Canadian Dream

What an amazing adventure and learning experience the last few months of my life have been! I went from being a "normal" 23 year old woman living with Crohn's, to catapulting myself into the

tumultuous yet wonderful experience of planning to walk across Canada. Organizing this adventure was a task unlike anything I had ever previously embarked upon or imagined. Although extremely busying, and -- at times -- overwhelming, I felt alive. I was going to see this beautiful country. I was was going to raise awareness about a cause I believe in passionately. I was meeting new people constantly and being ever reminded that people are generous and do in fact care. (Something I think we often forget in today's society!) I want to sincerely thank everyone that helped get this journey started, supported it along the way, and I want you all to know that it's far from over yet! .

In addition to much organizing, the walk itself was and has been amazing. In the two months and almost 900kms that I walked, I saw parts of my natal country that I had only dreamed of seeing. From the rolling hills and fjord of NFLD, the myriad awesomeness of nature in its many forms, to the scenic views of Cape Breton, I definitely saw breathtaking parts of my country that I will never forget! In addition to seeing incredible parts of my home, Canada, I also met the most amazing people. From the most talented and friendly driver I've ever met, Herb Osbourne, to the incomparable generosity and near familial care of the Furys, to Bradley, the most adorable "fan" I had ever made, to the numerous passers-by that donated money, offered me food and shelter, or just great conversation, I encountered the best kind of people mankind has to offer. (Long sentence! :P) I feel truly enriched by nature and by the astounding people within my country. For this I am eternally grateful in ways I can't accurately express in words.

The personal, spiritual benefits garnered from this walk have been tremendous, but I am also extremely pleased to report that in this time I spoke to several schools--on and off the "record"--and have participated in, or been a part of, nearly 40 press functions spreading the word about Crohn's & Colitis. Crohn's has certainly challenged me, and I know it challenges some with even more difficulty. I only hope that what I've done thus far helps others and is one step closer toward people contributing to finding a cure. I am looking forward to doing a great deal more in this endeavour, and will for the rest of my life, not only with the continuation of this walk! . (There may--MAY--even be a book in the works!)

About the rest of the walk:

During this life-changing process a few difficulties came to light, and I realized a few things that have made me come to a point of change in how I'm going to continue. I do fully intend to complete this walk, let me make that clear, but vital issues have arisen causing a hiatus and some conditions must be met before I charge forth.

I have decided -- as a young woman in pursuit of constantly bigger and better things -- that I will continue my walk across Canada in seasonal sections. I am going to attend St. Mary's University

studying a mesh of topics (I love many subjects!) and from there will re-organize to continue my walk during the summer months. This method definitely deviates from what I had originally planned, but several conditions necessitated this and I feel it's truly what's best for me and this adventure.

First and foremost -- after a lot of arguing with myself and a sense of pride -- I came to realize that my health and safety is paramount. I truly believe in this cause, but surviving the process of

promoting this cause must take precedence! *Laughs.*

I had never intended to walk across Canada alone. I am a strong, independent woman, but being alone in the middle of the woods -- literally -- with no cell phone reception, shoeing away giant moose that are casually poking their heads across my tent... is, well, less than rendering of security and happiness. I had a walking partner, but he -- for his own personal reasons -- left 8 days in. At that time, I did decide to trek on. Over the course of the next two months, however, constantly being alone through the wilderness of Canada, becoming increasingly ill (with my Crohn's), and constantly putting myself in situations risking my safety became exceptionally emotionally and physically taxing.

I can't quite properly convey just what it feels like to be alone every day walking through the woods for two months at a time, walking across Canada. My pride pains me to say this, but it was just too

much. I strongly believe in a mind-body connection, and let me tell you: feeling physically ailed and exhausted, and then feeling extremely alone and fearing for my safety on top of that causes a situation simply too difficult to bear. I believe in this cause and I want to continue, but finding myself so distressed and ill each day and each night, alone in the middle of the forest primeval is too high a price to pay.

With that reality and the caring counsel of my family, friends, and the foundation, I've come home. Through this process I realized and decided that I really wanted to pursue my education, and instead of doing this after a year of walking consecutively, I should divide the walk via my summers and my education via the other seasons of the year. Quite honestly, however, this is also to strengthen my ability to walk: physically, mentally, and financially.

During this schoolyear I will be able--with any luck--to find a walking partner for 2-3 months of walking next summer. Having a walking partner is an absolute must, for my safety as well as sanity, particularly when I leave the Atlantic provinces. Furthermore: I don't want to cite any sort of arrogance on my part, but I truly know--firsthand--that committing to walk for an entire year is an extremely difficult process and I would be hardpressed to find a reliable, willing partner to do this. Finding someone to agree to walk over the summer months only--one year at a time--will be far, far easier. Both for my mental health and my safety, this is an absolute must.

