OK, I Admit It, I Conveniently Forgot

What did I forget? I forgot how hilly it is along the big lakes in Canada...no, it is not a mountain pass, but there are lots of plenty big hills, and it's raining, and I am ready to be home now---

All of which are good things, really, especially from Sheila's view----I think she is pretty happy that I want to be home! I am still hoping to make it on Thursday. Looking at the mileage it looks like it should be a piece of cake, but riding in the rain really slows things down. I find it next to impossible to get into a good rhythm that can be sustained for an hour or two----let alone three or four hours. Once you get wet through, I just start thinking about where I can stop and get dried out a bit.

On the bright side, I just had lunch at the "Middle Earth Cafe" in Nakusp. If you are ever here, do stop in----the decorating is superb, the owner and his wife friendly, and the food great! I see a little break in the rain (it poured while I had lunch) so I am going to hit the road. I should know pretty much for sure tomorrow night if I will make the Thursday arrival date. I hope so!

Home Thursday, Lord Willing and the Creeks Don't Rise

Paul hopes to be pedalling into his own driveway Thursday evening. If you would like to come and help welcome him home, I am planning to have ribbon strung across the driveway and some whoops and hollers from those of us that have been inspired by this epic journey. Please join us at 7903 E. Princeton Ave. at about 4:00 or so. Paul hopes to time it to get home around 4:30 - 5:00. We'll have some snacks and beverages on hand. I thought about surprising Paul with this, but wanted to make sure it was something we could work out timing wise and that it is something he would enjoy. He was delighted to think anyone would be interested:)

Rain to Start, Rain to Finish

I am in Revelstoke, and it is raining. I just stopped and threw all my clothes into a dryer, so for the moment I am dry. I still hope to make Nakusp tonight and Ainsworth tomorrow.

Rogers pass was big. My friend Doug Beu (who kindly delivered me to the airport to commence this journey) had assured me that he had driven it not long ago and was sure it wouldn't be bad. Hmmm---well OK, I guess , but it was LLLooooonnngggg and steep and there were the tunnels, but other than that, it was darn pretty, and very satisfying to reach the top of my last mountain climb.

I am satisfied! I purposely chose the route I did to take in the mountains. I am very satisfied with the mountain experience----don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I am "sick of them," just that I feel I have had enough for now. Some things (eating pizza, for example), it is good to do until you really don't want any more. I feel inside kind of like a morning cup of coffee that you poured a little to full, and need to quickly take a sip or it will spill over. Surely it will fade as these things do, but I feel all filled up!

Canyon Hotsprings - Last Day Open!

Paul did fine on the pass and the tunnels weren't too bad. He said he only had one dicey moment. The truth is, he said there was only one moment he thought he was going to die . . . did I mention how much I appreciate your prayers on his behalf? He made it to Canyon Hot springs on their last day open (they're closing early like so many places up there this year). Paul hopes to make it to Nakusp tomorrow. Hopefully he will get to do another post himself.

Rogers Pass Today!

Paul called and said he will go over Rogers pass today. I'm not sure he knows about the tunnels (see below), but maybe ignorance is bliss.
I can hardly wait to talk to Paul and get his report!

The picture and following info is from:
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?townid=3496
Travelling through Rogers Pass requires you to go through five long tunnels, which add a measure of protection from avalanches, although they can be a bit unnerving the first time. The lofty sensation of crossing Rogers Pass is one of the rewards for travelling here.

Rogers Pass (elevation 4,534 feet/1382 m) is located at the summit in Glacier National Park, and operates the Park's main Interpretation Centre.

Whoa, Dude, that was Gnarley!

I had been warned that the road to Golden had some pretty tough spots with no shoulder and lots of trucks, and it was true. There were spots with literally zero shoulder and one lane uphill and one lane downhill. Grit your teeth and go . . . that said, it was darn pretty, and a big down grade. I crossed the continental divide again yesterday, and it has been mostly downhill for the stretch from the "Bow Summit" on the ice-fields parkway to Golden. Now I get a little flat, then "Roger's Pass", the last BIG climb left.
There will be a few more hills, but no more mountain passes. I have lost count, but I have climbed a lot of passes.

I am now in Golden, and will press on a few more miles and camp, then to face Roger's pass in the morning. Tomorrow night will be spent at Canyon Hot Springs, then on down the road. Home is drawing close, and it is tempting to hurry, but I really want to enjoy these final few miles. (I passed the 2000 mile mark yesterday)

Morning

It is my ever so humble opinion that if you miss mornings, you miss much of the best of life. The last two nights I have stayed at hostels, and I am up and gone before most activity commences. What a joy to witness the sun beginning to peek over the snow capped peaks!---to watch the shadows recede on the mountainsides, to see the birds and small animals awaken, to be up before either the dew or the frost have hit!

I truly believe that several of life's pleasures are at their most intense in the morning----the smell of freshly brewed coffee----lighting the fire in the wood stove---smelling the bacon cooking, or simply stepping out and seeing the moon and stars recede into their daytime hiding places. Or, if in the city, witnessing the sun breaking over the horizon seeming to light the skyscrapers on the Jersey shore afire-----Wow!

Of course, cycling down a deserted road before the days activity has begun ranks right up at the top!

I am about 45 miles from Lake Louise, and I may press on down Highway 1, as the weather is beginning to change. Less than a week to go, if nothing happens to change things. It has been grand . . .