Day 59: Newmarket to Toronto (52km)

I don't even know how to start this post, today has been so surreal. Even yesterday as we rode across Bathurst street in Newmarket, knowing it could take us home, we found it hard to believe we had just cycled from Vancouver to Toronto. If there's anything more appropriate to commemorate such an occasion than cake and reunion with some of our favorite people I cannot think of it. Today has been marked by a lot of both.

This morning we visited with a group of cardiac rehab members and toured the facilities at the Southlake Regional Health Centre. Alex shared some of his post-surgical stories and we were able to learn about other's experiences. Our warm welcome was facilitated by Terry Fair and the rest of the incredible staff at the centre who presented a cake in honour of the ride. We enjoyed the refreshments while chatting with the great group of current rehab program participants.

After class it was time to head south into Toronto. We took Bayview Avenue, which seems to degrade drastically upon entering Toronto city limits --watch out for gaping pits on the road! Traffic was also unfriendly so once we hit Lawrence Avenue we diverted onto residential streets for the rest of our ride to east Danforth. Because we entered the city early to avoid rush hour we had a few hours to recuperate before meeting my brother at the end of his work day. We spent that time eating spicy fries at a local pub before reaching Brandon yet again (this time the fraternal as opposed to the city kind). My other brother, Adam, also came over for dinner and we managed to sneak in a quick visit with Baaba, Brandon's wonderful wife, before she had to leave for a work event.

We've had a fabulous evening catching up over Thai food and recounting the last two months. Thanks everyone for making us feel so at home!