I awoke with the sun after a pleasant night in my tent. Even though I was shaded by the surrounding trees, I could still feel the heat from the sun. It was going to be another hot day in Moncton!
After packing up my supplies and tent, I strapped on my backpack and began the walk towards town. Instead of cooking up something for breakfast, I figured it would be easier to go back to the Tim Horton’s from last night and grab breakfast there. I’d also be able to brush my teeth and wash up before hitting the road again… and, well, the thought of enjoying another delicious iced cappuccino just sealed the deal.
I got back on the road shortly after 9AM and began walking and feeling refreshed. I wasn’t walking for very long at all before a couple (Melissa and Chuck ) pulled over and offered me a ride to Petitcodiac. I wasn’t exactly sure where that was, but I knew it was in the general direction that I was heading. It was a short ride, but I enjoyed sharing stories and listening to their views of life.
Now, I kinda screwed myself over by accepting this ride. Going to Petitcodiac took me off the TCH, which I didn’t want to happen. So, once I was dropped off and realized this information, I decided it would be best to backtrack while I still had a chance.
Once I was back on the TCH, I spent quite some time walking in direct sunlight and felt thankful for sunscreen and my hat. Walking with everything I own inside a 70L backpack was burning calories and it did not take long to feel the drain with the sun beaming down on me. I could feel the heat rising from the pavement as well, making my feet uncomfortably warm inside my sneakers. At this point I decided to haul off the socks and sneakers and put on comfy sandals I had tucked away.
I was heading towards Fredericton on the TCH when a lovely couple from Quebec pulled over in their camper and offered me a ride. They told me they were heading to Edmundston, which is much further across New Brunswick than Fredericton. Here I had to make a decision – do I accept this ride and get in a camper with strangers for a 4 hour drive across the province, or do I decline and keep walking in the heat hoping for a ride only as far as Fredericton.
The wife didn’t speak much English, mostly French, but the husband spoke English quite well. My French is rather basic but through it all we managed to communicate effectively. My radar wasn’t going off for any danger from the couple, and when I peeped in the window and saw a cat peacefully resting, I accepted their ride offer. Cats know things.
Time flew by so fast during the ride through New Brunswick with the French couple. Their cat allowed me to pet him and I got to enjoy being out of the sun, off my feet, and my backpack off my back. There was great conversation about space, life, nature, theories, and faith. We got along so well despite the language barrier that by the time we got to Edmundston they invited me to join them at the campground for the night instead of leaving me back on the TCH.
I graciously accepted their offer and soon after we arrived at République Provincial Park in Edmundston. I was able to get a hot shower, wander the park, and when nightfall came we enjoyed talking about the planets, constellations and the “what ifs” of life by a fire. The connections you can make with people when you open your heart and have faith never fails to bring a smile to my face. I went to bed that night feeling full of life and excited to be on this adventure.
The next morning I had planned to go my own way after all the wonderful kindness I received the day before. I didn’t want to stick around and make them feel like they had to take care of me or that I expected them to do so. The good ol Irish goodbye where you just leave, y’know? I packed my things and headed out of the campground and onto the TCH. I was walking for a while when a camper I recognized pulled over ahead of me. My new friends!
The same couple from the campground offered me a ride to Quebec to visit their home and suggested their backyard for me to set up my tent for the night. They offered me fresh waffles and coffee for the next morning before I continue on my adventure as well. I could tell they wanted to make sure I got to my destination safely and didn’t want to see me walking along the TCH in the heat. Perhaps they thought about who else might offer me a ride too. Honestly, when I heard fresh waffles and coffee, I was sold and accepted their offer.
Farewell, New Brunswick! I’ll be back again someday to truly explore your beautiful land. I enjoyed so much of it from the window of the camper so I can only imagine how much fun there is to be had beyond the TCH.
Onwards to Quebec with a cutie patootie cat on my lap and more fantastic chats!
Whoa Dana 