Trip
Reports
Bike
Trip - TCT Across BC:
1.Vancouver
Island
2.West Vancouver
to Coquitlam
3.Coquitlam to
Albion Ferry
4.Albion Ferry to
Cultus Lake
5.Keith Wilson
Bridge to Hope
6.Hope to Princeton
7.Princeton to
Penticton
8.Penticton to
Creston
9.Creston to Alberta
border
8.
Penticton to Creston (August 4 - 10, 2001)
My seven-day bike ride from Penticton to Creston was great. I had hot,
sunny weather the entire time. I cycled with day gear (water, first aid,
bike repair kit, camera, snacks, extra shirt, sunscreen) and met Christine
each day along the trail. The entire journey was about 500 km in length.
There were four significant climbs along the way, making this section
the most demanding so far.
Day 1- August 4, 2001
Penticton
Tourist Info Centre (22) to Chute Lake Resort (27): 5 hours
(#22 refers to checkpoint in TCT guide book)
The previous night we stayed at Apple Tom & Wild Rudy's Bed &Breakfast
(1056 Naramata Road / (250)-487-2188). It was a great place situated on
the eastern slopes of Naramata overlooking Okanagan Lake. They have two
suites and can easily accommodate large groups. The Trans Canada Trail
(TCT) is across the road from them. I left well rested and with a large
bag of delicious cherries picked fresh that morning.
I recommend carrying extra water for this section as the temperatures
can soar during the day. There are not many reliable water sources along
the way, so be prepared. The 2.2% grade from Penticton is quite manageable.
I accessed the TCT by turning left onto Davenport Road, about 200 meters
before the intersection of the TCT with Naramata Road. The first part
of the trail switch backed through orchards and vineyards providing me
with spectacular views of the lake below. Just past Arawana station I
passed a car driving along the TCT. I guess they wanted to enjoy the views
as well. The trails group has built benches so there are lots of places
to simply sit and relax. There were also two wild apricot trees on this
section so I had fresh fruit to snack on during the day.
When I entered the Rock Ovens Park I took the time to photograph these
unique structures. I recommend looking at Rock Ovens # 1, #2 (easy access)
#6 (cross a log bridge) and #12 (near Chute Lake). I was lucky enough
to spot a mule deer in a clearing below a transmission line, but by the
time I got off my bike and grabbed my camera it was gone. Just before
Adra Tunnel I came across a great campsite. It can easily accommodate
3 or 4 tents. It has a large fire ring with grate, plus there is a creek
running nearby. Its relative remoteness would make a great place to stay
the night. There is a very large ponderosa pine in the centre of the site.
The ride from Adra Tunnel (closed with a detour around it) to Chute Lake
begins to level out a bit. Along the way I found numerous wild strawberry
and raspberry plants. By the time I reached Chute Lake Resort (250-493-3535)
my knees were burning though and I was happy to be off my bike. Chute
Lake Resort is a great place to spend the night. We stayed in one of the
rooms, which are simple but comfortable. They serve breakfast, lunch and
dinner. Don't forget to try their famous pies. They had peach, apple,
and cherry when we were there.
Most bikers cycling the Kettle Valley Railroad (KVR); which is now part
of the TCT, stay at Chute Lake. This unique destination is at an elevation
of about 1100 meters and is home to loons, hummingbirds and many small
animals. Overnight, the temperature dropped to 4 degrees Celsius.
During the lazy part of the evening as sky grew hazy with the approaching
sunset, we sat on our porch drinking sodas. Bees and other flying insects
hummed their long practiced tunes so typical of high summer. From down
the trail a couple of weary bikers walked into camp. One of their bikes
had a broken axle so they tossed it on top of the other (which was also
pulling a trailer) and pushed the bike 13 km into Chute Lake. That was
the first day of their much-anticipated KVR bike trip and it was all over
for them. They would have to go back home.
The restaurant has a pool table and old-fashioned jukebox. For 50 cents,
you can have a selection of 5 songs, mostly oldies. We listened to Willie
Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Otis Redding and read our books in big comfy
chairs. By 10:30 pm the entire place was quiet. Everyone had gone to bed.
