Bound for Canada, (stage
3)
Breaking
camp at Johnson’s was a taste of what was to come, the constant companionship
of Mozzies. (not familiar with this term, but it’s clear you’re referring to
mosquitoes. No ‘ needed.) The only time they seemed to disappear was while I
was riding in the rain. Back on the road, I was leaving town toward the
Canadian Border along the “Chief Mountain
Highway”. This was another scenic ride, with a gorgeous view and more
stunning scenery overlooking Glacier Park, but unfortunately in the company of
rain and only little sun. There was a small hick-up at the border crossing,
where I was able to keep the bear spray, but a small tube of pepper-spray got
confiscated. Sometimes it is just hard to understand the logic behind it all!
At the same time it started to pour buckets of rain, but then at least the custom
officials allowed me to wait out the storm in their shelter, nice….
All
this rain had created the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and the last
few campsites were just full of those hateful creatures. The dislike of Mozzies
is now about on the same level as leeches, if not worse. At least the beautiful
scenery continued while riding north on route 6, which then turned into
prairies heading north on Alberta’s route 22 with the Rockies in the distance
to the west. The skies continued to look threatening, but somehow always after I
put on the raingear, those dark clouds moved on without dropping the load into
my path. After 16 days of straight cycling and an almost 100-mile day ride, I
arrived at the town of Black Diamond. The disappointment was kind of big as the
sign read “full” at the local campground. Being tired, I decided to ask for a
tent spot anyway which ended up being a wise thing to do. The folks at the
Lions Campground were rather bicycle friendly and provided not only a great
tent site(,) but also a camping chair and an extra wool blanket for those cold
nights. The hospitality of the campground staff was excellent, so I stayed an
extra day to rest a bit and to stroll around this small town of around 2000
residents. Black Diamond got its name from the high grade coal that was mined
at one time.
Well
rested and with fresh legs, I continued north on 22, still riding parallel to
the Rockies towering to the west. The riding could have been much more
pleasant, if not for those blood thirsty, pesky, ever so hungry buzzers who
seemed to attack with entire armies, every time I slowed down a bit. At least
the weather had improved and I was able to ride under blue skies for a change
along rolling hills, green fields and a generous wide shoulder, excellent to
cycle on. Despite the improvements, I was glad to meet Kristie a couple of days
later in between Calgary and Edmonton. We loaded the bike and gear into her car
and returned to Calgary for a couple of days, to enjoy the city life with its
amenities. As special treat and some more R&R, we flew to Vancouver to
visit some friends. It was great to be away from the road for a few days and
even more so, the company couldn’t have been any better….
Until next time from down the road,
Tony
Bike
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