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.

So, I have been practicing (mentally) and how to pack my panniers, what to take and what not...the philosophy always comes to my mind of "Only pack what you can carry" but it sounds easier than actually doing it. Every single gram counts and will make the bike trip more difficult. At the end I rather short-pack and buy whatever I missed along the way than carrying too much since day one and then having to mail it back.
I started by making 4 squares on the floor with masking tape to simulate the 4 panniers and what would I pack on each of them.
This is only a test drive (or ride) since I will be riding to Lake Simcoe on saturday with Ben & Scott (2 of my bike partners for the trip who will join me until Calgary on the first 10 days) and we said it is time for a "dress rehearsal" where we get to fully load the bikes with all the stuff we might be taking. I assume they have way less stuff than me since their trip is only 10 days compared to my 3 months journey. 
At the end I know this is trial and error thing so I will keep figuring out on how to pack/unpack the panniers but this is what I got done so far (if you have any suggestions, please share them with me as any ideas are more than welcome)
Front Left Pannier: Here I'll be carrying all the rain clothing. Pants, jacket, socks and shoes just to have everything in the same place so if I get rained over I figure it is going to be easier to just look for the clothes in one place. Also dirty laundry will go here as well since there's some room left.
Front Right Pannier: Here I'll be carrying every single item I need if I need to only take one pannier with me in a rush or in case of an emergency. First Aid Kit, energy bars/gels, vitamins, fleece sweater, camera, lights, markers, multi tool, knife, radio, phone and ipod.
Rear Left Pannier: All my bike and regular clothing will be here, 3 bike shorts, 3 bike jerseys, 2 shorts, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of long riding pants, gloves, underwear & socks, tuque, shirt.
Rear Right Pannier: In here will be the Tent/Pegs, pillow, spare bike parts and screws, extra tools, air-pump, maps/books, and notepad to write about the journey.
Seat Bag: Different bike tools
Handlebar Bag: Phone, Wallet, Camera, Ipod and a couple energy bars/gels
Outside on Top of the Rack: Sleeping Bag, Foam Pad and solar charger