Christina Lake to Castlegar
On the road by 7:00 am and starting to climb. Today was a real test of our "willpower". 36.3 km of climbing. Not that bad until about km # 28 when we came to Paulson Bridge and then the climbing really began. Maybe I should say the "pushing of the bikes". For the next 6 km we pushed. A continuous 8% grade and we were already fatigued. One definitely has too much time to think when walking that far. I kept wondering where are Ben, Joel, Hoss, Little Joe and even Hopsing? (And maybe we could even throw in Candy)! Bonanza Pass was somewhere. And then we came upon "Paulson Summit" (elevation 1535 metres). Bonanza Pass was nowhere to be found just like the Bonanza characters! I guess it is "Bonanza Pass" and "Paulson Summit". Downhill to Castlegar from there!
We are again staying in a motel, The Flamingo. Castlegar is a small city so campgrounds are located outside of town and it appears all roads lead "up" out of here. We needed groceries so downtown was more to our liking. We have a room with a kitchenette so a gourmet dinner is in order.
Today was really difficult! But you know again very rewarding!!!
Daily Distance = 77.08 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 49 minutes. Average Speed = (first 36 km = 7 km) overall = 11.43 km. Maximum Speed = 44.10 km. Wildlife Sightings = deer, osprey
Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.
