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Arctic to Pacific to Atlantic for Cancer

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The Finish - Reflections

21/9/2017

16 Comments

 
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Glace Bay the finish point beyond the classic lobster fishing port
Reflections


The last morning was fifty kilometres short. Focus on Glacé Bay, end point of the journey and the Atlantic end point. Beyond was the lure of Newfoundland, another thousand kilometres of beauty and hospitable people. But it was time to finish. The other places now must take their places on the bucket list.


There was emotion. Two years focus which produced moments of doubt. The climb out of the McKenzie delta. Loose gravel dropping one hundred kilograms of load and struggling to restart. Was it beyond my capability? Realising the ten kilometre rule past the last bear sign was impossible.


The emotion I felt was about those who were with me on the journey. They were there every day looking at my GPS dots. Knowing that support is there gives the strength beyond anything you can muster as an isolated individual.


I have had some incredible gifts. My hours with Ernest the Gwich’in elder beside the Peel River. Exploring the special places of Trish and Wayne around the Banff area. Similarly sharing with Buck and Lee around Grand Marais and Alex in Ottawa. Thanks to Buck I have had dinner with a famous Arctic explorer and mountaineer, Lonnie Dupre. Things don’t happen by chance, chances are created.


There has been days when things occur as if pre-ordained. The navigation error which gave me the last beautiful campsite on the Merigomish Harbour; the chance encounter with Bill in Fort Frazer (giving an incurable addiction to Tim Hortons muffins); meeting GG on the street of Somerset Manitoba and seeing her photo of Gunlom pool Kakadu.


It was impossible to look to the Atlantic battling the cold wet days of the Alaska Highway. The focus was on the warm tent at the end of the day (and the delight of 1500 calories of quinoa and nuts that has a distinctly similar taste to last nights gourmet offering). Day by day the kilometres built up behind the little trailer wheel. Suddenly I could look back on half a continent. It was not that hard in small daily bites.


My meticulous route planning was blown apart by realities. The choices I took were simple: avoid big towns, back roads only, don’t be afraid of gravel and never ride backwards. It worked. It showed me a back country view of Canada and its people which was a pleasure.


I just have so many thank you’s to deliver. If you are reading this consider yourself thanked. I will compile a proper thank you list in the next few days.
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Canada was a country of two languages - until Novia Scotia threw in Gaelic
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The shores of Bras d'or Lake Cape Breton Island
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Nova Scotia industry out of New Glasgow
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Scenes along the Picton Nova Scotia coast
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Classic lobster Port at the finish in Glace Bay
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Atlantic journeys end
16 Comments
Lee Bergstrom
21/9/2017 02:51:52 pm

Your drive, commitment, strength and passion are an inspiration. Thanks for taking all of us who followed along on your incredible journey. It was great to spend some time with you in our area. Safe travels home. Stay in touch.

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Lindsay
24/9/2017 01:00:40 pm

Thanks Lee great to be able to catch up

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Brent
21/9/2017 05:25:02 pm

WOW......

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Lindsay
24/9/2017 01:02:21 pm

Thanks Brent appreciate your support along the way - especially the hospitabilty from Sudbury relatives

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Ang
21/9/2017 08:08:33 pm

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY ?? YOU ARE AMAZING.
We love you heaps and you are a total inspiration.
I just wish I was there to say
WOW WOW WOW WELL DONE YOU TOTAL SUPERMAN YOU

Reply
Lindsay
24/9/2017 01:03:28 pm

Thanks Ang your support as always has been special

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Kate and Jeff
21/9/2017 11:00:03 pm

A wonderful journey Lindz, full of challenges each day, but leading to so many memories and rewards.
Thank you for leading us to explore this part of the world.
We look forward to hearing more tales first hand!!
Safe travel home

Reply
Lindsay
24/9/2017 01:06:01 pm

Thanks Kate and Jeff for your support. I thought of you with the solar light in flash mode whenever I was caught on the road in the dark, a great thought

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Míke Vermeulen
22/9/2017 04:27:09 am

Congratulations on both your ride and fundraising with it.

If you do get a chance to bicycle Newfoundland someday, it is well worth the visit.

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Lindsay
24/9/2017 01:07:35 pm

Thanks Mike. Appreciate your support and your experience to help with planning the northern stages.

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Julie
22/9/2017 09:20:00 am

Dear Dad
your journey has inspired so many people (not least the hundreds I have shared with on my talks). I am sitting waiting to see Michelle Obama here in Utah, doing a very different kind of traveling, but lead by your example . Thanks for living and sharing xx

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Lindsay
24/9/2017 01:08:19 pm

Thanks Julie with love

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Doug robinson
22/9/2017 09:53:06 pm

Fantastic effort Lindsay...makes me proud to be a kiwi!! Huge achievement.

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Lindsay
24/9/2017 12:59:57 pm

Thanks Doug

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Anthony Fong -Maple Leaf Restaurant
24/9/2017 07:05:11 am

Congratulations on your finish. It was great meeting you in Sydney. Your commitment, courage and strength to take on such a journey for a great cause is amazing. Great stories as well. Safe travels home.

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Lindsay
24/9/2017 12:58:31 pm

Many thanks Anthony - and thank you for breakfast

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