1 Day to Departure

May 2015

• The bikes have been taken to the airport along with the majority of our luggage.

• Reading one of the 3 or 4 blogs dedicated to cycling across Canada, we found out that as cyclists you pick up a moniker based on the direction of travel. You are either a Westie-easters (BC to Eastern Canada) or Eastie-westers (Eastern Canada to BC). Most of our friends who have done the trip are like us, Westie-easters and only one is Eastie-wester. This Easter-wester made a very compelling case as to why we should be heading WEST from Ottawa. He told us how magnificent it was to finally reach the Rockies and enjoy every climb and descent. Whereas when heading EAST, once over the Rockies its all about just getting home. We will see and who knows, we might just have to give it a try in the other direction someday. That's what we did when we cycled the Cabot Trail, and had an even better time going around the other way. 

• We tried out our bear spray the other night. If it does not work when we absolutely need it too, then not only will we be facing a hungry bear but also a very angry one. I got a bit of that pepper spray on my face and boy does it sting. 

• We also tried hanging the bag of food and utensils from a high branch to keep it away from bears and such big critters. The 'bear bag' was to heavy and the rope cut into the bark just like piano wire making it difficult to raise the bag, causing the rope to bind and the bags to just hang there. We opted to get another rope and now we hope that hanging two smaller bags instead of one big one will do the trick. 

• Daily blog updates will occur forthwith daily after 6 pm. 

• Just a reminder, you are strongly encouraged to leave comments. 

• The next post will be from Vancouver. A good night to all!

The start of Hope Slide on the way to Allison Pass...looks easy enough!