Watching the sunrise on Manitoulin Island was a blessing in many ways. The sun seemed to splash rays of orange, red and yellow across the Heavens transforming thick clouds into floating embers in the sky. Besides me, the only ones awake were a raft of ducks swimming quietly single file through the sparkling waters. Manitoulin Island is a little slice of Paradise.
Our adventure with Ladybug has taken Bernadette and I to so many special places. In total we have travelled more than 14,000 kilometers (over 8,000 miles), made 44 stops, in 73 days. It has been an epic time and we are grateful for this opportunity and the countless memories we have.
The beauty we discovered in nature and in the people we met along the way has been inspiring. Our list of favourite spots visited becomes very long very fast. From oceans, mountains, prairies, forests, we have seen and experienced so many magical places along our journey. And today marks our last stop. We’re going home.
The day begins with a two hour crossing of the north channel between Georgian Bay and the greater part of Lake Huron aboard the ferry HMS Chi-Cheemaun. We will land at beautiful Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and from there, a brief four hour drive south.
Bernadette and I want to thank the many family and friends who encouraged us along the way, and for your nice notes to LDBugChronicles@gmail.com. We hope that these ladybug Chronicles have been fun to read and perhaps encouraging for you to consider a future adventure of your own. Adventures don’t have to be cross continent RV trips. They can be a flight to visit someone special, or even a trip to a local museum. There’s nothing more exciting than to whisper in someone’s ear, “Do you want to go on an adventure?” And then go from there.
I’d also like to thank my old friend Richard Ponsonby who has been an amazing partner helping us put these Chronicles together and sharing some of the fun photos along the way.
Thanks also to our children and grand children. The calls, special notes and face times meant so much to us and reminded us of how blessed we have always been.
Lastly, I want to thank my sweet gal. Bernadette did so much preparation and planning before our trip. And she has been a rock throughout. She kept us on course and ensured her driver had a snack or two along the way. (Although, I will never eat an almond or healthy protein bar again). Most of all, I want to thank Bernadette for her always present smile that continues to be the most beautiful treasure in my life. She is my true love.
This journey has been a magical mystery tour in countless ways. We’ve learned a lot about RV travel, about the beautiful landscapes within Canada and the United States. And we’ve met a lot of fun people along the way.
While we look forward to our next adventure in Ladybug, today is like a cherry on the top of a giant ice cream sundae. It is special and we are going to savour every minute of the trail ahead and especially those big hugs and kisses to come.
Time to aim Bear and Ladybug south. “Crank up those tunes darling! We’re going home!”
P.S. Gordie also wants to say thanks. “Woof!”