I also believe that taking a schoolyear off from walking so strenuously will help to manage my Crohn's. I feel almost foolish in admitting this, but I truly did not realize how hard this much strenuous labour would effect my illness. I hate to admit it, but I don't think my body can accommodate more than two months of walking at a time, especially if I'm alone and continuously stressed by my loneliness and safety. (I feel so whiny! :P)

All-in-all: I feel extremely proud to have accomplished what I've done so far. As I said: I've walked nearly 900km, raised awareness and funds for Crohn's via donations and almost 40 press functions, spoke to as many people and even schools as I could along the way, and absolutely plan to continue every summer until this adventure is complete. Through this next year I plan to re-group, amass more funds and supplies for my journey, secure a walking partner, and get into even better shape than ever before so that my Crohn's--my health--is on par with my determination next year!

Thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart for supporting me and I hope to have your support again next year!

Live well!

Sincerely,

Michelle Aubie

Cape Breton greeted me with, guess what, rain. Bucket loads of rain. When I first arrived in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton was in the throws of beating its former rainfall record set in 1958, from 23.1 to 64.8mm of rain in one day! Over the first few days it rain a whopping 123.4mm. I can now proclaim to be an expert in rainfall. I have walked in every type of shower imaginable, misty to moderate, to down right biblical. I'm sure I can even smell rain in the air.

Despite the weather, Cape Breton has much more to offer. Just last year in 2008, Cape Breton was named # 1 island in the continental U.S.and Canada and10th best in the world to visit by Travel & Leisure Magazine. In the same year, it was called an island paradise in Fordor's Travel News and just a cool four years earlier National Geographic Travel Magazine recognized Cape Breton as the second best sustainable tourism destination in the entire world. Those are some pretty impressive titles.

Unfortunately, since my arrival the weather has until today, been less then impressive, causing scenic Cape Breton to be shrouded in mist and fog. My first day on the island was amongst one of its torrential downpours. I walked until I was soaked. Before leaving the Clansman I had a choice. I could walk the regular highway and eventually have to summit the grueling Kelly's Mountain, a pass through the highway that summits a mountain that takes no less then 15 minutes to drive up at 100km an hour. Or I could take the scenic route 4, which weaved in and out of coastal communities that lined Bras D'or Lake. Sure the locals said that it was a hilly road. But how bad could it be in comparison to Kelly's Mountain, I thought. Well, let me tell you this. When the locals say, "it's a hilly road."  Well this is what they're really saying. "You may have a heart attack/heat stoke on the god forbidden road lined with steep constant demon hills that nearly kills my cars transmission, but it's up to you!"

After I left the Clansman I walked to Sydney Cape Breton. There I was offered a free room at The Beacon. On my way to Sydney I met one of the friendliest police officers I have ever met. He stopped me on the side of the highway, while I was walking in the rain and offered to let me dry and wait out the weather in his cop car. I must admit, I was a little nervous at first. I had never been in a cop car and couldn't help but feel like I was doing something wrong. My time with Mr. Friendly Cop passed quickly and before you know it I was walking again.

Then began my journey on route 4. Now five days later and most certainly 10 pounds lighter I have arrived in St.Peters. I have never sweated so profusely in my life. I could feel the pounds melting of me as I walked, learning first hand that eyes brows are meant to keep the rainfall sweat from blinding your vision. The sun was hiding, but the humidity was intense. Imagine ascending and descending mountains in an oven, pushing a 120 pound Japanese Taxi. I challenged myself to the next level and boy do I feel proud. I'm a real charity walker now. Christened no less with the intensity of insanity. There were times while walking and sweating, that I imagined myself in one of those 90's Power-Aid commercials with the cheesy music and people sweating in funky colors like green and orange. It was pretty funny and it helped pass the time.

Now, 100kms later, I'm told I have passed the worst of it. The road should somewhat flatten from here on out. Like usual I have met some really great people and had a good time. I stayed in my first 4 star hotel in Ben Eion, slept in a creepy old cabin (well attempted to sleep in an old creepy cabin but chickened out and pitched my tent in the ladies yard), crashed in a cot in an old convenience store attached to an elderly couples house and played seniors merchandise Bingo at an Indian Reservation! I can already tell that Cape Breton is a place where stories and adventures are born. I am eagerly waiting what the future holds.

Well a new province has begun. I took the DRLbus from Corner Brook to Port-aux-Basques. It was a crazy night. I metsome really great people aboard the boat. The kind of Newfoundlander'sthat will drink you under the table. Also, during the summer, MarineAtlantic hires live bands and guests to play in the bar. Tonight therewas a lovely young woman playing keyboard and singing. She had anamazing voice. The music went on until 1:00am then they both shut thebar and the music down. I was having immense difficulty sleeping on theboat so me and my new boat friends decided to stay up. A ferry is somuch more interesting at night. We went up top, looked at the sky, andI was amazed by the strenghtof the crosswinds. It a whole different kind of creepy when your on topthe boat at night. To begin with, when we boarded the boat the weatherwas perfect. In the middle of the ocean the weather is very cold. Allyou can see lit is the boat around you. It feels as though the boat issailing into the abyss. It's both stunning and scary. Especially sinceI am not quite fond of water. Even though I could not see the loomingshores of Nova Scotia,I could feel their approach. I think part of the reason I could notsleep was the anticipation of finally starting a new province. A wholenew adventure!

