Monday’s blog, Day 12, was written before the day was finito.

Knowing I was intending on leaving before dawn yesterday morning (day 13), I packed up as much as I could before my friend Tom and I went off to Cambridge (not too far away) to meet our other friend, Dan. More hellos, hugs and good chatter (and amazing GF tomato/basil pasta), another goodbye (or, rather, “see you on the return”) and back to the goats (but they were asleep).

Too many parentheses?

True to the plan, I managed to rise at… …4:30 a.m. and get on the road with a coffee to go (thanks Tom!). And, it worked. Traffic was tolerable and not too intimidating. I admit I was a bit nervous and not looking forward to big city driving. Five lanes, big trucks, and others also trying to beat the traffic.

Far on the other side of Toronto, I pulled over at one of the Onroute stops and ate my first snack (hard boiled egg), and had a nap. I knew I would need energy for the next phase of my trip: Montreal and my dear friend Joan, her husband Bob, and their two awesome little gals.

AND, I had to get my quota of spontaneous buffoonery and silliness. I did!

Arriving early afternoon in Montreal was also good accidental timing. Again, I hit some traffic but not quite at the breakneck speed I had anticipated (yay for roadwork). Despite taking what I thought was a wrong exit, since I know Montreal, I still managed to get myself into the correct neighbourhood. (ironically, where my Dad used to live as a kid)

An internet cafe, a chilled coffee and a great chat with my computer neighbour set off the laughter filled tone of my visit. I loved our introduction: looking at her computer she snorted and burst into laughter. She looked at me and apologized. It was a perfect beginning.

Yes.. of course, we talked extensively on the merits of silly connection and ailing family. Serendipity? I say so.

Then off to my friends.

The evening turned into a wonderfully silly, story sharing, improvising, picture taking, sushi eating (I miss sushi!), more silliness, ice cream, a bonding friendship late night chat and finally a welcomed sleep.

Today… more sharing with the gals and then off to my last stop before Prince Edward Island. Can’t believe I can say that. Not sure where I’m heading today but somewhere in New Brunswick. Looks like I may make it to the Island for my birthday. If all goes well….

Unbuckle for the morning, then BUCKLE up and away we go again!