18 September - Familiarity leads to complacency!!

Dunrobin to Orleans (Ottawa East End) 82km (5858km total).

I found it harder to leave than I imagined, it has been a while since Nancy and I just hung out. I lived with her for over a year when I first started working for Defence and it was cool to be staying with her and Voodoo (black lab) while Jeff was on his own (motorised) bike trip. The day before I left we went for brunch and then I had to do an online course as I will be guiding in Banff National Park for Kingmik this winter. The Interpretative Guides Association course was really interesting and made me realise that I have learnt a lot on this trip, especially history and geography!!

Celebrating with Nancy!! 

Going for brunch in Dunrobin.

Voodoo checking I didn't forget my food!!

Voodoo trying to give me a good-bye kiss!!

No wonder I wasn't on the road until 3pm!! (Thanks for the photos Nancy).

I had decided just to go to Orleans to test my Achilles after 4 days off the bike so was not in a rush. Danielle stopped by for tea and biscuits in the morning and then I am not sure what happened but it was 3pm before I left!! I had promised to stop at Treena's office in Kanata as it was on the way and I regretted not getting a photo of Graham at Bushtukah so I wanted to stop there too (which was a bigger detour than I anticipated). Then I found my way to the Ottawa River Pathway which is a bike trail that runs along the river and would take me all the way to Parlimanent Hill, it is a beautiful ride and was fairly busy with evening commuters. I had promised to meet Laura at the hill although by the time I got there the light was starting to go and there was a military event on the lawn so I could not get the flame and peace tower photo I had been looking for!!

With Treena and Graham outside the 'toy store'.

With Laura at Parliament Hill.

I headed off to join the parkway going east. As I lost the light I was exceedingly grateful I had picked up the front light I use for night mountain biking. The darkness had crept up on me and the road wasn't lit although fortunately there was little traffic. I was annoyed with myself as I had not cycled in the dark on this trip so far, the days are getting shorter but I had been complacent in my own city and should have left earlier. By the time I reached Karen's place I had cycled 82km.

Karen was glad to see me in one piece and had dinner ready, then we sat and talked until late. I know Karen through the Alpine Club and she taught me a lot about climbing and pretty much everything I know about ice climbing plus a few lessons on mental toughness. I remember breaking my thumb my first winter in Canada but desperate to continue enjoying winter sports I asked her if I could come climb ice climbing with a cast on!! She said sure I could climb with 1 ice axe. For a rookie climber it wasn't easy and half way up one climb as she was belaying me I shouted to say I was done and would like to be lowered down, but she wasn't having any of it and told me to keep going!! I remember cursing her at the time but I think she knew I could do it and in hindsight I was glad she had pushed me.