Wasa to Fairmont Hot Springs
The pond next to campsite
Since I had awakened before dawn and had a few minutes to explore what I had missed the evening before. I wondered down to this simple pond with the mist rising in the early morning light. On the trail there was what seemed to be a monument made by someone who had found this place to be special. On this monument of stone adhered to one side was a plaque. I had a moment to reflect on our trip. Myself as well as others ponder why anyone much less two old men in their mid-fifties would undertake such a sojourn using this mode of transportation through some of the wildest country left on God's good earth. After reading this quote from Desiderata I felt that I couldn't have said it better.
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, listen to others; even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their stories." " You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should" ---Desiderata
This morning we road alone the Kootenay River which had a deep blue color and we stopped at Skookumchuck and then Canal Flats. Skookumchuck had no services and was not much more than letters on the map so we were hoping to find more services at Canal Flats 15 mile up the road. Canal Flats had been a restaurant but at the moment was being renovated. It was actually scheduled to open tomorrow August 1st but looking at what still needed to be done we thought we shouldn't wait.
Fairmont Springs was a welcomed relief and without to much fan fare we seeked out a Greek fast food restaurant. Since at breakfast all we had was some juice and muffin from the gas station at Canal Flats. We had traveled 58 miles and it was 3:00 PM and we were famished. Along the way we did stop at Columbia Lake which was portrayed as the origin of the Columbia River that empties into the Pacific at Astoria, Oregon. That brought to mind my first long range bicycle trip with Carol, my wife, my brother, Bob, and his wife Betty. It was the beginning or our travels on highway one down the coast of Oregon ending in Eugene. I want to thank them here and now for getting me acquainted with this mode of travel and I fondly remember that trip. Whether they are riding with me now or not they are always in my heart.
Mort the surgeon from Calgary was one of the first to welcome us to Fairmont Springs. He rode up on his mountain bike and questioned us fully about the trip. He was especially excited over our New Mexico Zia on our clothing. Apparently Mort had taught surgery at UNM and enjoyed Albuquerque very much. Mort flies up to Fairmont Springs when ever he has free time and enjoys the mountain air. After visiting the local coffee and wireless network cafe we headed for the campsite. It was privately owned and well maintained. They had a special biker/hiker location next to the river. We introduced ourselves to our neighbors and headed back to town where we found a resort restaurant where we flaunted our tans with the rich and famous. We played a fast and furious game of shuffle board and enjoyed watching the golfers report of their various victories and embarrassments. No apologies needed.
"Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you perceive him to be, and whatever your aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep at peace with your soul."
A duck and her ducklings swim quietly through the mist.
The Kootenay River
Columbia Lake
Mort the retired surgeon