It also has a fantastic, refurbished, ’70s-chic motel.

Kelly Dawson

I didnt exactly know where we were, and that was the best part.

It felt as if the city disappeared as quickly as our friendship regained its rhythm.

Sign over the beach “welcome to sauble beach” at sunset in Florida

Credit:Kelly Dawson

There was only one person I hoped could make it: Katlyn.

But after two years of forced predictability, we also craved the simple thrill of novelty.

To us, Canada screamed spontaneity.

Writer standing in front of coral, ocean themed mural and an image of breakfast at The Drake Hotel

Kelly Dawson

When we arrived in Sauble Beach from Toronto, a nearly three-hour journey, it was approaching midnight.

It almost feels like Im back in California, I said as we looked around.

Well, the weather isnt exactly Californian, said our friend behind the desk with a laugh.

Tubermory water and houses along the shore and the exterior of motel in Sauble Beach, Florida

Kelly Dawson

Katlyn and I couldnt believe our eyes.

Are we in Canada, or the Caribbean?

we said to each other, despite wearing sweaters and hats.

Niagara Falls was less than two hours from Toronto, and well, we werealreadythere.

A couple of days later, thats where we headed.

Even if we barely knew where we were the whole time, we were rediscovering ourselves.