July16-17 Nelson M-74.82,T-8:14,AVG-9.08,El-4692.Christina Lake M-51.14,T-5:25:13,AVG-9.43,El-2771 Midway

A lot of climbing today. More than I had realized and roughly 38 miles with no services. The first 3 or 4 miles were some what strenous, 3 to 4 mph and then it tapered off to a 6 mph climb that was manageable and went on forever. I was always anticipating the next corner to be the top for a few hours. The Kettle Valley Trail is underneath this bridge I crossed. That was an option as I was looking into it abit before I got to Castlegar but decided I'll have to come back another time.

July15-Nelson

Nelson's a cool place! A bridge you cross coming from the east after your ferry crossing from Balfour. Nelson and Fargo are my two favorite city's so far on this trip.Interesting places with there own identity which makes for some fun exploring and I could spend more time in both.

Nelson City Campground. 2 blocks from downtown with a view of the lake.

This was my spot as I came in late. The park fills up fast but the friendly park hosts made room. I had my own bench to in case I got some company.

This is a view from Giro Park. You can see the city center to the left nestled against the mountain side and fronted by Lake Kootenay

A wrought iron rail surrounding the viewpoint on Giro park. When I walked up to this park which was above the campground I didn't even notice the rail as I was entranced with the view but soon the rail became the view.

July14 Creston-Nelson M-75.74,T-7:32:50,AVG-10:03,El-3848

Heading north up the valley to Kootenay Lake towards Crawford Bay where I will take the ferry to Nelson. Cascade Bicycle Club happened to be on the same route as I today. Inviting me over for some much needed snacks at a midmorning rest stop along the way. Thanks.

The Glass House built by a Mortician into recycling back in the 50's. Formeldahyde bottles were stacking up and he couldn't stand to see them go to waste and decided to start saving them up and to build a elaborate residence on Lake Kootenay.He also contacted fellow morticians in the interior of BC and got them into recycling cause. Offering to pick them up if they saved them so he could get the house done sooner at his wifes request.                                                                    

Ferry ride to Balfour from Crawford bay then a 20 mile ride to Nelson. With less hills.

  The penny toss as the ferry landed against one of the iron piles. Just out of reach for a free Pint!

                                                           

I had to make one last comment om my ride to Creston. Scotties RV where I stayed happened to be right across the street from the Columbia brewing with tours. Kokanee is there main label and as I was taking the tour and we were  entering the packaging department I noticed the Lucky Lager logo. I can't believe I took a Lucky Lager brewery tour.

July13 Cranbrook-Creston M-69.01,T-6:43:03,AVG-10.27,El-1765

I'm in Creston tonight after a descending ride for most of the way here. It seemed like anyway. The number 3 is a windy road heading west. I've decided to head north up the east side of Kootenay Lake tomorrow and catch the ferry across to Balfour which will then lead me to Nelson and  back down to the #3 again or I might incorporate a railtrail close to Castlegar into this plan. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

I'm a  little anxious to get home being so close but hopefully those feelings should pass by tomorrow and I'll be back to normal in this cozy little tent. Lifes pretty good out here.

July 11-12 Eureka M-83.94,T-8:50:35,AVG-9.48,El-3574 KikomunPark M-40.45,T3:43:23,AVG-10.86,El-1468 Cranbrook

A sunday morning departure from Eureka towards Roosville B.C.

Lake Koocanusa. Which I think stands for Kootenay's Mt. range, Canada,United States of America. A joint venture reservoir lake that pretty much dissapears on the Canadian side in the winter as the water is used for generating. I had tried to take a shortcut through this region via the bridge on Lake Koocanusa but got messed up and ended up back on the border on the westside of the lake. It was nice riding with little traffic but the road ended abruptly to my chagrin. At the end of the road there once was a town,Newgate, before the reservoir was built, and you could cross the river back into the U.S. Anyway it was good riding but didn't get me in the direction I wanted to go. So today I'm in Cranbrook. The long way on 3.

The Turkey Vulture family is patiently waiting this sunday morning for there road side buffet to open.