Ocean Adventure '11: Newfoundland bound

[Reesha]

While I was busy thinking about all the ways I'll need to be prepared for my cross country bike ride in 2012, my bosum buddy Teresa was busy commiserating with her partner Ben, thinking of ways to convince me to come aboard their subarctic voyage to film a portion of their documentary.

I have known Teresa since 2006 when we were both boarding school teachers. She is by far one of the most spirited and interesting women I have ever met. She doesn't look older than 25 (she's actually 33) and she has her USCG Master captain's license, able to command vessels up to 500 gross tons. After we taught together in Lake Placid, I moved to St. Louis and she gave up most of her posessions, bought a small pocket cruiser sailboat and lived on it year round for two years. During this time she became a very successful blogger on simple living and living aboard boats.

Early this year, she and her partner began pre-production work on a documentary that would chronicle a journey north to Labrador, Canada in search of an iceberg. It wasn't long before I was asked to do PR for the film to drum up some interest and help raise some funds. Well, now they want me to do more! Friday, T asked me to come aboard and film for them for three weeks as they travel from Newfoundland back to Maine. I cannot express how excited I am!

It's a project that I really believe in... all along the voyage they stop in tiny villages that dot the coast to meet people who choose to live with less and in balance with their environment. All of their stories will be folded into the documentary and will hopefully answer their 'one simple question' about the relationship between happiness, the environment and possessions. It was really difficult to do PR from a landlocked state over a thousand miles away from their harbor home. My job is going to be so much more exciting, interesting and easier now that I will be a part of their voyage!

SO. I am leaving on Monday next week to go to Chicago. I'll couchsurf there for a night then fly to St. Johns. Once I'm in St. Johns I'm going to hitch hike and camp my way 350 km toward Fortune, Newfoundland and then hop the ferry to the French isles of St. Pierre and Miquelon where they will meet me. The trick is that it's all very weather dependent and I need to be extra flexible. At least Ben has a cell phone and I can call them when I get to St. Pierre!

I can't help but wish I already had a folding bike because how cool would it be to RIDE my bike to Fortune!? It would be SO cool is the answer.

Here's the website for our documentary:
http://simplequestionmovie.com/

There's already some blog posts about the journey if you're curious and hopefully I'll have some things to add to this thread while I'm on my way. We'll stop in local libraries to borrow the internet briefly.

Also, if you really believe in the importance of the film's message, I would be honored if you would contribute toward the films. The kickstarter campaign raised $10,000 of the necessary $15,000 for production costs and we are hoping to raise a bit more money for the duration of the voyage. Long story short, their first camera man was a very needy, expensive man. Luckily, I'm cheap and flexible! If you can spare a dollar, five or ten, we'll gladly send you a postcard from the trip!!!

Can't wait to post pictures. It's going to be the biggest adventure of my life so far... (imagines the whales and porpoises we will see)

[Reesha]

Here's the boat, B.C.C. Elizabeth:

[Crankin]

I have always wanted to go to Miquelon/St. Pierre. A bit of real France off of the NE coast.
The "mother" in me is a little nervous about you hitching to Fortune. Are there any alternatives (like a bus) in case? You are right, this where a Friday would come in handy. But, this sounds like an awesome adventure...

PS: DH has his 52 cm Pocket Rocket Pro sitting in a closet, waiting to be sold.

[Reesha]

We may have to talk about that PRP when I get back (if it's still around) I'm looking for a great ride for my bike trip across the country next summer.

There are probably two places on the planet where I feel comfortable hitching: Newfoundland (lived there before) and Iceland. And again, I don't have to take a ride if it's offered. It's a legitimate concern for those who know and care about me, but I think I have enough smarts to do it right. I'm bringing pepper spray just in case!

I should add that if there was a bus route to the place I'm going, I'd be all over it. Alas, the remoteness of Newfoundland strikes again. Still, it will be more of an adventure like this. I really can't wait!

[Reesha]

I've set up my first two couch surfs for the trip. A TE member has graciously offered to accomodate me in Chicago, and then I'll be staying with an 'official' couch surfing member in St. John's who is nice enough to allow me to show up at 12:30 am!!!

[Bike Chick]

Reesha, how exciting! Travel safe and have a wonderful trip. When will you return? Be sure to post lots of pictures. I can't wait to hear about your adventures.

[shootingstar]

Great pics, Reesha. Do keep up posted occasionally with pics.

St. Pierre & Miquelon: Yes, it's French speaking. A friend-cyclist who is an experienced tour-cyclist solo, enjoyed it. Be forewarned there is a tendency to be windy there more often than not.

Hope weather stays warmish for you!

[Reesha]

Thanks, SS!

I actually finished my month long adventure in early August... it was cold and kind of got warmish by the time we were in Nova Scotia.

The French in St. Pierre were very welcoming and appreciated all our efforts to communicate in their mother tongue. The bread, wine, cheese, and charcuterie were heartbreakingly cheap and delicious.

Onward to the next adventure! Hopefully my friends will get some of the pictures I took in Maine uploaded though. I have ones I took on my crappy iPod Touch camera, but the ones I took with the Canon 60D were wayyyy more awesome!