I have finally begun my trek to Newfoundland! I don't think I will realize what a stupid idea this is until I wake up stiff and sore tomorrow morning. However, I have gone too far to turn back now.

The day started at 7:00 this morning. I had breakfast and hopped onto the bike around 7:30. There was no way I was going to make the 8:30 ferry crossing, but as it turned out, I missed it by only ten minutes. I sat and waited for the 9:30 crossing. An American from Maine came over and started asking me about my trip. Not much to discuss yet, I've just begun! We talked until we heard the pre-boarding announcement.

The ferry trip was quick. Once we docked in New Brunswick, I made good time on the flat, smooth road to Amerst. I stopped at Port Elgin for lunch around 12:00. A half hour later, I was off again, and I almost overlooked the turnoff for Nova Scotia. I hit Nova Scotia around 1:30. The going was slow, but steady. I made 2 or 3 pitstops along the way for bathroom breaks, to fill the water bottle, and check the map, but other than that I was on the bike non-stop until I reached Wallis at 4:30.

I stopped for supper - more sliced meat sandwiches and bananas. My rear end and joints were starting to complain and I needed a rest. Looking at the map, I decided I wanted to reach Tatamagouche before setting up camp for the night. The tourist guide I had indicated no campsites in that area. About 2 miles before Tatamagouche, I found one (thank God!). I really needed a hot shower. After setting up camp, I headed into town to check out possible breakfast joints for tomorrow morning.

The mosquitos are bad. Really bad.

I realize this is going to be a real long and lonely trip unless I tag up with some other fellow cyclists. So far I have seen five. There were two couples on the sunrise trail and one lady at the Cape Tormentine terminal. All of them were going in the opposite direction. Next time I will not travel alone - it is too boring.

I did OK today. I logged about 100 miles, which is what I was aiming for.

I have to go. The mosquitos are carrying me off.

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