We paid $45 Canadian for the room, which was very reasonable. They also
have cabins and tenting sites. Though if you are tenting ($10 per night)
I should warn you we encountered quite a few mosquitoes that night.
Day 2 - August 5, 2001
Chute Lake (27) to Beaverdell (36): 7.5 hours
The weather was cloudy providing excellent conditions to cycle in. The
TCT leading eastward from Chute Lake was easy to follow. In fact, the
entire day was very straightforward. However, the trail surface was washboard
for the first couple of hours. I carried a daypack with me, so I made
very good time most of the way. Coming out of Mc Culloch Lake resort the
trail begins to descend and consequently I was met with typical headwinds
blowing up the valley.
The most spectacular trestle for me was Bellevue Creek Trestle near Lorna
Station. It is 267 meters in length and rises over 120 meters above the
creek below. It is curved and provides a sweeping view of the area.
Myra Canyon was very dramatic because you cross so many trestles in such
a short period of time. I spent a lot of time photographing the trestles
and chatting with the many bikers and hikers. This was certainly the busiest
section of TCT I had traveled on since leaving the lower mainland.
On the section of trail from Myra Station (30) to Mc Culloch Lake Resort
(31), I came into contact with ATV and motorbike users. They were traveling
quite fast and polluted the air with their exhaust and noise. I was glad
to be rid of them. At Mc Culloch Lake Resort I stopped to refill my water
bottle and was told I needed to pay for it. I thought that was a bit strange
and fortunately an employee of the resort refilled my bottle for free.
The cost was not a big deal, but I certainly did not feel very welcome.
After leaving Mc Culloch Lake Resort I began traveling downhill to Beaverdell.
I encountered more motor bikers between Arlington Lakes and Lois Station.
The landscape was more remote and for the most part very peaceful. I caught
glimpses of small animals including rabbits, which did not seem to be
afraid of people.
At Lois Station (34) the guidebook suggest a detour onto Highway 33 to
avoid the washed out bridge over Wilkinson Creek. I needed a cool dip
so I continued to follow the TCT up and across the creek. The extra distance
took about an hour before I was back onto the prescribed TCT at Carmi
Station (35). The crossing of Wilkinson Creek was easy. The water level
was so low, I only got my feet wet, and I quite relished the cool, soothing
creek water.
Once on the other side I made good time. I once again ran into an ATV
user. These machines are very noisy and you can hear them for kilometers
away. I don't see how anyone using such a machine considers himself or
herself to be connecting to nature. It is noisier than the traffic I normally
hear on my way to work.
Christine was waiting for me at the Beaverdell Hotel, a short detour from
the trail. The Beaverdell is the oldest continuously run hotel in the
province. They have four rooms, and most of the guests who stay are bike
riders following the KVR / TCT.
Across the street is a reasonably priced café/restaurant that is
a great place to listen to the local gossip. We finished the night off
by watching the movie TITANIC on the hotel's TV/VCR. There is a pub at
the place with a barmaid who sings. In fact, she has a great voice and
we could hear her entertaining the bar's patrons with many tunes during
the evening. You don't have to worry about the place being noisy though.
The pub was closed by 10 pm the night we stayed and everyone else was
in bed by 11:00 pm. I have found that most cyclists like to get up early
and go to bed early.
One group of cyclists staying that night was just beginning a weeklong
trip on the trail. One biker told me she had been given a bicycle for
her 75th birthday and this was to be her first big trip. The TCT through
this area can accommodate bikers of all abilities and all ages.
Day 3 - August 6th, 2001
Beaverdell (36) to Midway (45) (1): 7 hours
This was a very hot and sunny day. I got a late start and did not hit
the trail until 9:30 a.m. I was going to suffer for this late start as
the heat became unbearable. I used a daypack again with the intention
of meeting Christine at the Midway KVR Train Museum.
On this section between Dellwye (37) and Taurus (38) Station, the trail
has kilometer markers. Near the 5 km marker an aspen lays across the trail.
You will need to carry your bike over this tree, as there is no way to
get around it. The surface is washboard and once again I encountered an
ATV.
