Adventurers @ Large: Day 8: O'Leary to Thistlebloom

Saturday, August 1

Temperature: High 66°F / Low 61°F

Conditions: Cloudy with mist in the morning.

Distance Walked: 30.4k

Experiences of the Day

Ran into a man on the Confederation Trail a couple minutes outside of O'Leary with a head net on so we quickly geared up for a serious mosquito encounter. We eventually met up with a heavy mist and wind and broke out our rain gear. The misty rain was coming straight on, so my umbrella became more of a shield and worked quiet well.

Disaster struck when I looked down to find that one of my socks had disappeared just past Roseville. Seeing a lady preparing to turn onto the highway, I flagged her down, showed her the sock and asked her to keep an eye out for it. She seemed in a hurry, so I figured I probably wouldn't see my sock again.

Some time later, a car comes racing to a stop with that wonderfully kind lady waving my sock out the window, "I found your sock!" In disbelief I thanked her and blew kisses as she drove away. Trail magic! If you know her, send her my eternal gratitude!

Meanwhile, Therese had ridden ahead and encountered quite a bit of moisture. She was greeted by the kindness of the owner of Tremblay's in Miminegash where she warmed up, enjoyed a cup of coffee and chatted with the locals. She especially enjoyed visiting with owner Laurie, and Kaitlyn, while waiting for us.

What a highlight. I was cold and wet and I walked in to two smiling faces and hot coffee, that brews all day. I sat down, spread out all of my wet stuff and warmed up.

Great store and lunch counter. Laurie was cooking up fresh bacon for their famous breakfast sandwich! I saw at least two dozen people come in for breakfast sandwich, pizza, BLT, or a sub.

Arriving at Tremblay's, I had the breakfast sandwich (which I had been dreaming about since I saw a photo on FB some weeks ago). The others met their shuttle back to O'Leary and I took Anne for a spin down to the harbor. With refreshed legs, I returned to the trail to walk the last few kilometers to the Thistlebloom B&B.

This was a quiet section of the trail and provided unexpected delights:

Harness riders outside of O'Leary
The red fox who joined and led Therese along the road for 250m
Beautiful flower stand
The sock whisperer who triumphantly presented the lost sock
Roadside bakery stand
Oh, the beautiful floral smell somewhere just past Roseville!
The LeClair wedding party that provided delightful music for 10 minutes or so during the last bit of my walk
Marie, the lady who provided a glass of water at about kilometer 29
Our lovely hosts Todd and Heather at the Thistlebloom B&B
Beautiful views the entire way!
Heading out of O'Leary
Harness practice

Confederation Trail at Jerry Rd
The little red fox escorted Therese!
My sock!
Provincial signs included Mi'kmaw place names.

One of many stands on the island.
Tremblay's
Harbor at Miminegash

Wheat fields at 2:55pm.
Ebbsfleet at 3:11pm.
Thanks for the water!
Just a few more steps to Thistlebloom...
Thistlebloom B&B
Day 8: O'Leary to Thistlebloom, 30.4k