July 29, 2005
Day 73: Old Hazleton almost to Usk
Ughhhhh! It drizzled in the wee hours, then it really started raining after I got up. Fortunately, I had put my bike under the picnic shelter, but unfortunately, the ravens had unzipped my food panniers and had swiped anything they could shred - leaving a trail of plastic grocery sacks. I quickly pulled my tent and my other stuff in under the shelter and waited for the rain to stop. I was also bummed because I had left my journal in Smithers, but was able to track it down once we got to the visitor's centre.
The ride to Kitwanga was just plain wet. Rain and more rain. I decided to have a fried salmon lunch at the cafe at the junction. Jean Pierre just stayed outside and had a sandwich then he took off like a bolt of lightning. The road finally levelled out along the Skeena River.
Despite the looming clouds and the occasional shower, it was a stunning ride with very light traffic. I found Jean Pierre at the rest area 30 kms east of Terrace as expected. Jean Pierre has come to think of rest areas in BC as reserved camping for cyclists - even though they have "No Camping" signs posted. This time I couldn't argue.
We were right on the river's edge with huge western cedars overhead and mountains looming across the river - - not bad for free. The sky was clearer than it had been all day and we hoped for better weather tomorrow.
Today's ride: 75 miles (121 km)
Total: 4,015 miles (6,462 km)
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