Days 61 - 62

2004_0602Image0025.JPG 2004_0602Image0027.JPG a glimpse of the Rockies in the distance 2004_0602Image0030.JPG 2004_0602Image0031.JPG 2004_0602Image0033.JPG fortunately the route has been changed to avoid this hill 2004_0602Image0035.JPG 2004_0602Image0038.JPG I wonder how this came about

Day 61 - 6/01/04
Fort St. John, BC to Pink Mountain, BC
97 miles

Stopped for breakfast about 25 miles into the day and talked for quite a while with a couple of guys at the diner.  Learned more about the oil and gas industry that dominates the local economy.  Apparently some large natural gas deposits lay under the region.  Got the scoop on how the Canadian political system works; they are gearing up for a big national election in about a month.  Later in the day a lady in an RV pulled over at a rest stop got out and took some pictures of me riding by on my bicycle.  I guess I'm becoming a tourist attraction.  Most of the day was spent going up and down relentless hills.  Towards the end of the day I could see part of the Rockies off to the east.  Otherwise, the scenery is pretty monotonous, basically a highway with trees on both sides.  I stayed at the Pink Mountain Inn, which is run by a nice Chinese family.  The place was clean but kind of dilapidated.  How many "stars" does a hotel get if it takes a five count before water in the shower starts running clear?

Day 62 - 6/02/04
Pink Mountain, BC to Prophet River Provincial Park, BC
79 miles

Weather was good, had a good ride.  I stopped at the Buckinghorse River Inn for lunch and talked for a while with a couple of guys who were interested in my trip.  They mentioned they had seen me on the road, I guess I make quite a sight.  Camped at one of the Provincial Parks for the evening.  It's a nice campground, but camping just isn't that much fun when your tent is barely larger  than the sleeping bag and you have no cooking gear.  It is pretty much just setting up a tent and sleeping.