It was 7:30am when the boat finally docked at North Sydney, Nova Scotia.I had still not sleep a wink. Like the zombie I clearly appeared to beI groggily strolled of the boat and on dry land. I could have kissedthe pavement. Thankfully, Corrina, one of my ferry friends offered todrive me to the Clansman Motel. Remember them, I stayed there on theway up to Newfoundland...Deja-vu!I was glad to see that Sandra the owner still remembered me and I wasyet again graciously offered a free nights stay. What a gal! I grabbreakfast and somehow teleportedto my room, since I can't really remember how I got there. Must be anew feature in motels. Ate my yummy breakfast and crashed with the trayof food still on my bed beside me. It was 3:00pm when I awoke again tothe world. With not much to do I figured that I would come write ajournal entry. I am excited to trek a new territory, with an addedtwist. I have recently decided that I will be doing PEI as well. Thereis a ferry crossing in Pictou, Nova Scotia.I guess I just can't pass up the opportunity. The only shitty news is,guess what, it's going to rain for the next week. I guess Nova Scotia is quickly following in the footsteps of it neighbour. Oh, well...ces't la vie!

Where to begin. Well, 159km later and I’m finally in Corner Brook. This will unfortunately be my last stop in Newfoundland. There is still a 200km section from here to Port-aux-Basques, but I will not be walking it for a number of reasons. It is a very isolated and barren section of the highway, often with no cell phone reception. I feel that walking this part alone is very dangerous and I am not willing to place myself in unreasonable danger. So, for these reason I will be taking a drive to Port-aux-Basques and continuing on from there in Nova Scotia. My total distanced walked in Newfoundland was 703km. I am eager now to start a new province.

But first, let me tell you a little about my last couple of days. My walk from Springdale to Corner Brook has been pretty much the same. When I finally got to Deer Lake I decided it was time for a well deserved break. Since I have been accepted to University in the fall, I have been spending allot of time trying to catch up on scholarship application forms and doing all the last minutes details for school. I wanted some time away from it all. So, like planned, I took a mini-vacation to Gros Morne National Park. I have been eagerly walking in anticipation to arrive at this park. Now I will finally tell you why. Along with being a National Park, Gros Morne is UNESCO world Heritage site. Gros Morne can easily be compared to the beauty and wonder of the Canadian Rockies. While visiting the park, I had the amazing opportunity to see three of the park most interesting sites, the tablelands,Gros Morne Mountain and Western Brook Pond. It was arranged by my host in Deer Lake, the Pinksons, that I would have a drive up with a family friend. Through my Newfoundland networks, I was also able to secure a place to stay in Rocky Harbour, one of many of Gros Morne Communities. On the drive up to the park I had the extreme pleasure of visiting the Tablelands. This section of the park is a natural wonder to see. The only way to describe it would be mountains on mars. These red rocks hills are barren and completely devoid of any plant life. Interestingly, they run parallel with beautiful forested mountains. One can call the tablelands site the ying and yang of hills. The Tablelands are composed of peridotite rock, which is thought to be made up of the earths mantle. It is one of the only places in the world where you can walk on mantle rock, which is normally found many kilometers underground and constitutes of about 84% of the earths volume. The site was created millions of years ago during a plate collision that forced the earths mantle into the beautiful red mountains we call the Tablelands today. Like most of Newfoundland interesting geology, it was a natural wonder and a joy to see.

I'm saving the best for last. Before I tell you about Western Brook Pond, I had the chance to also see Gros Morne Mountain. I was planning to take some time to climb the highest mountain in the park but because of a nesting of rare birds, the mountain was closed until further notice to hikers. It just so happens, that the house I was bunking at had one of the most spectacular views of Gros Morne from their front yard. I took several pictures and stared in awe for a good while. I may not have had time to climb, but it certainly gives me something to look forward to next time I visit Gros Morne. Yes, there will be a next time. Finally, on my last day in the park, I visited one of the most spectacular nature made site I have ever witnessed, Western Brook Pond. There is beauty here I cannot describe. Western Brook Pond is a glacial carved fjord out of the long range mountains. What does that mean? Well, not only is this site billions of years old, it was made during the last several glacier periods. The moving weight of the glaciers on rock gradually over millions of years created a gigantic U-shaped gorge out of the mountain. Now creating a landlocked lake in the middle of the mountains. This fresh water lake was once connected to the sea, but over time as ice melted the land began to rise, eventually cutting Western Brook Pond away from the ocean. I took a 2 hour boat tour through the fjord. The site is phenomenal, you walk the 3km beaten path to the dock at the edge of the lake. The boats used for the tour were flown in sectional pieces and put together at the site. Once on board the tour begins. The boat makes it's way to a 16km crack in the mountains. Once inside your in another world. Waterfalls cascades of the billion year old cliffs. The vegetation and scenery are as though you have boat toured into a small paradise. Many of the people on the tour were on vacation from other places in Canada, but a small group was from Germany. It was an awesome crowd of people and it made the tour all the better. It's a site I would highly recommend to see.