Just to the north of Rhone Station along the paved Blythe-Rhone Road I
stopped at Paul Lautard's Cyclists Rest Stop. There is no other rest area
like this one on the entire TCT in BC. Paul Lautard is a very energetic
retired gentleman who has built a covered shelter, complete with picnic
tables and hammock. When I arrived, there was a large container of cold
water sitting on the table. By ringing a bell which alerts his dog that
in turn barks and alerts Paul, Paul himself quickly hustles down an ice-cold
fresh bottle of water. Cyclists are encouraged to sign their name on one
of the available spaces left on the walls or beams that make up the shelter.
When I arrived, Paul was working on his latest project, which is a caboose,
complete with working stove, sink, and benches. When it is cold and wet
bikers can take refuge from inclement weather in the caboose.
I had a few minor repairs to take care of on my bike and his large workshop
was the perfect place to work on my bike. Paul was also a world-class
carver so take the time to see his collection. His shelter and hospitality
is a wonderful oasis to weary TCT travelers.
After leaving Paul Lautard's cyclists oasis watch for the TCT signs leading
back onto the rail bed. They come up quickly and are easy to miss. The
rail bed crosses highway 33 to the west side and travels southward until
reaching Zamora Station (41), which is a road. The local farmers still
feel the publicly owned rail bed belongs to them, so it is necessary to
detour back onto highway 33 to the Kettle River Provincial Park. I poked
around just to the north of Zamora to get an idea of where the future
TCT will go and found one farmer had placed beehives right on the old
rail bed. I stopped my exploration and went back to the interim TCT and
headed down the highway.
When you enter the Kettle Valley Provincial Park follow the main paved
road through the park down the steep hill until you cross the paved-over
cattle guard. There are small boulders on the trail to the left (north
side) and a yellow gate on your right (south side). This marks the KVR
and you can follow this path to the right past the gate to the trestle
spanning the Kettle River. There were many families swimming in the river
and some brave kids leaping from the trestle into the water below.
Leaving the trestle watch for the old, faded detour sign that takes bikers
away from the river to a dirt road (Riverside Rd) that parallels the river.
There are a few rolling hills to climb along this dusty section. I met
a couple on mountain bikes. They were heavily loaded and the husband was
also pulling their son along in one of those child trailers. That must
have been a very bumpy ride. They had just begun their trip from Midway
and were intending to cycle to Brookmere. Good luck I thought. They seemed
to be really struggling with their heavily laden bikes and the heat. They
had certainly chosen a large challenge for their holiday I thought to
myself and I was sure glad that wasn't me.
The KVR rail bed through Rock Creek is currently off limits. Farmers are
negotiating with the TCT foundation, so I am hopeful an arrangement can
finally be reached. In every other section of farmland since leaving Victoria,
local farmers and trail users have been able to get along, and I am hopeful
this area will soon be part of the TCT permanently. It certainly will
be a boom to the town of Rock Creek. I followed the interim route to East
Bubar Road. There should be a TCT sign here so that travelers will know
for sure the correct path route to follow. The dirt track has no road
sign, except on the other end by the highway, but eastbound travelers
need to be reassured they are traveling on the correct path.
East Bulbar Road goes through private farmland, but it is the only way
to get through. The road is hilly and I was very happy to reach the bridge
at the highway on the other side. The good news is that the rail bed along
the beautiful Kettle River can be rejoined at the bridge by the highway.
Simply access the trail on the north side of the highway by riding down
a small slope. The trail goes underneath the bridge and you will see the
TCT signs at the first gate to cross. There are a number of gates through
this section to Midway, but they are designed so that you can remain on
your bike in most cases. Chris Moslin and his TCT volunteers from Grandforks
designed these gate systems. Chris is an avid mountain biker and has constructed
a gate that makes traveling through these private farms much easier. The
trail is quiet, flat, and picturesque as it travels along the lazy Kettle
River through a number of pastures.
