Just a little update

Note: to see this whole post, you may need to go to the Substack page rather than read it in your email :)

Hello! I’m posting this thanks to the free wifi at Tim Horton’s in Ste-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec. I may not have wifi until I reach Gaspé, my next major destination, on Monday but it’s been too long since I last gave y’all anything so I’m taking a little time to do this. Most of you probably don’t even know where I am. So here is a very brief update and some photos from the last few days cycling along the beautiful St. Lawrence River.

After the encouragement of basically everyone I spoke to in Quebec, I decided to ride around the Gaspésie (see photo below) before returning to the states through Maine. Jima went home after Montreal, and I rode for three days to Quebec City with another traveler, but now I’m all by myself. At first, it felt more uncomfortable than exciting, but I’ve been really enjoying the last few days. After Gaspé, where I will spend a few days, I think I will cycle along the northern New Brunswick coast a little, then drop down into Maine. Nothing past Monday is set in stone, though.

My butt is starting to get rather tender, and I’m generally quite tired. I miss home and family and friends. But when will I have the chance to explore like this again? Possibly never. So I hope to take full advantage of the time that I have.

Every day has brought more awe and beauty, as well as personal reflection. I still have no idea what direction to go after this, but that’s okay. Right now life is simple: pedal, look at our beautiful Earth, try to learn French, and dumpster dive (I had to buy food for the first time in a week today). I hope you enjoy the photos below, and I hope I’ll see you again soon!

You can also check back in with me by clicking “Where is Hayden” at the top of my Substack page. I’m able to update that more regularly :)