During the boat tour I met some very interesting people that I later hitched a ride back to Deer Lake with. Denise and Marilyn were from Alberta. These ladies were in the 40's and boy were they wild. Friends for several years, the ladies have been all over the world. They told me all kinds of stories about past adventures they had embarked on both in adulthood and youth. They are on a level of adventure that I don't even come close to comparing to. Denise told me that in her youth she hitchhiked to Toronto with three friends to live on a farm of one of her favorite bands at the time. Talk about hardcore groupie. They've biked, hiked, motorcylced, flown, canoed, you name it, pretty much anywhere you can think off. Together I'm sure they've travelled the world. I was both impressed and envious of the ladies travels. It's inspired me to keep up with my own dreams of someday travelling overseas and gives me the courage to keep on truckin'.

Once I returned to Deer Lake I spent a little more time with the Pinkson family before I was back on the road. The Pinkson's are related to the Parsons from Gander. Charline is Nadine's sister. They were very much alike in many ways, including outstanding hospitality. I met many of their friends and family during my stay. As always the time came to move on. It only took me 2 days to walk from Deer Lake to Corner Brook. So here I am now, staying with the Chapter Vice President, Natalie and her family. I was taken on a fun filled tour last night of the city. The western part of Newfoundland is gorgeous. By far my favorite section. It is surrounded by mountains and water and believed to be by many Newfoundlanders the most beautiful section of the province. Corner Brook is a beautiful little city. Many of the residential streets are tree lined and clean. It has a cozy feeling to the city, like a small European town. You feel like strolling the streets on a sunny day and frequenting little shop that complete it's main street. It's the second largest city in the province with a population of about 25,000 and has something for everyone, especially if you like the outdoors. Soon I will be leaving again, but this time with a new twist. Nova Scotia is on the horizon. It has been a fun,grueling,exciting,sad,and transforming 6 weeks. I am both eager and dismayed to leave Newfoundland, but one things for sure, this is far from the end!

The Three Rivers Country Inn was a blast. The proprietors Elizabeth and Glenn were amazing people. Elizabeth is no novice in the art of owning a B&B. Before Three Rivers, Elizabeth owned and operated a four star B&B in the heart of St.John's. It is easy to tell that over the years she has perfected the art of entertaining and cooking.

Not only does the Three Rivers take in tourists but students as well. During my stay, the B&B was housing five students from the local school, Central Training Academy. At first I was slightly intimidated at the prospect of their being a bunch of guys around. But as soon as I met them I knew I was wrong. Many were from Corner Brook and all were equally entertaining. I was quickly integrated into the group and felt as though I was among friends. I was even treated to a trip to the local YMCA for some swimming. It was nice to do some other activities then walking. On the other hand, outside activities reminded me of how much I missed my own friends. Nothing makes you appreciate something more then it's absence. My total stay was two fun filled days.

My next stop was Springdale. Herb, our cowboy driving savior was resident to Springdale. It was already arranged that I would stay with him and his family while passing through this section of highway. They agreed, like their predecessors, to pick me up and drop me off on the highway so that I would not have to spend nights alone outside. It was my second day back on the road since the purchase of my new radio and I was considerably disappointed by the fact that it would no longer pick up any reception. My attempts at listening to the radio only caused me a near fatal heart attack. Whether from malfunction or loss of reception, the radio had a glitch. I was contentedly listening to my staticy yet amusing radio when "bang" I was in the throws of a Newfoundland drive by shooting, or so I thought. The radio was making incredibly loud gunshot like sounds. Causing me to nearly wet myself. I decided for the sake of my heart and bladder, I would put the thing away for now.

For the last few days I have been staying at the Osbourne residence. They have taken it upon themselves to drive me out to my stop points and pick me back up again at night. Yesterday was the first time since Pierre, that I have had a walking partner for a full day. Other then Nadine's 8km walking partnership back in Gander, I have walked completely alone for the last 3 weeks. Nikita, the Osbourne's 14 year old daughter did me the service of keeping me company for a day. It was nice to have a walking partner again, even for a day. Too sweeten the deal, one of Nikita's friends even joined for the last hour too. Nikita was an absolute trooper. I did not expect her to last the day. Not only did she keep my pace, walk 4 hours and 45 minutes straight, a cool 24km but not complain once. She was an absolute joy to have around and I appreciated her company very much.

