 Part 1: Brockville-Morrisburg-Cornwall

The day started much like a lot of them a bit of breakfast a little conversation with my cycle mates the Ruru’s, plans were made, accommodations books up the way. Everything was set for a great days riding then…

I had to have coffee!

But before I get to that let me show you a bit more of the amazing scenery Ontario has to offer on the way from Brockville to Morrisburg.

The got me going on reliving the amazing 1988 classic Beetlejuice. The Maitlands owned a store, oh just watch it if you don’t get it.

Ok now back to coffee,

I decided once I got to Morrisburg to stop for coffee and did something I hate to do, stop at Tim Horton’s!

I might have broken my no Tim’s rule but I kept my promise not to drink it there so went across the street to sit in the shade and drink my coffee. On the way I was caught up by the Ruru’s and we all were ready for a break.

As they were off getting tea a local gentlemen (John) and I struck up a conversation about traveling, and once the Ru’s came back we all were having a good old time.

After some time John graciously offered these three strangers a place to stay for the night at his house (without telling his girlfriend!) as well as a trip to Ottawa as he was headed there for an appointment.

As we already booked accommodations there was a bit of reticence on our part, but we all soon came around and took the kind man up on his offer. After all this is not just a bike journey but about experiences, meeting new people and the conversations along the way. In short it’s an exercise in yes!

That simple decision to stop for coffee changed an otherwise normal day of riding and working on projects into a magical day with some wonderful friends.

Here’s are hosts John and Chantal and some pictures around their house.

The view from the deck where John has a homemade hot tub, lots of stories and laughs were had by all.

I can always spot a Vargas Girl, one of my illustration heroes, and probably the reason I’m an illustrator today.

John for year has built an outdoor ice rink for the town. In addition to this generosity he has collected both boys and girls skates and provides them at no charge to any who needs them, which speaks to the big heart of this man.

A 20 year old John who at that tender young age has already motorcycled Canada across and back! Pretty rad. Once you cultivate that adventurous spirit it’s around for good.

Sunset in Morrisburg…

The next morning after some more great conversation as well as a nice breakfast we said our goodbyes and went on our way east. It has been a wonderful experience and I am truly grateful for having lived it.

Leaving Morrisburg en route to our previous destination Cornwall. Claire Ruru called the day before when we decided to stay and sweet talked the proprietor to move our reservations to today instead which was awesome as we were out any money and got to have a great day! Win-win…So after a late start it’s still a short day on the bike, which makes for a stress free day.

It’s pretty spectacular to see a ship this big travelling down a river!!!

Yours truly looking awesome as usual 😉

Nothing like a little fun at a memorial from the war of 1812, I wonder how far this canonball will go…

Cornwall itself is a not so spectacular border town. Tomorrow is a long 120km to Montreal where I plan to stay for a few days and explore that city. It has been a long time coming but I have been looking forward to getting into Quebec and experiencing the French Canadian culture. Tomorrow after many many days I will finally cross Ontario and make my way into Quebec.

Tomorrow is also goodbye to my good friends the Ruru’s as they are not spending much time in Montreal. It has been an absolute pleasure to spend this time with them and I learned a lot and have gotten so many ideas from our conversations. Who knows what the road may bring I might catch up with them a second time or sometime in the future on another adventure.