Nackawic to French Village   |   Campsite: 45.95253° N, 66.84258° W

The morning begins smoothly, and I am out onto the road taking me back out to Highway 102 from the town of “Nackawic”, and shifting into my walking gear of 5 km per hour. I cross the bridge to the south side of the river and become acquainted with the quiet, peaceful Highway 102. Much of the morning is spent in reflection upon a few things: simplicity, strength, needs versus wants, portability, nomadism, and having everything I need to survive. This simplicity has brought me levels of happiness and fulfillment that I’ve not experienced before, and it has me returning to interests centred on “van life”, more nomadic lifestyles, and minimalism. I break for twenty minutes at 9:00 to cook a serving of rice and ramen noodles. By 9:20 I am back out walking. A brief shower falls, but this will be the only rain I will experience between now and a 12:30–1:30 break for a “Denny’s” lunch located at a gas station and rest area just off of the Trans-Canada Highway. I finish up, acquire a few pints for later, and set out. Jean was a bike-packer I met on Highway 102 six hours after leaving Nackawic at 11:30 earlier that morning. He explained that a bike trip of this magnitude was something that he was dreaming of doing over his retirement. His work (and wife) had allowed him three weeks of vacation time, and he decided that now was his opportunity for an epic bike trip. We discussed our trips so far, how our weather and independent camping experiences were going, and how our overall progress was unfolding. He mentioned that he had read a note I had left in a book back in a tiny little chapel in Québec (Day 29, Saturday, June 3, 2023). He did not give himself a set itinerary, and so was making his adventure up as he rode. He did say that he would like to see the province of Nova Scotia, and even St. John’s in Newfoundland if possible. A very welcoming and approachable man, he was a pleasure to talk with, and a nice laid-back person to communicate and share ideas with. I watch him pedal up the hill and over the horizon after we say goodbye and wish each other good luck. Amusingly, we would see each other once again—him exiting, me entering the gas station with Denny’s restaurant attached. Upon seeing me he exclaimed with a big smile, “I saw wine for sale and I wanted a bottle for the evening!” I respond, “I was thinking the same thing!” We share a laugh at the entrance to the store, and then he pedals off once again. I find a table at the restaurant, deciding to have a warm lunch. This is where I met Chris, Steven (his son), and Marilyn (Chris’ mother). They were a family moving from Ontario to New Brunswick, with today being their move-in day. This meal that they were enjoying would serve as their final one on the road between homes before becoming permanent residents of New Brunswick. My server at the restaurant was incredible, informing me which side add-ons were overpriced, and which meals were the most tasty and filling. I had a nice conversation with her also and wished I had asked her for her name, as she had a number of interesting questions about my walk. I am out into the day again by 1:30 after acquiring some tasty pints. On the highway, the driver of a cement mixer truck pulling out from a side road leans out of the window and asks if I need a lift. I say no, that I am walking to St. John’s, and he gives me a thumbs-up gesture as he drives off in the direction I am moving. I walk until 5:30. I spot a patch of land with relatively short grass, and trees for cover from the highway. As I don’t see any “private property” signs, I duck into the space to quickly set up the tent. And breathe… Today I walk longer than intended—close to 52 km. While sore and exhausted, I begin to feel better when I realize that the city of Fredericton (and three days of rest) is now only 16 km away. I will be in this city by 9:30 tomorrow morning to catch up on rest, eat fresh food, visit the much-anticipated “Backtrails” hike equipment store, explore the city, wash / repair / replace damaged gear, perform some foot care, decompress, and reflect upon what I have achieved so far! Clean, journal, read, and plan out tomorrow morning’s walk, as well as the three nights and four days I will enjoy in the city. This is by far the most important and re-affirming challenge that I have ever done, and am incredibly happy to have walked this far!

Today’s distance walked: 51.70 km    |    Total distance walked: 1,617.70 km