Fernie to Blairmore, Alberta
On the road by 8:10. Fernie was a typical ski town. Not that much happening now that ski season is over. Our ride was nice to Sparwood where we had our obligatory picture taking with the 'largest truck in the world'. Sparwood is a mining town and has been since the late 1800's. The big truck was used for a period of time to move earth to get at the coal. Coal mining has certainly changed in the last 100 years. It has gone from digging tunnels and coal by hand to the style today where they cut off the top of the mountains, take the coal out, and rebuild the top of the mountain with slag. Obviously quite a few mine sites still operating.
After Sparwood we did a gradual climb to the Crowsnest Pass aided by a 'tail wind'. Again some stunning views! The wind that I said I wanted the whole trip was sure a pleasure today. (I guess one tail wind in 2 weeks + is not bad!). It literally blew us from the Crowsnest Pass all the way to Blairmore!
The feeling when we passed from BC to Alberta is hard to describe; elation, relief, disappointment, a sense of accomplishment. Take your pick. They all apply! One province down...nine more to go!!!
We are staying at the Lost Lemon Campground and RV Park in Blairmore, Alberta (can't get over that we have left BC behind except for the memories). We are going to take tomorrow off as we want to visit the Frank Slide and maybe the Bellevue Underground Mine.
Daily Distance=73.61 km. Time on bikes=5 hours 8 minutes. Average speed=14.33 km. Maximun speed=59.34 km.
Wildlife sightings=deer, elk, red tailed hawk, bald eagle.
Kevin=2 Sue=0