At the Pope and Talbot Mill, the TCT actually goes right into the lumberyard
and you cycle right past stacks of wood. The trail surface is sandy in
places and there is no protection from the sun. The TCT crosses the highway
one last time and then you can see the roof of the Midway Museum in the
distance. By the time I reached the KVR museum I was baked. The temperatures
had soared to 40 degrees Celsius. I was stubborn and stupid to continue
cycling through the hottest part of the day. In any event I was relieved
to see Christine waiting for me with a cool drink.
We stayed at the Riverfront Park campsite along the Kettle River in Midway.
Steve Stewart is the park operator and the cost of a site is $10 Canadian.
You can reach Steve at ((250)-449-2467) or by emailing at (stewartstemon@yahoo.com).
During the evening we had the chance to chat with other cyclists. There
was one group from Holland (and a lone cyclist from Switzerland) who we
talked with. They were cycling all over North America and had met up to
cycle the rail bed from Castlegar all the way to Hope on road bikes! I
would not recommend road bikes to anyone, but they were very tough, experienced
riders, so they were able to negotiate the trail very nicely.
It turns out these folks have cycled all over the world. They told me
that through biking they were able to experience new places in a way that
was far more intimate than by car. They went on to say that by cycling
through an area you feel every hill and begin to understand how the landscape
has influenced the local people. They cycled about 70 kilometers on average
every day and seemed very proficient on how they set up camp and prepared
dinner. They were in their forties and could not imagine traveling any
other way.
The highlight of their trip so far was their ride through Southern Utah.
I made a mental note to cycle there in the future, especially Moab.
Day 4 - August 7, 2001
Boundary Region
Midway (45) (1) to Grandforks (6): 4.5 hours
I did not want a repeat of the previous day's late start, so I crawled
out of my sleeping bag early and by 6:30 am was on my way up the gentle
slope towards the town of Greenwood. I left with a daypack that included
sunscreen. The forecast was for continued clear skies.
The TCT rises from Greenwood to Eholt Station, but the grade was gentle
most of the way. The coolness of the early morning provided perfect cycling
conditions. I passed the smallest City of BC, which is Greenwood, but
did not stop. Greenwood was once an internment settlement for Japanese
during World War II. The City has maintained its old buildings and is
worth seeing if you feel you have some extra time.
I would recommend taking an extra liter of water for the section to Grandforks.
There are a few seasonal creeks along the way, but I found the water only
trickling along. Remember to treat the water in all these areas as they
run through cattle country.
Once I reached the height of land at Eholt Station, the trail began to
descend quite quickly towards Grandforks. There are some breathtaking
views of the Granby River Valley to the east. Along the way I passed through
the Fisherman Tunnels. The small red shed at Fisherman Station is still
in pretty good shape and makes for a nice rest stop.
The rail bed east of Midway is part of the old Columbia and Western line
which runs all the way east to Castlegar, though I would only follow it
as far as Christina Lake. The TCT is easy to follow into the outskirts
of Grandforks. It even goes past the main train station, which has been
converted, into a Pub, a nice place to take a break.
It is a good idea to follow the TCT guidebook for the milk run through
Grandforks. I stopped at the bike shop / café (Chain Reaction &
Aromas Espresso Café) which is only minutes from the trail in the
town centre. The owner, Brian Fletcher was very helpful and enthusiastic
about the TCT and the food served in the café is fresh and delicious.
At this point I met up with a young woman named Batina from Saskatoon
who had been cycling from Vancouver along the No. 3 Highway. She had been
following one of the hilliest grades of pavement in all of Canada and
was on her way to Nelson.
Grandforks (6) to Christina Lake (8): 4.5
hours
I probably should have stopped for the day as it was the hottest part
of the afternoon, but I wanted to cover as much distance in preparation
for tomorrow. Batina and I followed the road network out of town until
we reached the newly finished TCT trail leading eastward to Christina
Lake. The company BC Gas has torn up the old rail bed for their pipeline
and replaced it with a new gravel trail surface. The surface is very smooth,
though there are some concerns that Chris Moslin (Regional Director of
Boundary Section) is still working out with BC Gas. Some of the issues
revolve around better drainage along some sections of trail and having
the two trestles planked and brought up to a standard to make it safer
for users. Batina and I made good time and were at the south end of Christina
Lake where we said goodbye. We later ran into each other again in Nelson.
