Day 3, Blueberry Paulson Summit Climb

Day 3
By Cst. Rob Gardner, Stewart BC

We started our morning, waking up after a great sleep at the Ramada Inn, in Grand Forks. The weather forecast did not look promising, but the warm up ride to breakfast turned out to be very pleasant. We arrived at the Happy Days 50’s Diner, dry and sat down to an amazing breakfast. The sun popped out and we had a fast ride to the rest area just before Christina Lake. Some good laughs were had as several riders and support crew looked at a large map of the area, and realized how far we were going to be travelling for the day. After the laughter subsided, we got back onto the bikes and rode off, in anticipation for the annual Christina Lake Information Centre and their amazing Cop Cakes. The Cop Cakes were great, as anticipated. Lunch was loaded into the RV, for the trip up the Paulson Summit. We headed to the rest area at the bottom of the Paulson and had a chance to prepare for the head up the hill. The weather initially held off, being overcast and cool, ensuring the riders did not overheat. As we got closer to the summit, the rain started and we had a downpour during our lunch. As the riders arrived, hot soup, hot chocolate and sandwiches were ready to help warm everyone up. The sun came out just in time for the group photo at the summit sign. We all put rain gear on, however, the sun was looking good. The wet highway was a reminder that the weather could change at anytime, and change it did. As we descended down, the rain started to fall and we rode through a tremendous storm that included a downpour and thunder and lightening storm. As we made our arrival into Castlegar, the clouds parted and we were welcomed to the City with an amazing rainbow, and sunshine.

We made our arrival to the Safeway, and were met by a warm, welcoming group of people and Baby Jasper, who received assistance from the Cops for Kids. Cake was eaten, and the team was loaded onto the bus, for dinner at the Colander Restaurant, in Trail, where dinner was provided and amazing. We are now ready for a great sleep at the Prestige resort in Rossland. Our sore muscles from the days ride will be very thankful for the most comfortable beds. We all look forward to what tomorrow adventure will bring… a special guest perhaps?