One exciting thing I forgot about sitting around the other night was that I looked up to see the Space Station crossing the sky. A chance sighting given that we had no idea it was tracking across that sky, the sky was clear and even with all of the city lights we could see it clearly. The last sighting was actually on our 2016 cross country trip, on a beach searching for it in the sky. Sitting on a log with Buddy, Brad, Larry and myself. So it was pretty special to catch it.
We headed out early so that Mori and Kelly could start their work day with little or no interruption. I managed to get another snuggle with Freddy and Ella, the two pups who live across the street. Freddy is a fluffy Pom with personality plus. Ella is a 2 year old Labrador. Her specialty is joy and kisses. Was a great way to start the day.
The temperatures were nice and cool, the traffic very light as we made our way East. We were feeling rested and refreshed so we rode straight through to Hope where we stopped at Tim’s for a breakfast sandwich and tea/iced coffee. We had ridden about an hour and half including some time on the TCH 1. We stopped for gas and then pressed on to Princeton.
The change in geography is amazing once you start through the Fraser Valley…this time we were seeing it from a different perspective/direction so we saw the river differently, and the Giants…..I couldn’t help but remark to Larry that riding through the valleys and gaps felt like you were being swallowed whole….or like you are an ant…and just as you make your way around one Giants boot, another appears! It is also interesting to see where previous fires and slides have happened. It is a place of amazing beauty, but also one that is a harsh mistress if you live or travel through here, especially in the winter.
The roads wind through, up and down, around the mountains, down into the valleys, around the winding river. You are always looking for that next valley or ahead to see what that next turn might reveal. There is often awe and even more often thrill. These are the roads our bikes are designed to travel on. The power and handling and the cooler temperatures. The bikes respond in such a way that makes this kind of travel such a pleasure, an experience that you carry with you always…and each time you travel through here, this being our third…each trip is different, each thrilling moment is one you either forgot from the last time, or has changed and is all new this time…the mountains have a very chameleon aspect to them…changing with the weather, the season and the traveller.
We stopped in Keremeos on our way back as there was a couple of things I wanted to pick up at the market we found on our trip to Vancouver. We also stopped for lunch at an Indian restaurant. It was after 1 pm so there wasn’t a lot of people around. As we seated ourselves at the table, we were attended by a young lady who brought us our water glasses and our menus…she was all of 6 years old and clearly enjoying her very “adult” responsibilities. As she appeared to be our server, I asked if there was any daily specials. She very politely told me it was only the menu and proceeded to show us both that there were 3 pages of menu items. I asked her what her favourite dish was and she acknowledged that the chicken, the yellow one was her favourite (assuming she meant curry). We were thoroughly entertained by her presence. Larry then took his turn at inquiring if the job paid well, to which she pulled out a five from her apron while giving a very high brow and smile….duly noted tips were obviously good. We ordered our meal which was good and plentiful. Despite the fact we were sharing, we still couldn’t finish it. We left a $5 tip on the table as I went to pay the bill. I let them know we had left a tip for the little one. They gathered her up to clear the table so that she could discover the tip that was left for her….first thing she noticed and promptly dropped the five into her pocket and picked up a couple of the dishes left on the table. Oh one thing I left out…we were sitting at a bar height table…she barely could reach the top of it. Absolutely adorable.
We loaded up, stopped at the market and then headed through to Penticton on the expressway which shortened our trip by about 15 minutes which was good, as the temps were starting to reach 30 degrees. We were tired and hot. It was a slow but steady ride through Penticton and a nice run through Summerland, and Peachland as we started our approach to West Kelowna to ride over the bridge…..this part, not so nice…the traffic was crawling and the temperature was climbing. By the time we arrived at Pat and Buddy’s we were soaked, exhausted and ready to start using our feet…Pat greeted us with a large glass of ice water as we pulled the horses into the garage….a strip of all our gear followed as did a beer and a Mikes.
It has been an amazing trip so far, in large part because of all the friends and family that we have had the pleasure and privilege of not only spending time with but who have hosted us. It has made our time so very special. Looking forward to more.
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