I did not expect my 65th birthday to be anything other than an ordinary day in June. But over the last month or two, I have been startled by the random thoughts of aging, the reminders from Revenue Canada about health policy changes and “Old Age Pension,” and the need to make work decisions with consideration of a tentative retirement date (doctoral students take a commitment of 4-6 years). And, of course, decisions now have a kind of finality or lack of open options that decisions at 20 or 30 did not. I am also flooded with memories and realizations of what an incredible life I have already lived and a joy for the challenges to come and projects I have yet to finish.
So, what a great time to undertake a bicycle tour of Nova Scotia with Zander. I have always wanted to tour the Maritimes. The memories of my last bicycle trip consistently remind me of the generosity and abundance of life, that any hill or mountain can be traversed one step or pedal revolution at a time, and many more insights that seem particularly important to embody again.
Tonight is my last night in the Westin Hotel overlooking the Halifax harbor. Tomorrow, I unpack my bicycle and get everything packed. Zander and I will leave Halifax on Sunday heading south toward Peggy’s Cove. We will do a relatively short day getting used to the bicycle, trailer and roads. We are hoping for good weather–it has been variable and a little on the coolish side. It feels like another grant adventure….a pilgrimage into a new chapter of life!
cycleyogini 
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