We are having some lunch in Fernie so I have taken the opportunity to make the most of the free internet service offered by the local library.
It has taken us about 4 days to get here on a mixture of tracks, gravel/washboard roads, and highway. We did our first divide crossing on Tuesday (Elk Pass 6,400 feet). We have seen elk, deer, moose, eagles and about a trillion gophers. No bears as yet though 2 cyclists cycling the same route about a fortnight ago were unfortunate enough to have 5 bear 'events' between Banff and Sparwood. Having been reliably informed that bear bells don't really work for cyclists, our chosen deterrent is to shout 'hello Mr Bear' at random intervals when travelling through forest areas. The fact that we haven't had a single bear event suggests that it works. We have a large can of bear spray to play with if it does not.
We are currently spending up to about 7 hrs a day riding though we did have a shorter day yesterday. Some of the areas we have ridden through have been stunning. We are all well and happy. If there is one thing that is bothering us it is the mosquitos - though I am pleased to report that Hywel's head appears to be their main target.
We are aiming to camp at Elko tonight (about 25miles south of here) before leaving Canada and arriving in the US in the morning. I don't think there is going to be any internet facility before Whitefish (possibly 4-5 days riding) but will do my best to post something there.
It was good to read ur comments!
