Good, Wet Ride and Dry Motel Sleep!

Evening of June 14 about 8 pm. We pedaled 55 miles today and averaged 12 mph. I think that is our fastest average speed so far. That either means there less hills or we are starting to get in shape. It seemed just as many hills and up and down as usual. It rained on us hard for most of the day. That might be one of the reasons that we went faster, to help us keep warm.

We pedaled to where we had planned to camp but it had closed. The book we have with all the camping spots must not keep up on that kind of thing. We decided to load the bikes on the car as Kathy was at the camping spot waiting for us, and drive to the next closest camping spot. We drove 60 miles into Ft Nelson without seeing one. There is a nice RV park in Ft Nelson that has places for tents but by this time Cliff and I were so chilled from our ride we decided to splurge and stay in a motel for a night. Kathy has been using the dryer here which is free to get all our stuff dry and do some laundry. Went out to eat. I ordered off of the "fat boy" part of the menu where they have the calories listed. I got a really nice meal that was only 500 calories! Got back to the motel and we all went and sat in the hot tub. Finally feeling warm again.

Didn't see any animals today. It was raining so hard I mostly looked down at the white line and stayed right on top of it. Had to use my brakes hard on the downhill sections because the rain would get into my eyes and I couldn't see. I am not praying for nice weather tomorrow but that God would give strength to manage whatever and enjoy the experience and the challenge. The road turns west from Ft Nelson and heads over the Rockies. It climbs from where we are tonight from 1380 ft elevation to the summit in 90 miles which is 3800 ft elevation. There will be a lot of 1st gear peddling tomorrow. I was hoping to be in super good shape by the time we got to this point but I think I am still a wimp. :) It should be a very challenging day and I will try and not cry too much. Lots of moaning and groaning though, because Paul said that was OK. Supposed to be lots of bears where we are headed so maybe I will have an exciting wildlife report tomorrow evening if there is cell service. Cell service will be pretty hit and miss for the next week as we go through the Rockies. Love ya all. Dee