Eastern Ontario has been a dream!

From our sojourn in La Chute, Phil kindly drove us across the Ottawa driver, and off we went, heading Westwards. I was nervous as I wasn't sure how Wilson would go, post his traffic freak, but he was an all round good boy and it wasn't long before we were striding into Ontario. Unfortunately it was a border crossing without any fanfare or sign to pose under, but the roads were quiet and everyone was feeling good. It was definitely a momentous occasion for me to be leaving Quebec. It's definitely been a wild ride, and I am so grateful for the beautiful people I have met and the lessons I have taken.

We arrived at Robbyn's place near Glen Andrew after a nice short day, where we were made welcome and Dan dropped off some supplies for us, the legend! The next few days followed a similarly delightful pattern, early starts and hot afternoons through quiet roads and lovely farmland, arriving at first Trisha's place in Fassifern and then Dianne's place in Moose Creek. We have plunged right into a very welcoming equestrian community, and it has been so wonderful to be supported by so many kind folks. We had a few days off at Kim's place near Finch, waiting out some hot weather and heavy rain. Everyone is commenting on how hot, humid and wet this summer has been, with troubles getting the hay in, and more outbreaks of slobbers than usual. Kim worked tirelessly to set me up with contacts all across Ontario and further West. What a legend, thank you so much for everything! From Finch we headed off to Inkerman, where we stayed with Brian and Tammy and met their zebra! And then a lovely cooler day through the charming village of Oxford Mills, dating from the 1870s, with a river and lovely stone buildings. Heavy rain had us grateful for the shelter and warm dinner at Monica's place just outside Oxford Mills. Dan met us and dropped off some more supplies and a new shipment of boots.

This is the first boot restock, and I think they jad held up very well. The horses are striding out comfortably, and I have a great fit on all Jack's feet and Wilson's fronts. I'm struggling a bit with his backs, as he really twists his feet as he walks. I'm hoping this new size will solve the boot rotation issue and keep him more comfortable. But honestly, the confidence and comfort the boots give me and the horses is amazing, and I can't speak highly enough of how these perform for this kind of journey. Go Renegades!

A rainy morning saw us having a short day, camping out in a beautiful cedar grove, before another lovely day through Jasper and Judgeville. It might sound strange, considering that we have been on the road for months and have done nearly 1500km, but I am only now feeling as though we are getting into a rhythm, only now do I feel like my chest is unknotting. It feels as though the horses are enjoying travelling and things are feeling more achievable. This feeling has of course been fostered by the amazing people we keep meeting! Thursday afternoon ended up being a fairytale! I had nowhere lined up to stay, so when a lovely lady Kelly stopped to say hello, I asked if she knew anywhere we might be able to camp. Before I knew it, she was waving me down a driveway, where lovely legend Paul showed us the way through his forest trails to his COVID-project cabin in a clearing. The boys had grass up to their knees, and I was given a beer, a tour of the trails in the side-by-side, and a delightful evening in the magical cabin. What a beautiful serendipitous moment, and it left me filled with so much gratitude for this crazy journey we are on.

The next day was a bit warmer, but exceptionally lovely, as we arrived at Michelle's beautiful property on the shores of Upper Rideau Lake, near Crosby. The boys made themselves at home in a five acre pasture and settled in for a rest day. It just so happened that the local trail riding club had a ride happening on Michelle's trails on Saturday, so I tagged along on the lovely old gentleman Ringo. What a treat to get to ride in a group for a change! We've been so well looked after and rested up for the next leg, thank you Michelle and Willie.

From here, we are following the Cataraqui Trail for a few days, then heading west to pick up the Kawartha Trail near Tweed, and taking that to Lindsay. Onwards, pony-cakes!