Christine picked me up from our pre-arranged meeting place and we stayed
that night with Chris Moslin and his family. Eight years ago I also stayed
with Chris and I was impressed at the amount of work he has done on behalf
of the trail through his area. It has certainly improved a great deal.
Day 5 - August 8, 2001
Christina Lake (8) to Rossland (Tourist info centre):
5 hours
I began very early. I had two steep mountains to climb and I wanted to
avoid cycling in the hot sun as long as possible. I started by following
the rail bed to the turnoff for the Old Cascade Highway (9). From this
point the road grade was quite steep for the first 8 km. From the 8km
marker to about the 14 km marker the grade became much easier. Beyond
this point to the Santa Rosa Summit, the road became much steeper. It
took 3 hours to cycle to the summit and most of it was in the shade of
the trees. I refilled my water at Trout Creek Rec Site and surprised a
young couple of campers who were blissfully snoozing away in their tent.
I was lucky that a road crew sprayed water to keep the dust down for the
dump trucks carrying gravel from a pit located further up the mountain.
Eight years ago I followed the Dewdney Trail over the two summits and
into Rossland. I stayed one night at the home of an Anglican minister
named Simon Shenstone. He graciously let me sleep in a teepee he built
on his land. A year following that long walk I was married to Christine
in an alpine meadow in Cathedral Lakes Park by Simon.
The Santa Rosa summit lies at about the 23 km marker and from there I
flew downhill along an increasingly steep and rough road. Eventually I
reached the Santa Rosa Rec Site, which made an excellent rest stop. It
is situated beside Santa Rosa Creek, has a picnic table, pit toilet and
is surrounded by Thimbleberries. I took a nice little break here.
West Kootenay Region
From the rec site to the top of Cascade Summit I cycled for about two
hours along a continuous uphill grade. There are new kilometer markers
that I noticed on this side, so watch for the transmission lines and the
12 km marker. At the very top I took a few pics. Vehicles can follow this
road if they have 4 wheel drive. There is one washout that low clearance
cars could never cross. The ride from Cascade Summit to the Rossland Information
Centre was dowhill except for one notable section. About 3 km before reaching
Highway 22, the road heads back uphill for an unexpected and miserable
grunt. Mentally I was not prepared for this so I suffered physically for
this short, but thigh burning section.
I was pleased to reach the info centre where I could relax in the restaurant
and 'flake out' on the cool green grass. From the Cascade Summit to the
info centre, it only took me 40 minutes so I was finished by 2 pm. Overall,
I felt strong. Mind you, I would not relish doing that again. I have walked
it uphill carrying a heavy backpack along the Dewdney Trail and now cycled
it along the road and I am done.
That night we stayed with Hanne Smith-Heintz who has a beautiful bed and
breakfast she shares with her husband just outside of Rossland. At the
time Hanne was the Regional Director for this area.
Day 6 - August 9, 2001
Rossland (Tourist info centre) to Lost Creek Rec
Site: 6 hours
I found that I preferred to start biking early in the morning when the
air is still cool. I followed the TCT through the streets of Rossland
as Hanne recommended. The TCT route is marked, but without any directional
signs at this time, so follow the guide. I picked up the Old Rail grade
Trail beginning at (#3 in guidebook) and followed this downhill route
towards Warfield. I really enjoyed this section as it runs through the
forest.
I do not remember seeing any TCT markers along this rail bed route, but
I followed the signs that directed travelers towards Warfield. This route
eventually meets the roadway, which I then followed down a steep grade
into Trail.
Both Rossland and Trail have good bike shops, though Rossland is known
for it mountain biking. I crossed the Columbia River and made my way through
the quiet streets of Trail. Soon I was on highway 22A making my way South
with the Columbia River below me.
I turned off on Seven Mile Dam Road and made very good time to the Dam.
The road is quiet, paved and offers fantastic views of the Pend D' Oreille
River. This river flows northward from the United States passing through
a couple of dams before draining into the Columbia River that flows southward
back into the U.S.
Just east of the dam, the road becomes a gravel bed. It begins as a rough
surface but levels off soon afterward. Buckley Picnic Area & Campground
is located 3 km past the dam and offers an excellent place to camp or
go for a swim.
