Stage 8 - Fairmont Hot Springs to Fernie - June 1

A LAZY MORNING …

Today’s agenda changed dramatically after last night’s midnight arrival. We slept in and enjoyed late breakfasts. Several visited the hot springs and relaxed outside in the morning. Two Norseman scheduled massages.

Jonah’s massage was his first and he declared it a great success. He finished his session with an invigorating plunge in a cold spring. Brrr…

During my massage, I kept thinking what Michelle would have done with my weary and sore muscles. I felt much better after - it was a delightful rehabilitation - but not what would have been with Michelle. And for some reason I acquired a new soreness behind my right knee (popliteal???) which I’m now unsuccessfully trying to ignore.

TODAY’S RIDE …

I did not cycle today. No reason to counteract the recovery benefits from my massage. I am eager to ride tomorrow.

Time in the van is time spent with Peter who is from South Africa, 73 years young - thus sparing me the “old(est) guy on the trip” prize - and loves to drive. Peter is actively running his business in between visits to family with his wife. In the “It’s A Small World” category, Peter’s oldest daughter Sandra lived next door and served in our HOA together with Terri before moving. Peter is a delightful companion, tremendous at catering to our needs, and always delivering the right comment, be it astute, humorous, or appropriately acerbic.

We stopped in Canal Flats and saw a car show. It never ceases to amaze me how alike are people the world over. As much as politicians and ideologists promote divisive differences, most people I've met during my travels are concerned with the same things: family, friends, financials... life and being happy.

The day’s drive went through beautiful valley countryside. The Kootenay River was a constant companion providing gorgeous landscapes throughout the day. The Elk River was by our side after dinner, providing equally gorgeous views.

The change in topography from 6,000 feet to 2,500 is dramatic. Larger greener valleys. More Aspens and other trees; fewer evergreens relatively. Broad meandering rivers.

We had a delightful dinner at the Bull River Inn. Afterward, we sat around reviewing some of our photos having an uproariously funny time. Luckily we were outside on the back patio or we would have gotten in trouble.

David continued cycling to our hotel while the rest of us went on ahead (Vik nursing a sore right knee - those damn knees!!!).


I realized riding in the van how much I missed riding my bike. Cycling immerses me in the land and I appreciate so much more what I am seeing.

Ernest Hemingway had it right!






ODDS & ENDS …

Terri is with me in heart and action every day. I see beauty surround me every day and wonder “how would Terri like this?” and “I have to take that picture to share with her”. I wonder how it would be to visit these same places with her. And in more mundane ways … I ride down hills more safely, mindful she will kill me if I get hurt through my own carelessness. I use sunscreen conscientiously throughout the day. And on and on.

Jonah keeps explaining different features of my iPhone. I might just learn how to use it. Hahaha…

NEWS FLASH … there is a party in our hotel. Various Roller Derby teams are here celebrating a tournament. SO COOL!!! I tried to crash the party but with no luck! Darn!