Imagine that an idea is in the form of a seed. And that each of us holds many of these seeds that are all just waiting for the right conditions to take root and sprout. I’ve been holding onto a seed that’s got the word ‘travel’ written all over it for quite a while now. And although no conditions are ever perfect, now’s the time for that little seed to sprout.

So, it’s with a little bit of sadness and a lot of excitement, that I am writing to tell you that I have decided to leave my friends, family, amazing job, and tight knit eco-home in Toronto on a bit of a food-themed voyage.  Beginning mid-June, I will be traveling through Eastern Canada (Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI) and the Northeast United States (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and possibly even out to Chicago, Il & Milwalkee, WI).

For me, food is a medium for learning, personal growth, and social change. I am drawn, then, to devote my travels to visiting examples of these elements in action. Organic farms, intentional communities, food security projects, education centres, schools, food businesses and kitchens of all shapes and sizes are all on my list of places to visit.

And in case my travel plan wasn’t a big enough leap out of the ordinary, I plan to do at least part of this trip by bicycle! Have I ever done a bike tour before? No. Am I about to learn? Absolutely. I’m just hoping that the hills I climb won’t be as steep as my learning curve.

I could be back as early as November… or as late as next April depending on stamina and funds :) Or who knows? Maybe I’ll end up joining a commune, marrying a rugged woodsman, and returning to Toronto to announce my permanent departure with five newly acquired step-children in tow. (insert already worried father furrowing eyebrows here)

It Takes a Village…to Shape a Voyage

Ever the prepared traveler, my tendency is always to thoroughly research a route, accommodations, and sights in advance of my trip. But seeing that I’m not interested in hotels and tourist attractions this time around, and that most of the places I want to see and the people I want to meet aren’t clamouring for my time and money, I hereby go to you – my community – as a way to help me connect with my community-soon-to-be.

Do you know good people near where I’m headed? Have your heard of any inspiring places I should visit? A can’t-miss food project or unique event? Is there a dish I absolutely must try at an underappreciated restaurant somewhere out there?

You all are my link to the myriad people, places and things I am about to discover. You’re the most sustainable resource I could tap! As I prepare to leave, and even after my departure, I would love to receive travel tips of any kind…..reply in the comments section below or by email to Emily *AT* feelgoodfood.net.

Bike Trip Wish List:

Having never done a long-distance bike trip before, I have basically NONE of the gear I need to do this. I’m working on an evolving list of things I’m on the lookout for. If you know of anyone selling any of these items in the Toronto area, I am in the market! See my not-so-artistic representation below.

And of course, no adventure would be complete without total self-exposure to the masses through social media. Read about my pre- and post-departure antics here on my blog in the “Food Tour” Category (formerly Random/My Life), through RSS updates, or on Twitter (@FeelGoodFood).

Let the road to revolution begin!!!… (with a training ride).