A week ago yesterday, when my morning power walk took me through our city campgrounds, I saw a young couple, a small tent, and two bicycles at one of the campsites.
I walked past but my mind kept nagging me to go back and say hi.
I finally gave in and am so happy I did.
I greeted them and then asked to take a few photos of them, their tent, their bikes, and their post-breakfast picnic table. I explained that I’d like their permission to share the photos on my blog.
They agreed without hesitation and, as I was taking the photos, we conversed about their trip.
They were from Quebec (a province in eastern Canada), and although they had French accents, their English was excellent. When I complimented them on their English, they explained that they had to not only study English in high school, but their courses required them to practice the language with fluent English-speaking Canadians. This approach was definitely far superior to my own requirement to study French in high school, where it was classroom only. Canada is a bilingual country, thus the “other official language” requirement for school students.
Marilou and Leo graciously gave me permission to use their first names in my post.
When I first arrived, Leo was doing breakfast dishes at their picnic table.
My cover photo is of their bicycles.
They told me they had started their ride in Vancouver, Canada (our far west coast) and were cycling back home to Sherbrooke, Quebec (near Montreal). Depending on their route, this is a minimal distance of approximately 5069 km (3150 miles), and goes through the Canadian Rockies. Our city park isn’t even the half way point for them.
I wished this friendly young couple good weather, safety, and enjoyment for the rest of their trip.
This type of tenacity, commitment, and friendliness to complete strangers is found in rare and beautiful souls. My life is richer for having met them.
Radically Retired 