Tomorrow I am back on the road again. I plan to spend one more night with the Osbourne's, then it's off to a new family. I will miss them like all the others. I have grown a keen fondness of Nikita, as well as a comical obsession to get her to eat fruit. Which she fervently hates and describes as quote, "it's like soggy and slimy." Next stop Deer Lake and then a small but long due vacation. As I plan to visit Grosse Mourne National Park.

My stay with the Hounsell's in Grand-Falls-Windsor was lovely. I am not quite sure how I intend to keep in touch with all the people I have met. I don't think I ever thought I would have this problem. Not that I'm complaining. It's quite the opposite. I care so much for the people who have touched my life that I fear not being able to stay in touch. Only time will tell.

Before I set back out on the road, I had Dana my hosts bring me to the local "Source Store". My goal was to buy a small AM/FM radio so that I could listen to CBC radio. It can get quite repetitive to listen to your MP3 player and the constant buzz of passing cars. I needed a change, a change for the better. The radio and small pouch cost me about $40. I was eager to get on the road today. Now that I had a new toy I wanted to see how much it kept me entertained. It was a joy. I listened to all kinds of radio shows like The Point and The Age of Persuasion. It was really nice to feel connected to the world. It felt as though I had company again. The first few hours went by in a breeze. Once I reached about 23km, I was starting to become really tired and hungry. It became continually harder to focus on anything but these predicaments. Eventually I removed the radio and walk a final excruciating 3km to a local restaurant in Badger.

Once inside the restaurant I slumped into a booth and thank the gods for industrialization. After my meal I headed to the Three Rivers Country Motel. As I approached the Three Rivers Inn I couldn't help but notice the country charm of the B&B. The house, built in 1906 was once used as a convent. Elizabeth and Glenn, along with its former owners have put many beautiful restorative touches to the property. Once inside Three Rivers has a feel like home, a place where you can sit down, put up your feet and chat with old friends. As I sit here now writing this journal entry, I can't help but feel blessed to have met so many people who have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable.

As I prepared for a well deserved shower, I examined my freakish tan in the mirror. I now have the granddaddy of a farmers tan. I made a mental note to start taking some more precautions against the sun. Yet, tonight and tomorrow I would put my feet up and rest for the adventures ahead.

It warms my heart to have experienced such generosity. In our society we hardly take the time to recognize the good in people. We are bombarded with fear based media. So I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all the exceptional individual along the way. Without you, my journey would not have been fufilled. I will always bear mind of the selfless acts of kindness. There is good in the world and a good portions lives in Newfoundland.

I must admit with my mini-vacation at the Furey's I became a little lazy with chronicling my entries. So this entry will span from May 19th to May 30th in a rather condensed version. This entry however, will bring us up to date.

My stay with the Furey's was fantastic. Not only did it rejuvenate me but set me back on track. I took up George's advice in purchasing running shoes. In the end, this turned out to be excellent suggestion. Since I have taken up walking with running shoes, I have not gotten any new blisters. Most of my time back in Holyrood was spent relaxing. I slept allot, ate great food and spent a great deal of time updating my website. By the end of my stay I was eager to leave and get started again. I felt more confident and assured. I also had another motivating factor in continuing my walk. I was now ardent to visit Grosse Morne National Park on the western part of the island. I had done research on the park while on my mini vacation and have become obsessed with the notion of visiting it's sights. I'll tell you why once I'm there!

On the day of my departure back to Traytown (the town the Furey's had picked me up from) a terrible accident had happened no more then 50 feet away from the house. There was a construction crew working on the roads and a worker in the crew was ran over by a piece of equipment and killed. It was a devastating accident. I felt terrible and thought of how only days ago how friendly all the workers had been while driving though the construction zone. Accidents such as these really make you realize the fragility of life.

Anne-Marie had organized for a young man named Steven to bring me back to Traytown while he and his brother were driving home for the weekend to visit his parents in East-Port, a neighbouring community. Steven, an employee of the Newfoundland government had called Fleet Lines chartered buses to inquire about renting a bus and in return got me. Steven and his brother were a blast. During our trip, they taught me about Newfoundland's history, told me about Fairy lore and best of all fed me, Pizza Delight. I talked about my adventures and worries of walking alone. They had many words of encouragements and offered to let me stay at their parents house for the night, granted it was okay with their parents. As it turns out, it was! When we arrived in East-Port it was late and very dark but they took me to see the beach. Even at night it was a beautiful spectacle. The beach was wooded, with rock less sand and circled with forested hills leading to an opening in the ocean. The sky was cloudless and starry. An ink blackness with pin holes of light. The sound of the ocean reminded me of home. I missed my family, dog and friends. It was nice however, to have good company.The Bradley family was great. They explained to me how the fishing industry worked and made me feel at home. We all spent several hours talking before finally I went to bed. I was going to be back on the road again tomorrow and I wanted to be well rested.

