We got up at 0600 as we knew we had a big day. I did not know how big until we were halfway up Grey Creek Pass. It is the highest dirt road, which means the highest road in Canada, or so one of the locals said. It is twenty miles of up.
On our way to the climb we could see some ravens flying around which is always a sign there is something dead in the bushes, which could mean a bear is having a nice feed. Just when we could actually smell the dead animal an eagle swooped and flew across the road in front of us. It was massive. It was brown with the bright beak so we think Bald Eagle.
As with every day we saw a large number of deer with their young.
We had a constant entourage of chipmunks and gofers.
From our end it is easier to go up. We had to keep on dowsing ourselves with the icy water that was running in rivers and streams. I don’t think we would of managed it if we had the 35+ degree temperature of previous days. It was cloudy and cooler today. We must of had the perfect window to do the pass as from tomorrow the temperatures rise again and by the end of the week there are reports of it reaching 40 degrees.
The views weee stunning with trees everywhere. It takes some getting our heads around that we are in the Canadian wilderness.
I have never experienced a decent like it. I like my downhills but this was on an other level. I had to hold on to my brakes for the full 10 mile crazy gradient drop. I had to stop and pour water on the rotors and they steamed every time.
The music helped us go up, but it was a very very long day.
I think the plan for tomorrow is to have an easier day. If it is going to be hot I want to find a campsite that is near a river or lake, I have one in mind. We also need to get a ferry across the lake from Kootenay Bay to Balfour. It is meant to have beautiful views so that is going to be another highlight for tomorrow.
This gravel riding is so dusty. It takes it toll on all your gear.
