Creston to the Jail

Day 6
By Cst. Michael Murray, Cranbrook, BC

Woke up to a chilly 4 degrees and a beautiful sunrise in the Creston Valley, fog hanging over the Kootenay River. It was a 6:45 am departure from the Creston Sandman, an hour earlier than usual due to the time change ahead that day. We biked to Gin’s on Canyon Family Dining, across from the historic grain elevators, for a buffet breakfast full of variety and enough fuel to get us started on our 114 km cycle to Cranbrook. Mayor Ron Toyota met us at Gin’s and provided a generous personal donation. Extra layers were added prior to leaving in anticipation of the temperature drop through the canyon on the way to Kitchener. Quick stops at rest areas along the way where the support crew surprised us with some hot coffee to accompany our snacks. Locals would appreciate the new blacktop between Creston and Yahk, although care was necessary in some spots due to an 8-inch ledge between the asphalt and shoulder. We stopped at the Yahk Kingsgate Community Hall and were greeted by a contingency of local ladies and children who supplied hot beverages and some home baked muffins. The ladies of Kingsgate gave a surprising donation that was much appreciated. The headwind to Cranbrook finally hit us soon after leaving Yahk but the sun came out and made up for that stretch of road. The temperature climbed, and layers were discarded.

Rolling into Cranbrook, first stop was Tamarack Mall where the Jail & Bail was wrapping up. We met a Little Ambassador Breille and mom Perth, who gave an inspiring account of how Cops for Kids has helped her and her family during a time of need. Jail & Bail was well supported by Cranbrook, updates on total amount raised to follow.

Dinner was hosted by Cranbrook Boston Pizza; Managers Jeremy and Megan were awesome. After dinner we headed to Elizabeth Lake Lodge where we were greeted with hugs by owners George and Rachel and their two boys who have shown continued support for Cops for Kids. I don’t know about everybody else, but I’m tired!