At 7:30 am, Brian, busy as ever, was already up & cooking pancakes & eggs for the kids & me as I entered the kitchen. Soon as I was able, I left them all to their busy day. Thanks Brian & Alisha. It was my pleasure to spend time with you all!
The local gas station had good coffee & wi-fi so here, for a few hours or more, I updated my blog, enjoyed a second breakfast & Skyping home. Very pleasant but unproductive.
Long distance rider, Mark Hilary from Windermere BC, & his recently acquired companion, pulled me away from the comfort of the store & we rode together for a while.
Mark, dwarfing his Extra Large Ti Salsa Fargo.
At 26, Mark was the size & build of Usain Bolt & rode well above my capability. I pushed him to carry on as we began the 6 mile / 1,600ft climb. His story – a free lance paramedic/ski-instructor/ hiking guide gave him a busy life but had wangled a 5 month cycle adventure with 5000+ miles already in his legs.
My lighter load was making the climb “enjoyable ” when, halfway up, a patrol officer in a pickup pulled over & asked if I was aware & prepared for the high population of grizzly bears. I confirmed I was. Adventure Cycling had sent out a warning &, last night, also, Brian had told me last night of his recent encounter – a mother grizzly had taught her cubs to raid his garden chicken coupe – all ended badly – both for the chickens & the bears!
The officer told me he was special forces criminal Investigator but, due to fire risk set at “Extreme” he & others had been seconded.
Swan Lake / Population 113
Dwelling on the bear situation & my late start, I elected for a short ride day & a $16 camp at Swan Lake. The name sounded idilic so why not?
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 
Well John beware, I’ve just had a vivid dream in which Christine and I flew out to have our own adventure, which didn’t involve cycling or sleeping in a cocoon, we did meet up with you though….. and the story continues…..??!! Could have something to do with bears…..
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Intreaged ?
Let me know when you plan to call by so I can fit you in.
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Hi Uncle John, have enjoyed catching up with your adventure. Good luck for the rest of your trip.
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Hi mate glad your o/k missed you on Thursday, oh and I forgot to tell you the new rules, each week you miss you have to buy a beer in compensation😳
Keep safe brother.
X X X
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Hi bro, I will be glad to treat you to a few beers when I get back. Not sure if I can stretch to one for every week away though. Keep in touch. It is great to hesr from you. Cheers.
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