Reason for this Bicycle Tour

On June 10, 2013 I set out from my brother and sister-in-laws home in Brantford, Ontario on a solo bicycle tour to Florida. Life has seemingly come full circle. This tour is a healing journey... mentally, physically and spiritually.

In 1986, at the age of 24, I had taken a term off my university study and bicycle toured from St. Thomas, Ontario to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 1986 tour was a significant turning point in my life and included my being severely assaulted by clergy, something that I repressed for over 20 years. Despite the assault I made decision to answer my life's calling to be a healer and educator - a chiropractor.

After over twenty years of repressing the "crisis" event during that tour, writing a memoir was an initial act of growth and healing. In the end, the memoir offers the reader profound insight into the healing journey. The memoir can be found Amazon, International Health Publishing.

Physically, I am recovering from a severe shoulder injury and subsequent disability. The injury led to the sale of my chiropractic practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia in September of 2012.

Thanks for looking in on my journey. Sincerely, Dr. Pat

Saturday, 15 June 2013

Rochester, NY to Cayuga State Park near Seneca Falls, NY 99 km


The trail was quite muddy after all of the rain the day before.


Erie Canal, Fairport, NY


Bridge work in Fairport, NY


Pal-Mac Aqueduct County Park as you enter Palmyra, NY along the Erie Canal Trail.


This is Donna who owns Muddy Waters Cafe. Trailside in Palmyra, NY, this quaint little shop is a must stop. I sat and ate breakfast while some of the locals asked about my trip. I'm not sure what Donna puts in her coffee, but it has a rare smooth taste and the cookie that I had was unforgettable, made of oatmeal, coconut, dried currants, chocolate chips... Thanks for your warm hospitality Donna.


Wild roses along the trail. I stopped, pulled off some petals, held them to my nose, and then ate them. Rose petal tastes just like a rose smells, and they are high in vitamin C. Wild rose peals are a great addition to a salad.


I had forgotten that the New York College of Chiropractic was in Seneca Falls. Seeing this sign was a nice surprise.


The campus is huge and picturesque.


Campsite at Cayuga lake State Park


The view looking straight up from my open tent.


Gather dry sticks (a challenge after the rain), rip up tourism brochures that I had collected and use to make fire. Boil water...


Tea, Earl Gray, Extra Hot.

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