It was cold leaving our tents this morning (a mere 5 degrees Celsius!) but we did it. With oatmeal in our bellies, we left Big Creek Campground before 9 am.
The first few kilometres there was nothing but bush on either side of us—towering evergreens, and sprawling, stumpy deciduous. Then the tree tops began to sink until they were level with the road and we could see above them to the mountains beyond. Sometimes shimmering streams and large, oval lakes would reveal themselves from between the trees. Anomalies included a circular cleaning of grass, and a large patch of yarrow. On more than one downhill it looked like we were riding into a postcard.
Apart from the views, much of today was the same as yesterday. We actually met two more cyclists—a retired couple from Southern B.C. travelling with their dog!
We also spent a few minutes trying to decipher a message written with stones.
Shortly after a sign that said it was 15 miles to our targeted destination, it started to rain. This was the only interruption to our otherwise quite decent riding weather. (It had warmed up since the morning and we had even put on sunscreen!) The one advantage to the rain was that it seemed to deter the wind, which had been pushing against us up to this point. Climbing and fighting wind is not very enjoyable.
Just 6 km from our camping grounds we made a stop at Rancheria River Falls. Following a tip from the cyclists we met earlier in the day, Cheryl and Amelia shimmied past the “Trail Closed” sign and ventured on to capture the views. It was quite clear which part of the boardwalk was broken, so we made our own path until that point and then clambered back onto the boardwalk. The views were worth ignoring the signs!
The Continental Divide is where we are setting up camp for night. There’s a restaurant here, but the cook had to leave recently, so one employee appears to be running the show herself and the menu is more limited as a result. Variety wasn’t required. The chili and beef stew Marion served us with fresh Kaiser buns were delicious. Cheryl and Gerald also enjoyed a cinnamon bun and pumpkin pie with whipped cream (respectfully) for dessert.
75 km were cycled today and it felt really good to wash off our sunscreen and sweat with warm showers. The showers cost an additional $5 a person, but Gerald says it was worth 100 bucks. Reconnected thanks to wifi access, and recharged thanks to power outlets—we’re gearing up to re-enter the wilderness for our final three days before Whitehorse!
Thanks to fresh water from an underground spring, all of our bottles are refilled. (It is very nice to not have to boil water!) Tomorrow will be another long day, as we plan to attempt 131 km. Wish us luck!
Adventures on a bicycle 