The advantage of city roads was you never were far from the Dolarama Store, i.e. Dollar Store. The Dolorama had sandpaper to smooth the a beaver gnawed walking stick Arnold had found. Diversions are always welcomed.
Today we got down to business with a longer walk on tired legs. Needless to say we were not as fresh as we were three days ago. No pun intended as no showers were provided thus far. Half the day’s walk was in proximity of noisy highways albeit on paved bike paths. Half the day’s walk was on dirt country roads serenaded by birds.
Tonight’s accommodation was a hockey sports arena, albeit off season. Air mattress were provided in the lounge overlooking the ice ring. It’s a massive space which each pilgrim homesteaded a portion of the room as their turf. A silver mirror disco ball hung over the wooden dance floor. If only I could get the ball spinning. All that was missing is John Travolta on the dance floor and The Bee Gees blasting “Stayin’ Alive.”
The Black Walnut Bakery was a hidden jewel. Situated two blocks from the Ottawa River Ferry, the location can’t be beat. Spurred by Covid restrictions, the bakery provided a massive open air tent for its patrons. The repurposed cottage made an ideal bakery. The pièce de rèsistance was a recycling library. All this plus savory and sweet treats to please any gourmand.
Pounding the pavement sums up today’s walk. A pattern of business, residential, and occasional green space cycled through the day. For an American, it gave me a glimpse of the “everyday” Canadian not splashed in the public’s eye.
Navigating to our first accommodation Parish Presbytery Saint-Joseph d’Orléans took no skill. Mattresses were stacked in a multi-purpose room waiting for our arrival. Each made their own nest surrounded by a plethora of items drawn from backpacks. After a day’s walk, our only concern was locating the WiFi code. Who could blame us?
Most of today’s walk was forested on pebble paths beside the Ottawa River. Cyclists, pedestrians, and dogs shared the path. All bicycles must have a bell to warn pedestrians of their approach. How lovely to hear a tingle-jingle and not a burst “make way.”
Six adventurous semi-strangers came together to walk 145 miles from Ottawa to Montréal. We are composed of two friends, a brother/sister-in-law, plus two others. We are bonded by smiles, laughter, and an eagerness to experience the walk.
Since Covid-19 Pandemic, all my travel plans went up in smoke. Two weeks before departing for Canada, I kept my anticipation in check. Avoiding Covid could not be taken for granted.
Coach Mark had prepared my training program for Ottawa’s Half Marathon, a perfect send-off before beginning the Ottawa-Montréal Camino. Toni joined me for days and days of walking in preparation for the Camino. I could only hope it will all come to fruition.
End on a good note. Tapas at the counter. Morning flight to Charlottersville.
Linda Scandore 