Tears – June 8, 2022

• Ottawa-Montréal Camino #9
• Rigaud to Hudson
• Distance: 10.5 miles / Total: 107.5 miles
• Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Ascent: 301 feet / Descent: 446 feet
• Weather: 75 degrees, sunny with clouds

All the signs for tears were there. Shoulders heaving. Nose sniffing. Hands yanking. Danielle was distraught having misplaced a borrowed carabiner. The carabiner wasn’t necessary for the walk. It was more a gadget than hiking equipment. The cause of Danielle genuine distress was she had misplaced something that wasn’t hers.

For me it was a trifling thing to no longer have…a few less grams to carry. Covid or not, I put my arms around her and hugged.

Danielle’s disappointment for misplacing the carabiner far exceeded its value. The incident allowed me to sense her deep regard for me. I’m honored.

Carabiner FOUND hours later. Now tears of joy.