Post Journey Reflection

I have the satisfaction of accomplishing a long, arduous running trek and the realization of a long held dream. We brought new attention to the need for conserving the trail and hopefully spurred awareness or re-kindled peoples’ interest in the trail enough to get involved.
Looking back at this trek, I will remember; the focus required to keep to the leaf littered trail, dancing from rock to rock, on top of or over roots, identifying footing hazards, stopping to gaze at the views , the zen state, the physical effort, the push through pain or sometimes just trying to manage a pace through the pain, shuffling through the leaves and most of all running surrounded by the natural wonders so abundant on the Bruce Trail.
I will also remember the enormous amount of help and encouragement from Di, crew, pacers, family and friends.
Will I miss the journey? … Yes, I already am.
What next? … Well, my leg muscles (quads, calves & hamstrings) are still tight. We went for an hour walk in ShortHills Park by moonlight last evening and I discovered that my legs are still quite tired too. Possibly another journey is in the future, but right now I think I will just pause, reflect and enjoy the feeling.

The dream accomplished

Click picture below to watch the "Southern Cairn" video:

More Photos:

Shadows of the Bruce

Henri and his daughter Alisha on the last morning

Approaching the Welland Canal

Passing the double blazes of the Bruce

The last morning.

Last run with Henri on Day 18

The "last meal"

Henri in Hamilton

With Kinga in Mono Mills

Henri's incredibly healthy feet

Henri and Diane at the Southern Cairn

Henri and his mom Marty at the Southern Cairn

Our shoes on the Southern Cairn (we did the same photo on the Northern Cairn)

Waving the Canadian and Dutch flags at the finish

Henri, Diane and Don footing the Southern Cairn

"Master of the Bruce" cake that Alisha surprised her dad with

Cutting the cake at the finish

We done!

3:20 p.m.

More later...now's time to celebrate.

Another updated finish time

Between 3 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. at the Southern Cairn.  He's just unbelievable.  The range is in case he slows down or stops to chat with people en route.

Updated finish time

He's just cruising - updated finish time as of 12:43 p.m. is now 3:40 p.m. at the Southern Cairn.

Hometown Advantage

Yikes!  Whether it's Henri's home turf or excitement of "gettin' er done" he's a movin' and shakin this morning!  Right now, he's 15 minutes and approaching 30 minutes ahead of schedule with an 8:30 a.m. start.  But don't go putting money on his finish time yet - this usually means he'll slow down a bit this aft. 

We've past through Effingham and Wiley Road and are now just waiting for him at the Decew Bridge.  He is expected to come through at 11:10.  Alisha and I are waiting with coffee (brrr...it's cold this morning!) and his sister Eloise is about to drop by.  Thanks to John the Standard writer for popping in this morning en route too!

7:17 am - Day 18

One last day and 50 km to go! 

Starting at Staff Rd in Jordan and hopping right on the trail (probably about 8:30am).  This whole section is very familiar now, so I'm not carrying a map anymore.  A little weather (some rain is expected) is likely today, but won't put a damper on my day!

Looking forward to the finish but also sorry to have this journey come to an end!  So many people have helped along the way, run with me, put us up for the night, crewed or just showed up to offer encouragement.  It has been a very positive experience.

Henri