August 16, 2007
To Bell II Resort:
As we break camp, Bill has started a fire and Carol invites us for coffee. We join them and eat our cereal & coffee by the campfire. The sky is clear, yet a wind is causing big waves on the lake. As we set out, Ray is also outside, Ellen is not up yet, we say goodbye and thank them for a nice visit.
Today is a long day, the first 20km go quickly and a lot of downhill. As we are eating at a rest stop, we see Bill & Carol drive by and wave. After the rest, we go down to a river in a steep downhill about 9-10% grade on dirt road, across the metal bridge and then a climb 6-7% not too bad, we rest/eat at the "check brake section" for trucks, and we see Ray & Ellen drive by; they originally had planned to stay one more day at the lake.
Then the day gets tough.
It's sunny, clear views and hot! The wind picks up as we follow a river, there is more climbing than we expect especially after a "summit" of a watershed of the Nass-Stikine rivers. We are running low on water with only 12km to go, really not wanting to take time to filter water. We stop at a rest area that has a memorial to 2 avalanche technicians killed in a slide. An RV is also there, and the women asks if we have enough water then gives us plenty! Then we realizehow dehydrated we were getting.
The last 12km are easier, ending with a downhill to the resort. We set up camp, shower and sit in the hot tub before going to the Restaurant for a buffet dinner. As we are finishing 2 cyclists arrive.... these must be the 2 the RV'ers told us about "2 guys, one with a long white beard, moving fast and will probably catch up with you." They sit with us and visit. They are from Smitters, on a 5 day trip riding 160-80km a day!! They're possessed and hurting.
After dinner, we go upstairs to watch TV, this is a nice set up, there is also a pool table and set up more for winter guests. It's nice to be inside away from the biting flies around our campsite!
We are up later than usual, Tomorrow is a rest day!
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Today's ride: 117 km (73 miles)
Total: 12,722 km (7,900 miles)
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