En Route, cont.

Still en route. Was supposed to stay at this hotel in a town of 1000, in the mountains, but woke up anxious about it, after yesterday's night in a town of 4000. I cancelled that reservation, and ended up here in Petawala, Ontario at a place that ain't so perty. Am longing for the place in the mountains right now, where the couple that owned it sounded lovely. I wanted to try to find a place to work out - my back is hurting from so much driving - and thought I'd have a better chance in a larger town. This is an army base town, apparently. That right about there describes it for you. I heard the army base had a great gym, which I excitedly went to, only to find it was closed. The male owner of this place creeps me out. But there are a lot of families staying here, etc., so I feel safe enough.

It's interesting how much this has come up for me on this trip: safety. I become more aware of my real or perceived vulnerability as a woman, traveling alone. I feel like a target, 'Are you traveling alone?' a lot of people, mostly men, want to know. This scares the crap out of me. I have an elaborate story about picking up a boyfriend in Ottowa tomorrow, if anyone here asks me. I feel safer having a fantastical male waiting for me, than not.

Looking forward to being in/around Montreal tomorrow. Traveling these parts has been interesting, but the anxiety of traveling alone really got to me today. Once I'm in a safe spot again - Montreal-ish - I'll be able to relax more. It's familiar, I feel I know the 'rules.' Here, I don't really know what's what.

The woman owner of the B&B I stayed at last night made me this awesome breakfast in her kitchen today. It was sweet. Her husband and their friend/guests played music last night - the violin and the guitar - and the women were singing. It was cute. One of the daughters of the B&B's owners lives in Maine. We got a kick out of this coincidence.

Will be happy when tonight is over, and I'm Montreal-bound. Send me warm wishes dear readers!

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