Yes! You read that right! I arrived in Varadero after covering 158.7 km today!!! A personal record! I can't believe I reached my goal in 20 days!!! The day started at 6:00 AM, it was still dark. I followed the Bay of Pigs to Playa Larga. I was completely alone for 30 km, as the road is entirely in the forest.

I arrived in Playa Larga quite early and had the best ham and egg sandwich of the trip. I decided to keep driving to Jagüey Grande. The town was cool, but I needed to find some cash because I only had $4.50 left. I found a bank, but there was no ATM. I decided to keep driving because I didn't want to wait two hours to withdraw money. It's crazy how simple things in life in Canada can be so difficult in Cuba.

As I was driving again, I was stopped by death. Don't worry, if I'm writing these lines, it means I'm still very much alive! I was only forced to stop briefly while a funeral procession carried the deceased to his final resting place in the cemetery.

I drive and drive, looking for a bank, but I don't see one. I see villages like this one that remind me of dear Isabel, a teacher at Mont Notre-Dame in Sherbrooke.

I see other signs on the road that give me hope of arriving soon.

I'm driving, no bank! I don't have any money to find a room. I decide to stop for Creole food, a generous plate of rice, chicken, avocado, beans, and potatoes. I'm in paradise for $2.

I thank the two excellent cooks.

That was the best food of the whole trip! I ride along and try to help a Cuban man who had broken his bicycle chain, but without success.

I've arrived in Cardenas, it's a big city, I'll finally be able to withdraw some money!!!

No way!!! I can't get any money from that cursed machine!!! I'm looking for another bank, but it's starting to rain. I'm waiting patiently under cover.

After the rain, I find another ATM!!! Yahoo!!! But no!!! The ATM is out of money again! Viva Cuba!!! Cardenas is a spectacular city.

A vendor offered me a free piece of pork, yum!!!

I continued on my way to Varadero. And bam, more rain! I stopped at another cemetery and met Felipe, a friendly security guard. He invited me to sit down and take shelter.

I finally arrived in Varadero after an incredible 160km day. I headed to a two-star hotel I'd visited twice before. I knew it wasn't exactly top-notch, but I inquired about the price! What?! US$90 for one night! I couldn't believe my ears.

Besides, the hotel is full. I find two working ATMs; I'm finally a consumer again! Finally, some money!

As I was leaving the hotel, I explained to the doorman that it was full. At the same time, a woman told me to come and see her house because she had a room to rent!

I've made a deal for 4 nights for $100. I'll finally be able to rest before returning home very soon!

In my article tomorrow, I'll include photos and a video of this magnificent room located 300 meters from the beach. I'm tired! Is that normal?

I'm going to bed very early; tomorrow I'll go exploring...

David Beauchesne