What an Epic Adventure!

By Alan Profili, South Okanagan

After a wonderful night sleep on very comfortable beds at the Prestige Lakeside Nelson, we started day #5. The weather was again clear & beautiful and a brisk 4 degrees. We bussed to breakfast at the Nelson Baptist Church where the mens group & Lions treated us to a delicious breakfast even served to us by a few retired members.

Now back on the bus, we drove the distance out to the Balfour Ferry which we rode yesterday afternoon.  Safety Bear made an appearance on the ferry over to Crawford Bay and event helped steer the ferry.  Once on the other side, we faced a steep 2.5km climb which tested our legs. A good friend reminds me that “pain is temporary but pride lasts forever.” I thought of this and the children who are assisted by this fantastic charity, who deal with much more than a climb on a bike, and do so with dignity and a smile on their little faces.

We stopped and visited some school kids at Crawford Bay School.  We had a chance to answer a few questions, and even play with them on the playground. One little fella wanted to sit on my bike, which we of course obliged. He couldn’t reach the pedals, but he sure did try! Next, lunch was provided by the Crawford Bay Lions Club and hosted at the Kokanee Springs Golf Course.  Delicious! Now we are off for approximately 70km to Creston with a couple of short stops on the way. A couple of brave riders even took the opportunity for a quick dip in Kootenay Lake! What a beautiful ride this was. Rolling hills with mountains on one side, the lake on the other side, and a bald eagle overhead. We even saw 2 black bears on the journey today with one dashing right in front of the police motorcycle!

We were warmly greeted in Creston by the good folks at Overwaitea who treated us with a delicious cake and who will be providing lunch tomorrow. Dinner tonight was provided by the good ladies of the Order of Eastern Star.  Spaghetti with sauce, a scrumptious salad and dessert is exactly what we need for a long day tomorrow. Delicious! The group was very fortunate to get a private tour of the Kokanee Brewery in Creston tonight. Being born and raised in the Kootenays this tour brought back many memories.

Another great day is done, and we are looking forward to the trip to Cranbrook tomorrow.  Sleep will come easy tonight.