the ages of 0-14, which means that education and development of the youth population is essential. Community projects to improve the quality of life, increase the literacy rate (currently at about 48% of the total population), and health programs for youth are an important part of giving Mozambicans more control over their own future.
7,987 KMS The trip which commenced
in St-John’s, NL will span across Canada until they reach Sooke, BC, where Jamie will be reuniting with all the people he met during the first portion of his Canada World Youth program. Their first day in St-John’s was
a celebratory inauguration, as they absorbed the local flavour at Nautical Nellies, a local pub where they enjoyed some Fish n’ Chips and Celtic jams. As a spe- cial treat, they met Newfound- land Premier Danny Williams as he mingled among his friends and constituents. He was kind enough to congratulate Jamie and Ben by offering a generous donation. The following day the real jour-
ney began; Newfoundland is a province with beauty abound, the awe of the mighty Atlan- tic crashing against the coast, the massive waves only over- shadowed by the overcast and flood of tourists that likely came to see the Cape Spear lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse in Newfoundland and one of Can- ada’s cultural treasures. The pair travelled from St-
John’s and visited a selection of destinations along the way; some were large cities, others remote towns. From Cape Spear they rode along a narrow stretch of the Trans Canada, the cycling
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
conditions were hostile as trans- port trucks whizzed by them, often too close for comfort, as they made their way to Kelli- grews; where a few old friends of Jamie and Ben’s were kind enough to offer a tasty steak din- ner and warm place to sleep. The morning comes, its pour-
ing rain. Fortunately there was no biking that day; instead it was off to the airport to catch a quick flight to province number two: Nova Scotia. At the airport they break down their bikes and hop on the plane. Nova Scotia brings a new challenge: rain, harsh winds and roads with as many steep inclines as there were de- clines. It’s April 28th
, 2010, the first ex-
ceptionally long riding day. Jamie and Ben have 117 km distance to traverse, a hilly road along Bras D’Or Lake, wind gusts blowing in their faces. They are just getting accustomed to their bike and to carrying over 50 pounds of gear in their backpack; the wind resistance feels like an added weight on their shoulders. They arrive in St-Peter’s, NS completely exhausted, but still manage to find the energy to stock up on
supplies and head over to Bat- tery Provincial Park, which was closed. No worries, on trips like this, a little guerrilla camping works just fine. Second day in Nova Scotia, the
rain persists as if telling them to turn around and go home, they don’t. Every drop adds more weight to their already soaked apparel, each turn of the pedal feels heavier than the last. Then the winds start, 50 km gusts blowing in their faces, they feel a chill in their bones, begging for a moments rest. That night, after they arrive in Monastery, their endurance is rewarded by the vice-principal of East Antig- onish Education Center who lets them spend the night in the shed on the school grounds. Luck is on their side since they left St-John’s. Most nights have been spent in warm places; on the sofa of a friend’s house, in a guest room of a past Canada World Youth participant, in the back of a registration counter at the airport. When you plan trip like these, you must be flexible and ready to make new friends. The next morning, the pair
awake to a constant downpour, ottawaoutdoors 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57