Day 16

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Day 16
Currently sitting on the Tobermory Ferry which will eventually take us from the Bruce Peninsula to a Northern Island which we’ll then take a bridge to send us on our way to Sault St. Marie, Ont. Feels good to say that ‘out loud’, so I can keep track of our next step.

Recently said some goodbyes to the quickest/strongest connections I’ve ever made with people on the previous farm in Wiarton. I’ve briefly discussed our wicked chats with Grant, but would like a take a second to document the experiences with Emily and Anna-Jean.

Anna-Jean is, to me, the motherly figure of this farm on Zion Church Road in Wiarton. She’s kind, wise, and possesses strong healing power through her practice of Reiki. She helps manage the garden and compound in general, and is a spectacular cook. On the last morning she showed us some books which touch on sustainable community living, and told me stories of how when she was younger used to bake bread and in exchange would have eggs and yogurt from other contributors to her community. I wish we could have more time together, and I look forward to learning more from her when we pass through on our way back.

Emily is the daughter of AJ, and is also the mother of Johnny who’s four and a half. I’ve attempted to tell her how much our time together meant but words don’t do justice. Justin, Emily and I could literally laugh for hours, each making the other laugh harder. She runs Mimi’s Cafe in the Wiarton International Airport where the food is so fresh and organic that it’s making my mouth water thinking about it. Every dish has a twist that you’ve probably never tasted, such as her homemade biscotti with trail mix, her own apple/rhubarb pie or even something as simple and delicious as a glass of lemon water with mint leaves from her garden.

It was so difficult saying goodbye yesterday. It’s amazing that only knowing someone for 5 days then leaving could be so painful. She is and always will be in our hearts.

Leaving from Wiarton on Saturday had us heading back to Toronto, where the weekend before we had picked up scalped Sam Roberts Band tix for that day (June 4). We arrived in the city, ate some of the best burritos I’ve ever eaten that Em had packed for us, and after exploring China town and downtown we met up with Justin’s old friends Perry and Hillary. They had moved in the Wednesday before and mentioned right away that we’d be more than welcome to crash there. This sort of “luck” has been perpetual, I’m serious. Got to Massey Hall, right as Sam Roberts took the stage and had our minds blown. I’m happy to say I’ve seen many concerts in my day but the sound in Massey Hall is so crisp it gives you goose bumps. After the show we checked out Dundas Square, then met up with Perry and Hillary who had been having drinks and hanging out at their place with friends.

Woke up and hit the road for the Bruce Peninsula, passing Wiarton and hitting up the Bruce Peninsula National Park, where a planned staff meeting resulted in a free night of camping. Initially, we took a swim in our personal lake near our site, but then took a hike after a rushed supper to Indian Head where tropical blue water was waiting for us, as well as white rocks and a cave which we more-than-willingly climbed to. Watched the sunset, took some pictures (check facebook, it’s insanely beautiful there), then made a fire and prepared a sleepytime tea blend on the fire. lol After packing up we quickly went back to Indian Head and swim, then jumped in the car. While waiting for the ferry we shared a bottle of homemade organic Reisling at the ‘Mermaid Cafe’, where we got some wireless internet and therefore a chance to get the phone number of our next Farm in Winnipeg. Tonight, we’ll be staying with a friend of Justin in Sault. St. Marie and then a Provincial Park near Thunder Bay the next night before making it to Manitoba on Wednesday. The farm we’re preparing to go to next has many families living in perfect co-existence, and have been for up to 35 years. Wow we’re going to learn a lot. I should enjoy this ferry right now though (the NOW is all you ever have..). Take care of yourself and the people you love, which ultimately is everyone.

Ryan

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Comments

[Emily Bradley-Low]

Amazing
Ryan, You are truly a wonderful and amazing person!! Your words always put a huge grin on my face. The connection that was made in those 5 days is very hard to put word to. I think about you guys a lot and every time I do it makes me smile!! I look forward to reading your next posts!! And even more so, I am looking forward to when you guys are back over this way!! Much love to you and Justin!