Tough day today!
Woke up at 9am but not feeling too good. As much as I wanted to help Melanie with her trip I felt mine was morphing and turning into hers and I couldn't allow that because it wouldn't be fair to myself. I've been planning this trip for so long in my head that it'd be a shame to arrive to Newfoundland and still feel incomplete. As much as I appreciate her company I think it's time we pursue our own trip as we dreamed them in our heads. After a helpful phone conversation with Martin (thanks again buddy) I packed my bike and had it ready, then left with her and went to a Starbucks close by, that's when I delivered the news, I know it was a bit surprising to her and it felt like if I was breaking up with someone but I know she has the heart and will, just needs to find the courage and confidence to finish, and those things you find on your own. We said goodbye and I stayed in the coffee shop for a little bit longer looking for a place to spend the night in warmshowers.org, I knew there was a HI-Hostel but I wanted to give warmshowers a chance and I am so glad I did because I met Rick and Tanya McFerrin and their 3 great kids Tarn, Sampson and Markos. 

Rick and Tanya went around the world between 1998 and 2001 and they were so changed by that experience that besides joining warmshowers.org Rick also founded Two Wheel View in Calgary which is an organization that helps youth to stay out of trouble by introducing them to the world of cycling. Either they build their own bicycles and get to keep them at the end of the program or they can go on organized bike tours in Canada, USA or overseas for 2 weeks to experience other cultures while biking. I was so grateful to have landed by fluke in their home plus their ideals on life, family and society are simply admirable and an example to follow for all of us.

I got in contact with my parents, brother and Claire since I had cel phone coverage again. After we had lunch/dinner I helped them with some gardening chores and we saw a movie all together. I was in bed around 11PM. Great day with great people.

When I get asked this question by other people "Why are you doing this?" I really don't have a particular answer to give other than "Why Not?" The way I see it, I am not married, I don't have kids, I have no job and I am 35 years old. It seems to me like the best moment in my life to do such a craziness like this instead of waiting for everything to fall in place, put the ducks in a row and then dream about doing something like this in the future.
Maybe I set my goals to high, maybe 8000 Kms is too much for a first adventure...I get so many questions and doubts from other people that sometimes I get cold feet and second thoughts, then I stumble across a speech like the one Adam Baker gives on TED and it set me right back on track.  I never asked for the job/career that would make me a millionaire or the white picked fence house living style, I consider myself a humble guy with a big heart who wants to always remain down to earth and with my head over my shoulders. This is why I am doing this, just because I can! Thanks Adam...

Countdown to the Trip = 56 Days Left