I continued eastward along the road taking in the quiet solitude of the
river. At one point I crossed a washout, which is easy for bikes, but
impossible for a car. The guidebook describes a route along the Salmo
River Road, which parallels the north side of the Salmo River. I ran into
a woman who camps along the river during the summer with her husband.
They have lived in this valley their entire lives and can remember a time
long ago when the river was not dammed. When I described the Salmo River
Road to her, she stared at me blankly. She had never heard of such a road
and was skeptical that it existed. I showed her my map from the guidebook,
but she insisted that I would need to follow the Pend D' Oreille Road
southward to the border town of Nelway and then head north along Highway
6.
I thanked her and headed off. Being by nature quite stubborn I thought
I would try to follow the guidebook and ignore the advice of someone who
has lived here her entire life. Big mistake. By first going to the Salmo
River and then backtracking to the first road, I thought I had found the
elusive Salmon River Road. There were no TCT signs and when I started
up the dirt road I found a signpost clearly marked. It read, "McCormick
Creek Road". So, needless to say, I was very puzzled and frustrated.
I spoke with some more campers along the Salmo River, but they had never
heard of the Salmo River Road either.
I decided to take the longer detour down to Nelway. This involved a continuous
uphill grunt for much of the way, but at least I knew where it lead. Anyone
following the TCT through this area should check with Trails BC for current
information. The Salmo River Road is certainly not marked at this time.
Also, I was informed that by following it east I would need to ford the
river just before it met the highway. The other option across the river
was over a private bridge, whose owner may or may not be pleased with
visitors. Given these options, I think it is best to take the detour to
Nelway, because it is easy to follow and is open to the public. Trails
BC is working on improving this area and hopefully there will be some
more signs up next year. The road to Nelway was rough, but the scenery
was awesome. I really enjoyed the views of the valley.
Once on Highway 6, it is easy to follow along the paved shoulder downhill
to Highway 3. I turned east onto Highway 3 and made my way to the Lost
Creek Rec Site where I cooled off in the river. Christine and I camped
there that night, so that I could get an early start in the morning.
The guidebook offers two routes. One is to follow Lost Creek up and to
the north of Lost Mountain before rejoining Highway 3. The other is to
follow Highway 3 over the very steep Kootenay Pass before descending into
Creston. I have walked the Lost Creek route, so I decided to give the
Kootenay Pass a try. My decision was also confirmed after speaking with
a truck driver working along Lost Creek. This area right now is being
actively logged, plus BC Gas is still lying in a pipeline. He told me
that the dirt road is okay for the first 10 km, but then deteriorates.
Plus, once you reach the height of land, the steep descent will be virtually
impossible to cycle down. There are also land use issues being debated
in the area, and one earlier party of travelers had been turned back on
the Creston side. I therefore think it is best to check with Trails BC
for current conditions, and if you are biking to follow the highway over
Kootenay Pass. The route is long and steep, but at least you know you
will eventually get through without being turned back by land owners,
loggers, BC Gas workers, or finding a pathway unsuitable for cycling over.
It is also important to note that Salmo has a bike shop called DT Bicycles.
They are opened Monday to Saturday and their phone # is (250) 357-2641.
Day 7 - August 10, 2001
Lost Creek Rec Site to Kootenay Summit: 2.5 hours
I left at 5:30 am and reached Kootenay Summit by 8:00 am. The shoulder
of the highway was wide enough and by leaving early I never had to deal
with much traffic. Part of the way up I heard the 'clip clop' sounds of
an animal's hooves on rock. I looked up to my left and spotted two big
horn sheep looking down at me from the cliffs above. They seemed so at
ease amongst the steep rock. They picked there way along like it was the
easiest thing in the world to do. I stopped and took a couple of photographs.
Cars went by me at highway speed and missed these magnificent creatures.
There is a big advantage to seeing the landscape by bike or foot. Sights
and sound unfold naturally and slowly. If I had been in the car, I would
think of this section differently. By riding it on bike I appreciated
every flat spot, every birdcall. The scent of pine needles early in the
morning is different than the scent they make in the evening. All of these
things and more I experienced because I was in contact with nature and
not shut out from it.