The next day Steven drove me back to the highway, taking the scenic route. We stopped at an old factory to take a look around. It was a fascinating site, reminding me slightly of the Furey's factory back in Holyrood. This factory had also been built by the Germans and was used as a mill. There was a river nearby with a rich history as well. Loggers used the river to transport wood in the 1920's. The factory was ominous, gutted and completely covered in graffiti. It was nice to be getting a guided tour. Much of Newfoundland's town and cities are crammed with history. All fascinating but too much to learn in a short period of time.

The day was looking up and I had a long distance of walking ahead. I said my good-byes to Steven and set out on my second day of lone travel. Much of these days have come and gone without consequence. Most music filled and spent in a sort of numb mental haze a person puts themselves in to pass the time. There was one night however that was especially exciting. I was camping off the side of the highway when at around 1:30am something was brushing against my tent. I didn't really know what to do and figured and inch of cloth was no protection. So I took my pocket knife and head lamp and went to investigate. It was in fact a ginormous moose. I nearly pissed myself. The moose indifferent, casually strolled back into the woods from whence it came. After about 10 minutes when I stared breathing again, I settled back into the tent and wearily went to sleep.

Gambo was an interesting town on the side of the highway. I had initially went into the town looking for a restaurant to eat and ended up staying for the night. A friendly resident offered up their back yard to pitch my tent. I was immediately befriended by a 10year old boy named Bradley. To say Bradley took a shining to me would be an understatement. For the rest of the day and night, Bradley and I were pretty much inseparable. He was a great kid and an even better tour guide. Bradley made sure I was well acquainted with all his family that dominated an entire street in Gambo, as well as the most interesting sites. These people were extremely generous and trusting, they allowed me to borrow their 4 wheeler without supervision to take on a small joyride. Before that, Luke a resident teen, graciously offered to take me on a 4wheeler tour of some neighbouring trails. Gambo is known as being the birthplace of Joey Smallwood. A former premiere of Newfoundland and coined as the last father of confederation in wikipedia. The town was modest and cheerful, a good place to rest for the night.

The next day I set off on the trans-Canada trail to Gander. I needed a break from walking on the side of the highway. The trans-Canadian trail in Newfoundland was once the provinces railway tracks which operated from 1898 until it was abandoned September 1st, 1988. The train continued to operate removing tracks until November 1990, which was the last running train in Newfoundland. In 1992, Canada proposed to build a trans-Canadian trail for their 125th Anniversary. A Rails-to-Trails initiative was undertaken and most of the trans-Canadian-trails were once abandoned railway lines donated to the government. Such is the case with the Newfoundland trans-Canadian section. It is largely used by Newfoundlanders as a recreational vehicle speedway. In the 40km day I walked the trail, I was passed by more then twenty-five 4wheelers and dirt bikes. We were all very courteous in sharing the space. It was a delightful walk, silent and definite change of pace. I felt less stressed and rushed. It was as though I was taking a leisurely stroll in the woods. Even the constant bite of black flies hardly bothered me. I was just happy!

It was just before Benton that I met my hippie friend Hugh. Hugh was sailing up and down the trails on his vintage dirt bike. After about his third pass he stopped to chat. If you were to take a time machine and teleport a peace loving, tree hugging hippie to the future it would be Hugh. He was really an amazing person, genuine and kind. I think he could see how much I was longingly staring at his dirt bike. In his very much laid back tone he suggested, "hey man, let's take that trolley thing and like hook it to the back of my bike and go for a joy ride." How could I resist. So we went for a joy ride indeed. Met a pilot, who was also dirt biking and had a fun filled adventure. Later, Hugh returned me to my hiking spot to resume walking.

It was late evening when I arrived in Gander. I called my Crohn's and Colitis contact, the Parsons family, Nadine, Corey, Alexandra and Andrew. Nadine came to get me at the trails end and brought me to her lovely home. There I spent the better part of a week. I quickly attached to Nadine and her family. I loved the kids and felt completely at home in the house. It was more like visiting old friends then meeting new people. I could not have asked to be better treated. I was bought supplies, took baths in the jacuzzi tub, helped with arranging interview with local media, given awesome meals and rented movies. On the second night, Nadine took me to meet all her friends, who conveniently all resided on the same street. It was a girls night out and it was fun! We had treats and chatted for hours. Nadine was sensationally nervous about letting me sleep in my tent alone. She officially informed me that she was going to walk with me for a few kilometers on my first day back on the road, pick me up at the end of the day and bring me back where I left of the next day. It was an incredibly generous offer and she did it for two days straight. On the third day, Nadine made sure I had someone else picking me up at night before she relieved herself from her compassionate self appointed duty of keeping me safe. I've really grown attached to this family. Like the Furey's, they were welcoming, loving and benevolent. Before I left Gander for good, Michelle, Nadine's sister-in-law, very good friend and co-owner of the local Source for Sports Store donated another pair of running shoes. I was very appreciative of the shoes. The ones I had were treating me well. On my final day with the Parsons, Nadine drove me back to my last days stopping point on the highway. I shared a tear felt goodbye and promised to keep in touch. At the rate I'm going, I'll be calling half of Newfoundland every night.

