My relationship with tea on this trip so far has been interesting.
I normally am pretty wary of any vices: caffeine, alcohol, social media, T.V. - whatever it is. I try to stay pretty on top of my relationship with these things. And I think I’m usually reasonably successful with this.
But on this trip so far… not so much. I’ve been drinking A LOT of tea. And I haven’t seen it appropriate to rein myself in yet. I think it’s become a form of comfort, to help mentally with handling the cold!
I like Newfoundland. I’m stoked to be here after wanting to explore this part of the world for so long. And I've shown up here ready for this adventure, ready for the solitude, for the miles, ready for the task of being on social media once again. But I was not so ready to be running past ice-bergs - not in summer anyway. I was not expecting to have -5 degrees with a freezing rain… in June!!!
(As a side note: I learnt the local term “June-uary” the other day. Sooo good! Was so grateful to hear that. Good to know it’s not just me who finds this weather a bit interesting.)
It feels like Newfoundland is an apprenticeship. A proving ground, of sorts. On multiple fronts, the tough part is early and things get better with a bit more time.
The body hasn't hardened to the task just yet, so there are a few injuries. Will be well-adapted and capable soon.
The daily mileage is frustratingly low. Will increase soon.
The outdoor gear is being put to the test. Will be more than sufficient for Nova Scotia temperatures.
The weather is well below freezing, and raining. Will turn warmer.
And meanwhile, just a few Km’s across Cabot Strait, it’s high summer in Nova Scotia.
Here's what I try not to think about lately. The longer I am in Newfoundland, running along the Trans-Canada trying to find breaks in the weather so I stay warm and keep my gear dry - the more of summer is being eaten up, and the less of it there'll be when I finally arrive to the mainland.
It's definitely a trap to think like that too much. Better to focus on the here and now and get the job done. Do today's task, and be grateful for it. Grateful to be here, in this great place doing this terrific adventure.
I do love the grind. I like the unique challenges of this unique place and time.
Some days, Newfoundland almost feels like an allegory. One where the morals are commitment, patience, discipline, preparation, temperance. (It's literally an island that must be conquered before you can go to the mainland - the main event.)
And on my more sprightly days, Newfoundland is bliss.
But in both cases, there's nowhere I'd rather be.
It’s more type 2 fun than type 1 fun at this stage. And the worst day out here is better than the best day doing something that means nothing to me.
At this point, Port aux Basques feels like nothing more than some metaphorical beacon, a distant oasis off on the horizon - not some place I'm actually going to be any time soon. S'pose it's best just got to put the head down and work. Eat the elephant, one bite at a time.
I reckon if I can get to P.A.B, I can get to the Pacific Ocean. But before then, gimme more of Newfoundland, more rain, more icebergs, more miles, and more hot tea.
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