Day 11, 17 July, Chain Lake to Penticton, 72.5km and 189m climb. Day 12, 18 July rest and restock in Penticton
Our biggest day yet! Although check out the climb, it was mostly downhill! This morning we woke to a cloudy cool morning. Perfect for riding. We were fed coffee and tea by our new friends who last night had fed us pizza and then hit the road. It was a relatively gentle 5km climb up to Lake Osprey which is the high point of this section of the trail. From there it was a gentle downhill through forest. The trail was bumpy and sandy for the first 35 odd km so the pace remained relatively slow. Then we hit a lovely smooth section of downhill through a gorge. There were a couple of washouts to negotiate but generally it was nice riding.
As we neared Summerland, the trail left the railway and wound around and up and down for a bit. This also happened to be the hottest part of the day as well so we were tired by then! I suggested a stop at a vineyard but G wanted to push on. Next time I think I'll just stop!
As we descended finally into Penticton who should show up than none other than Carla Arkless who is heading in the opposite direction. She had ridden out to meet us. Carla left Nelson for Europe last November, toured there until June and flew into Calgary three weeks ago. She is working her way toward Vancouver and then south as we do the opposite. Tonight we are camped together and shared a yummy pasta dinner. Another day off tomorrow for laundry and resupply and to spend some time with Carla.
This trip is partly about the terrain and the views but also a lot about the people. It's who we meet and connect with that adds the value to our journey. Everyone has a story and it's a privilege to be able to listen to these and become very briefly a part of people's lives.
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