Grand Forks, BC - Fernie, BC

Hello friends!!

It has been an incredible journey so far and it seems the more east I head the hotter it gets!

So, I left you last in Grand Forks, BC which was a beautiful town and I much enjoyed the people there. That night I stayed at Christina Lake and what a wonderful evening! I encountered so many people that were interested in my trip, I didn't think I was going to rest. There were two couples (Heather and Fred, Carol and Ed from Edmonton) that insisted I have some of what they made for dinner - salmon, shrimp, and potatoes. It was heaven in my belly!

I left the next day and pedaled onwards to Nelson, BC. I summited the Blueberry-Paulson pass and did not make it to Nelson until later that evening. I contacted a gentleman I heard about from a couple I met in Grand Forks and stayed with him for two nights. There was also a WOOFer staying with him - an organic farmer named Caryn who is from Newmarket, ON. I ended up taking a rest day and Caryn showed me around the city. It was fabulous and I was also able to cook some real food for Nelson and Caryn.

The next morning I left Nelson and headed towards Creston. This was a long day and I also had to summit Kootenay pass which is 1774 m above sea level. Four hours from the base to the summit - it was a long ride, but absolutely beautiful. There was still snow at the summit and I was able to see some bighorn sheep. Also, that day I met two cyclists from Oregon - Matt and Susan who I had lunch with in Salmo at the delicious Sacred Grounds. Mmmmm.... That evening I stayed in Creston and at the park there I met a couple - Ed and Susan - from Ottawa. They had me over for a delicious dinner and we shared in some wonderful conversation.

July 8th brought a journey from Creston to Cranbrook. It was a beautiful ride, but was starting to get warm! In the morning I met two motorcyclists from Ottawa and chatted with them as they had just come from Calgary and were continuing their journey west. I stopped for lunch in a little town called Yahk and had a delectable chicken wrap. I pedalled onwards to Cranbrook and made it there at about 7:00 p.m. mountain time. Upon arriving, I headed to the campground where I met a fabulous woman, Kate Walker with whom I had breakfast with this morning. Her daughter is actually the Creative Director for Momentum magazine which is based on cycling. We had a nice breakfast and then I was on my way.

So, that brings me to today. I have arrived in Fernie and I am about 30 km away from Sparwood where I will spend the evening. Tomorrow I am headed on to Alberta and who knows where that will bring me. I have had the pleasure of cycling with a guy from Colorado who has been on the road for 5 weeks and will still be riding for another 3 weeks. It was great to have some company on the road again for most of the day as he is spending the evening and tomorrow exploring Fernie.

Well, thank you everyone for following this adventure thus far and I look forward to catching up with all of you when the journey is complete.

Take care, miss you all lots, and I am sending hugs and smiles your way!

Ashley :)