Now this takes us to yesterday, May 29th. I walked all the way to Bishop Falls. It was an extremely hot and humid day. The flies were enough to make you mental and I was tired. In the past three days I had walked 88km. Once I walked into town I beelined for a restaurant. After my meal, I called my Grand-Falls contact, courtesy of Nadine and asked to be picked up. By now, it should be obvious of how incredibly spoiled I am getting. For the last week, I have been sleeping in a bed every night and having regular and enjoyable meals.

Dana Hounsell is a friend of Nadine's. She is also the sister of Sonia B. Glover the author of the book Coping with Crohn's-The Pain and the Laughter. This book is the first of it's kind in Canada. The Housell's have proved to be just as big hearted as all my other hosts. It seems hospitality is a common Newfoundland trait. Tomorrow I am on the road again. I have recently just made the decision to split the walk into three sections. The decision was made for numerous reasons. One I have a lack of provisions funding. Secondly, I am apprehensive to walk the more western provinces by myself and thirdly the break between sections would allow me the chance to optimise planning for each province and find a walking partner. Hopefully this will also allow for greater campaign success for the foundation. I am satisfied with this decision. It has alighted me with new found hope and zealous to continue. I want only to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I hope others will understand and continue to support the walk and it's cause.

The days were starting to get nicer. Not only was walking becoming easier but it seemed that bouts of agreeable weather did in fact exist in Newfoundland. We were on the road again and making good time. It was about 10:30am when we departed from camp. About 10km later we stopped at a gas station of the highway where I bought ice cream and a sandwich. It was then that Pierre informed me that he was officially leaving the walk. I can't say the news was entirely surprising. From his previous complaints I could tell that Pierre was not quite made out for endurance hiking. A few meters down the road was a North Atlantic gas bar where we stopped so Pierre could make some calls to inquire about buses and plane tickets home. Seeing that we were pretty much in the middle of nowhere he decided to walk to Gander with me (another 3 days walk) then board home bound transportation from there.

The rest of the days walk was silent and rugged. We were walking through the remote Terra Nova National Park founded in 1957. Terra Nova, Newfoundland's first national park is certainly one of the provinces most beautiful sights. Its forested hilly regions are lined with the north Atlantic ocean. There is a vast array of natural beauty and cultural history within the park. Stemming from bogs to cliff faces and seemingly magical forests to abundant natural resources that once attracted earlier settlers. Stories of fairies in and around these areas of Newfoundland are abundant. As legend would have it, when taking leisurely strolls in the forest, one should always have food in your back pocket to appease the fairies. Otherwise the nasty buggers will lure you into the forest until you are hopelessly lost forever. Scary isn't it. In reality, Newfoundland has underground gas pocket that leek through the surface. They are best seen at night when they are illuminated casting a magical fairy like glow, and here I was hoping to see a fairy.

It was after a particularly hour long and difficult climb up a hill that seemed as though it would never end that Pierre informed me he was actually leaving right about...now. We had arrived at a lookout point and decided that we would take a break to eat while he figured things out. I used the MSR Simmerlite stove for the first time. I was rather proud of myself because I had it working the first try. After supper, Pierre packed all his belongings in my backpack and we set out. All the while I was walking, Pierre was following along hitchhiking in the attempts to get a drive to Gander. It was then that I decided that I would walk to Charlottetown, a town just outside Terra Nova limits and sleep for the night. I wanted to have some time to adjust to being alone. I was scared and nervous. I never intended on walking by myself. It was my thought that I would have my dog with me as company as well. Now with my gloomy future looming ahead and Pierre hitchhiking behind me, I had never more then now felt liking quitting.

In the end, Pierre did not get a drive that day and ended up staying with me at the Clode Sound Motel in Charlottetown. Nellie the owner was kind enough to donate a free night. Later, while Pierre was scanning through some photo albums in the lobby we discovered that David Suzuki had stayed at the Clode Sound for a week several year ago while shooting a show on the park and its programs. Nellie later told me that he was a delightful man that did anything from helping to cook in the kitchen and posing endlessly for pictures with staff and all their families.

