As we launch Ladybug on our path home to Oakville, there are many memories we’ve experienced that continue to add to our adventures. Throughout our Eastward Bound trip, we’ve covered close to 10,000 kms (6,000 miles) in two months. Including last year’s Westward Bound Ladybug adventure, we’ve racked up over 24,000 Kms (14,000 miles).
More importantly, Bernadette and I have made a dream come true that began over 45 years ago when we made a pact that one day we would explore Canada coast-to-coast. And now, the dream we have laughed about for so many years has become a reality. And that is pretty sweet.
We thank all of you who have sent us nice notes along the way. We hope our Ladybug Chronicles have given you some valuable insights that might help you with your own travels. And hopefully, they’ve made you smile every now and then.
What has always touched us is the incredible kindness, humour and care we’ve received from so many people along the way. We are deeply proud and fortunate to live in such a great country with so many wonderful people. Bernadette and I just want to say thanks to all of those we’ve met who have enriched our adventures in countless ways.
One of those really great people is my old friend Richard Ponsonby. He has once again helped with designing and publishing all of the Chronicles, even while driving his beautiful wife Jen to Calgary from Mississauga to celebrate their daughter’s Wedding Day. Richard, thank you for being such a good friend. And congratulations to you, Jen, and your expanding family.
We have received many questions about our trip, but the one we get asked the most is, “Of all of your travels in LadyBug, which is your favourite spot?”. That is a very hard question because we’ve visited so many special places in Canada and the United States. But, if we had a map of North America, and you asked us to place a pin in our favourite spot, we would always place that pin squarely in the place where those we love the most are excitedly waiting to celebrate with us back home. And we are excited to be coming back to them soon. Lastly, I want to thank Bernadette. Not only for all of the major work she has done before and during our trip, but mostly for being the most loving, kind and caring wife, mother and Grandma/Gaga all of these years. It is always a joy to explore fun adventures with my special gal and I am excited to discover what awaits us around the next bend.
