WWOOF

My first two weeks in Canada are being spent volunteering on an organic family farm an hour out of Halidax.  WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.

When I arrived, I was greeted by all 7 members of the Cochrane family chatting in the kitchen, offering me freshly fried doughnuts whilst preparing a pork roast, so you'll be surprised to hear there are no complaints so far!

The farm has pigs, chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits and cats (those last two aren't for eating), perhaps 100 animals all together.  There are also 3 greenhouses, a shed full of seedlings and a chicken hatchery.  It is wet and chilly and very very muddy with a hint of slushy snow, but the house is warm and cosy.

I have been helping feed and water the animals, mixing compost and watering seedlings.

Here's one of the more curious pigs.

Departure

I'm about to go to the airport and I'm feeling slightly taken aback that it is all finally happening!

There are lots of people who have contributed in some way to this trip coming together.  Chris Kay helped me realise that I needed to get out into the wilderness, my Dad suggested going to Canada, Jo Lester suggested I cycle across it, Cameron Lawson said that I should go for 6 months travelling instead of moving there permanently and my boss Tim decided to let me have 6 months off!  And when I have doubted my plans to leave, my boyfriend Dave has been amazingly supportive.

There is also one special person, without whom I don't think I would be doing anything so exciting or ambitious... and that's my Mum.  You have taught me to be independent, confident, to work hard for what I want to achieve, and to be sensible when necessary.  You have taught me to take risks, to follow my heart and strive for the impossible because it's okay to fail, as long as you give it your everything.  You are my role model, my rock, my anchor, my advisor, my shoulder to cry on and a kick up my backside when I need it!  I couldn't have asked for a better Mum.

Happy Mother's Day!

Adding a personal touch to my shiny new bike

My friend Michelle sent me a beautiful hand-engraved bell to take on my travels - thanks Michelle, I love it!  It makes a lovely chime that's loud enough to make sure pedestrians and bears will be able to hear me coming.

The message reads 'A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step'.

Touring Bike

Yesterday, I collected my very shiny new touring bike from Enigma - so beautiful!  The guys at Enigma did an amazing job.  They helped me choose all the component parts and built it to measure in about a third of the time they normally complete an order!  And still every detail is perfect.

It's an absolute dream to ride, very smooth and comfortable, sturdy and responsive.  I rode home pretty speedily last night so apparently it's also super fast (well, without luggage anyway!).

I'm looking forward to a proper test run on Thursday. Seems a shame to get it dirty!