I reached Kootenay Summit and took a rest break at Bridal Lake. The Summit
is part of Stagleap Provincial Park, but there are no facilities for camping.
I was at a height of 1,774 meters. I felt strong. There were a number
of truck drivers parked at the summit so I had a chance to chat with some
of them. I met one fellow who looked to be in his mid-forties. He told
me that he was from the Maritimes and an avid cyclist. He had always wanted
to bike across Canada and planned to do it once his family's financial
situation was more secure. He figured that would take a few more years
and then he would be ready to begin his long dreamed for adventure. I
wished him good luck.
Kootenay Summit to Creston Visitor Info
Centre (5): 2 hours
The ride down was interesting. The highway crews were busy repaving the
surface, so there were long line-ups of vehicles making there way down
the mountain. The sweet aroma of leaves and mountain air was replaced
by the noxious stench of asphalt. It was smoky and my eyes burned a little.
The traffic control people were kind enough to allow me to travel first
and they held back traffic so that I would be safer. The road surface
was made rough in preparation for the new pavement so I had to slow down.
Other sections were slick with oil. By the time I reached the flats of
Creston Valley I had totally forgot about the little TCT detour through
the Creston Valley Wildlife Trail.
I maintained a steady cadence turning my pedals over and moving my bike
quickly along the flats. I had added toe-clips and this made my pedaling
much more efficient. By the time I reached the visitor info centre, I
had plenty of time to relax and drink some soda's from the vending machine
before Christine arrived.
Over the past seven days I had cycled hundreds of kilometers and passed
through a wide range of landscapes. I found the Kootenays to contain the
steepest grades of the trail so far. I was ready for a break. Christine
picked me up and we headed for Nelson, the coolest town of the BC interior
in my opinion. We stayed at the Dancing Bear Hostel and relaxed for a
couple of days before returning to Coquitlam. I have heard said that Nelson
has more sidewalk cafes and restaurants per capita than Paris. It was
a great place to eat, drink and sleep. Christine and I also ran into our
friend Batina who was getting ready to take a bus trip to Burns Lake.
She had boxed her bike and was also simply taking a break.
The weather over the past week was spectacular, if maybe a little too
warm at times. All in all, it has been a wonderful way to see the province
and I was eager to return to finish my bike ride across British
Columbia along the Trans Canada Trail.
PICS
Little Tunnel
Rock ovens were built by Scandinavian rail workers to provide
fresh food during construction of the Kettle Valley Railway.
Christine in front of Chute Lake Resort.
Bellevue Creek Trestle is 267 meters long.
Myra Canyon is probably the most dramatic section of the KVR.
Myra Canyon boasts 18 trestles and 2 tunnels and takes about 1 hour to
ride.
Lois Station
Christine in front of the oldest continuously run hotel in British Columbia.
Butterfly enjoying a ripe Thimbleberry.
Paul Lautard has built a cyclists oasis next to the trail complete with
covered shelter,
picnic tables, hammock and caboose (equipped with stove, sink, beds).
Just ring the
bell and Paul brings down ice water. When you are there be sure to check
out his world
class carvings.
Kettle River Provincial Park
The TCT runs through Pope and Talbot's lumber yard just west of Midway.
40 degrees Celsius at Midway, the terminus of the KVR section of the trail.
Early morning on my
way to the town of Greenwood.
Early morning
Batina cycled from
Vancouver along the Crows Nest Highway, which is probably
the most mountainous artery in British Columbia. I cycled with her between
Grand Forks
and Christina Lake along this newly completed section of TCT.
Cascade Summit on the
Old Santa Rosa Highway. This is my second summit
of the day and I'm getting a little tired.
This old railgrade
trail in Rossland was fast, furious, and fun.
Seven Mile Dam on the
Pend D O'reille River.
Canda/U.S.A. border
marker at Nelway.
Waterfall along Kootenay
Pass Highway on route to the summit.
Bighorn Sheep
Kootenay Summit (1,774
meters) with Bridal Lake in background.