Hello all - another quick entry! The public library closes in a few minutes, but I thought I'd write a quick update.
We left Nelson on Monday, but didn't go far - I have an aunt in Winlaw, so we took advantage of the gorgeous Slocan River rail trail to get out there. We swam in the river and enjoyed the very easy grade up the Slocan - and then down again the next day. All the while we were off the Trans Canada Trail, which makes a long and kind of awkward detour (I'm sure it's very nice) from Nelson to Salmo, Trail, and then to Castlegar. We bypassed it by taking the Pass Creek Road, which is a quiet, winding paved road connecting Crescent Valley to Castlegar. At the end of the day we pulled into a very well-placed and well-kept campground at the end of the Pass Creek Road, right at the east end of the Robson Bridge. TCT cyclists take note!
We rejoined the TCT on Wednesday morning as we cycled up Lower Arrow Lake along the Columbia & Western rail trail under cloudless (though smoky) skies. Beautiful views, but a frustratingly sandy surface, possibly related to the heavy use the trail receives from ATVs, whose riders have annoyingly removed the "no motorized use" warning from all of the trail signs. Oh well. The trail was otherwise great, with tall trestles and an inconceivably long (900 metre) pitch-black tunnel. We camped at the end of a 45 kilometre uphill grind, at the deserted Farron railway station. And then we got to coast downhill for 35 kilometres into Christina Lake - great payback for our hard work.
After a couple of relaxing days at the lake, which is, by the way, surprisingly warm, we pushed off this morning for Grand Forks. Not a long day - only 35 kilometres or so. The Columbia & Western trail follows the Kettle River most of the way through farmland and open pine forest. A very nice ride, aside from the fact that my right eye is swollen up so much that it's nearly shut. I got stung by a wasp. That'll teach me to keep my sunglasses on.
In short - this is a great section of trail. Hardly any road riding, wonderful scenery, decent weather. Having a great time. We'll post pictures sooner or later. So long for now!
If I recall correctly, Sheena also had an experience involving a bike, a wasp and sunglasses - what are those insects doing? You kids are going to be so tough when you come back. Can't wait to see you.
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