After we were checked in our rooms I started thinking about the task ahead. Now being alone, my journey seemed more daunting and terrifying. I was restless and somewhat frustrated with Pierre, so I decided to go on a Pepsi search. Perpendicular to the motel was a set of rental cabins. There was a rather large and boisterous crowd of people all sitting, laughing and drinking outside. Desperate for company and pop I went to ask if there was a nearby store. Sure enough they offered my all kinds of Pepsi and alcoholic beverages while inviting me to stay and chat. I gladly accepted the offer and begun what would be a fun filled two days of horseshoe, cooked dinners, drives to Clarenville S.P.C.A, and drinking. They were sympathetic to my plight and offered to drive Pierre back to Clarenville where he could catch the bus and I could look into getting a dog for protection and company. It was 1:30am before I staggeringly crawled into my bed. It was somewhat difficult to put my glass down on the nightstand, since now, magically there were two of them. Huh, how weird. I had again made new and unforgettable friends. I may have felt down because of the days ahead but at the moment my fears were quieted.

Today was my first day alone. My previous days adventure to the S.P.C.A left me empty handed. The animal shelter felt as though I would not be able to properly take care of an animal on the road. As well as, being worried about the integration of this dog with my Pixie. I was discouraged but in the end had no alternative choice, I was alone. My first few kilometers were overwhelming and terrifying. The weight of solitude came crashing down on me like a tidal wave, sweeping me into a silent and dark oblivion. All the dangers that were once an after thought came pushing into my forward consciousness. I cried silently while pushing the Japanese Taxi down the highway.

After a few minutes I took hold of myself and begun to feel more reassured. I begun focusing on the reasons I wanted to be here and why I was capable of this feet. I knew deep down that I was a strong and resourceful person. For the time being I was safe and willing to push on. It was around this time that I begun to dabble in the idea of completing the walk in sections rather then a thru-hike. The rest of my day was spent walking out of Terra Nova National Park. My goal for the day was a camp ground at Terra Novas tip, camp Malady. By 5:00pm I was still 5km from my goal and it began to lightly rain. I plugged my ears with my MP3 player and pushed forward.

It was on the access road to camp Malady that I met George. George, a geoscientist-marathon runner was on his way to his parents house in Traytown, when he spotted my taxi on the side of the road. As it turn out, George had a close friend affected with Crohn's disease and offered a place to set up my tent for the night at his parents house. Ecstatic that I would not have to be totally alone I accepted the offer.

George was an inspiring man. He offered me kindly advice about walking, shoes etc. George himself having suffered from the difficulties life has to offer was also in the throws of planning a charity event. It was Georges goal to jog across Newfoundland for the Canadian Mental Health Association. While making an outstanding effort to change the circumstances of his life, George had adopted an active lifestyle and healthy eating regime. He was the kind of person you would want as a walking partner: capable, informative and positve.

It was at this time that a chapter of the walk I thought closed forever was reopened. The Furey's came to my rescue. My mother, during one of her weekly calls to the Furey's had explained about my current situation. (Loss of walking partner and terrible blisters) After hearing this Anne-Marie called and re-invited me to stay with them for a few days while I purchased new footwear, went to see a doctor and readjusted to my new circumstances. In the end, I knew even though it would throw off my walking schedule it was a good choice. I needed this and there was no harm in that. Besides I missed them!

Today we are off towards our second milestone, Gander NFLD. Justin drove us back to the place on the highway that he had picked us up a few days prior and we said our goodbyes. Before this, we stopped at the local Wal-Mart to pick up some Dr.Sheol's gel pads under my doctors orders. I later discovered that the doctors orders where less then great. I might have been more successful in getting treatment if I had asked a future predicting cue ball what to do. The gels pads only caused further blisters and aggravation. This was a clear example of trowing away money. I spent $12.50 on the gel pads, only to throw them away less then 4 hours later. I might just have well went to the nearest garbage can and tossed a $20 inside. Suffice to say I was a little disappointed.

By 10:30 we were back on the road walking. It felt strange to be walking towards a place I had already spent two days in. Before we hit Clarenville again we stopped at an Irving Gas station equipped with a restaurant. The food was great and on the house. The day passed like any other. The weather was shaping up to be good and over all I was ready to walk. We were urged on by many supportive honks from passing motorist and the sunny weather. At around 15km my routine begun. New and old blisters were working together diligently to make walking feel like hell. I was starting to feel like a circus glass walker. Every step a new shard driving into my toes. It's been days that this has been a recurring issue and I was starting to get really annoyed. Nonetheless, I pushed on for a 29km day.

Once stopped, I decided this would be a good time to start getting accustomed to setting up camp alone. So Pierre busied himself with cooking supper while I set up the tent. I was surprised and proud by the speedy time in which I set up camp. The tent was erected in no less then 15 minutes. I felt a surge of confidence and accomplishment. It was a small step, but I was finally becoming at ease with the nightly rituals. It was ultimately getting a little easier. All I had to do now was get over my distaste for cooking and the fear of the MSR stove blowing up in my face. Which by the way is a possibility, according to the instruction manuals.