Better Day

Woke with plenty of time to fuss before leaving my hotel. Enough time, in fact, to convince myself my rear disc brake was rubbing, and to remove rear wheel, after also removing my packs and inadvertently spilling a water bottle all over the floor.

Okay calm down, go slow to go fast, I reminded myself. Really I had lots of time, and the disc brake was not rubbing; after much cursing, I got everything back together, and rolled out on schedule.

I had memorized the route to the ferry, all four km, but I still second-guessed myself, especially when there was no signage when turning off the main road. Really? Just as I was about to stop and check my map, I saw the first green sign with a ferry on it, and then followed the signs like breadcrumbs, bringing me to the ferry terminal, where the two women on the desk could not have been kinder. I have to give it to NB. Every person I have spoken to has been friendly and kind.

The rain began thundering down, so they took all of the pedestrians and cyclists (just moi) onto the ferry via a shuttle, after very nicely hoisting my bike into the back of the shuttle.

I had had visions of standing on the deck and taking photos of whales, but it was not to be. Alas the views were completely lost to the fog, so instead I sat in a very cheerful nook, sipping a latte.

Gradually the clouds lifted a little, as did my spirits. As the ferry pulled into the wharf, we were told we could head down to our cars, or in my case, my bicycle. I followed the parade of vehicles off the ferry, walking my bike up the pedestrian walkway. Unlike in Newfoundland, you are not allowed to ride your bike onto or off of the ferry. Given the slick conditions, I was more than happy to walk my bike up to the parking lot where I got my helmet and glasses on, and then headed for downtown. Even at 10, there wasn’t much happening. Lots of dog walkers, but no signs of open cafes, so I just started riding towards Digby Neck.

I anticipated it would be hilly, and it did not disappoint. Essentially I was going up or going down the entire ride, other than a flat section along Midway Lake. I was also heading into a rising headwind, which was perfect, as I knew it would be even stronger when it was pushing me back to Digby. The tide was out, so the coves were not as picturesque as they might have been, but I still got some beautiful shots of both Trout and Sandy Cove.

With every mile under my belt, I felt happier and more myself. After riding consistently for 14 days, not riding yesterday felt, well, yucky. Maybe it was just because I was in Saint John, and had I been in some charming little town I would have felt better, who can say. I am just grateful that the hills and the views returned me to myself.

I had notions of riding to the end of Digby Neck, but there was rain in the forecast for late afternoon, and I thought better of cycling in the rain on those steep hills, so after taking some photos in Sandy Cove, I headed back, indeed sailed back, with the tailwind making the climbs feel infinitely easier.

After stopping for a few groceries, and a NS cider, I checked into Seawinds Motel and Cottages, where my wee cottage could not be more charming, and the owner could not have been more welcoming.

Just as I was settling in the rain began, making me so grateful for my cozy kitchenette. Of course all thoughts of cooking were beyond me, so I ordered fish and chips from a nearby pub, and happily traipsed in the rain to pick it up.

I think you will agree, sage reader, that today was a better day than the last, and for that I am truly grateful. Off to Wolfville tomorrow!