Left Manning Park early and got rather chilled as the first section was a steady downhill. Knew there was another pass (Sunday Summit) coming up which arrived sooner and easier than anticipated, was definitely expecting more of a struggle but my legs felt strong after a rest day. Descent into Princeton was a little sketchy in places due to a poor shoulder and Bob's enthusiasm, I am sure he is trying to pass me at times and I am very glad I bought spare brake pads as I am definitely going to need them at some point. Lunched in Princeton and visited Tourist Info for camping options before Osoyoos. I love these places and have found the staff most helpful. The young guy gave me a profile of the route when I explained what I had just cycled.
Easy ride to Bromley Rock Provincial Park, I considered pushing on for another campsite down the road but I found a site in shade with a breeze and no bugs and decided I would be stupid not to take it. I am glad I did because it meant I got to spend some time with Chris from Manitoba. I had seen him at Manning Park before lunch the day before and thought he must have screamed up Allison Pass but he wasn't very chatty so I didn't push. Anyway he came over to my campsite first and asked how I had found today, he had found it easier than expected too and told me he had really struggled the day before having set-off in the early morning darkness. We checked out each other's bikes and gear, discussed routes, soaked our legs in the cold river running beside the campground and just chatted. I really enjoyed his company, he is a teacher who has been planning this trip for a year and trained hard including daily sessions on an indoor trainer through the winter, he is cycling to Manitoba and next summer from Manitoba to Nova Scotia.
Flying back to Ottawa would have been easier, but you were never one for easy! The views are clearly better as well. Look forward to each new report and images. Take care love Mum & Dad x
ReplyDelete