Dates: Sept. 18 – 19, 2025
Locations: Noisy River Provincial Park > Mono Centre > Sleswick
Distance hiked: 81.6 km
I was sweltering in the oppressive humidity, I was always hungry, and my right shoulder had developed a stabbing pain that would sometimes last for hours every day. On top of that, every day I’d walk through what felt like hundreds of spider webs – and somehow they’re always at the height of my eyes and mouth.
My second food stash was thankfully untouched. I sat beside the trail excitedly gorging on pistachios and chocolate. Thankfully the group of 8 retirees I’d passed moments before were headed the other way.
Later that day, I made it to Mono Mills and was able to finally charge my phone and power banks at a Tim’s.
I’m always amazed at how there’s a flood of abundance after drought. I was so thirsty and hungry and badly needed to charge my electronics, and on day 12 those prayers were answered. Ask and you shall receive – but first you must suffer so you know to appreciate it when it does come.
I was content to be back in the solitude and quiet of the forest after experiencing the disorienting, fast-paced GTA traffic and culture. I was grateful for the services of Mono Mills, but it was overstimulating. So many people. So much commotion.
As I’m plunging to the south, the cars are becoming more and the roads are getting busier and harder to cross.
