Day 6 Fernie & Shred Kelley

As size of places go in these parts, Fernie is big (5000 people) & real old ( 1898).

2nd Avenue is where it happens “historic” & posh with boutiques & bike shops and all.

Also since 1908, Fernie was built to be fireproof- from the forest fire smoke filling the air right now, it could be about to be put to the test!

Information Centre told me the town is often used as film set -Hot Tub, Time Machine, & ‘Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups. They also had on show, some wildlife of the Upper Elk. Check out this teeth on this grey wolf.

The Fernie Music Festival Starts today, biggest event of the year around these parts so accommodation is sparse & the Snow Valley Motel had me checked out on Friday morning. In the process I bumped into Mary & Bryan Murphy who kindly offered to keep my bike safe until I leave Fernie. They also got me interested in a top Canadian group(from Fernie) Shred Kelly, performing tonight – & told me about free entry for those 65+ (tickets are $70) how good is that!

Spent the day restfully wandering the old town, searching out shade & checking in with family. Despite the nice shops & air-conditioned supermarkets, you can’t get away from knowing that within a couple of miles there will be bears, elk& other beasts.

From 5 pm onward i spent the evening with Bryan & Mary. First to Fernie Golf Club where for near traditional roast dinner (including Yorkshire pud) chatted on Politics & how the norms seem to be tested; swapped notes on previous travels & their home in Tamper, FL. Despite the floods & damage caused by hurricanes, they still feel privileged to live in such a place.

They told me of their love of this corner of BC & could name all the mountains & their legions. The most famous being Ghosted Rider Mountain. The story goes, a young lady lost the love of a prospector & killed herself this manifests itself in the form of the mountain.

Finally onward to the concert to see Shred Kelly were excellent check them out!! http://www.shredkelly.com.

My bed was to be at the Raging Elk hostel in a mixed room so will be an interesting first!