Met Pam around 5:45 am in the kitchen for coffee. She asked if I liked French eggs. I replied that I did not know what they were. Pam was then off and running - she explained that there were only three ingredients, and the key was the order in which the organic specially fed chicken eggs, milk, and butter were combined and the correct cooking temperature. The desired result was ultimately all about the flavor and texture of the eggs. Another chemistry lesson. Ok, I thought, as I got up to watch more closely. Then it happened - the next thing I knew Pam had handed me the wooden stirrer and I had become Pam's sous chef. Maybe there is hope for me...
Carin had thoughtfully decided to load up the bike and drive me to nearby Maple Ridge so that I would avoid riding in the heavy rush hour traffic in Port Coquitlam. I felt happy/sad when we parted at approximately 8:10 am. Happy to be back on track and excited about the new southern route, but sad to leave my new friends.
The ride turned out to be phenomenal and I kept thinking it would have been right up Randy's alley. Perfect riding weather. Pretty much flat and good roads with adequate shoulders. Moderate to light traffic. I literally cruised at 15-20 mph the first 17 miles to Mission, much with views alongside the Fraser River. I stopped at the information center in Mission for more maps and info.
The next 25 miles or so contiuned through lush, green farmland, bordered by majestic mountains forested in pines. The effect was stunning. And the road was flat. Lots of small farms and produce stands. Lots of interesting views, including occasional lake views. One of the more interesting sights was a cellphone tower that appeared to have been made to appear to look like a pine tree at the top so as to blend in. Kind of made me laugh.
Around noon I arrived at Agassiz, and stopped at the information center for more maps/info before heading to Subway for a veggie delight. Agassiz is a beautiful little town with a lush green park shaded by huge trees located next to the Main Street. The only significant incline I faced today occurred just prior to Agassiz, and was easily negotiated. And the view of the river and marshland below with the mountains in the distance was stunning as I descended. I reached almost 40 mph on the descent, which is why I did not stop to take pictures. I kept thinking if all the mountain passes on the southern route turn out to be this easy, it will be a piece of cake - wishful thinking and no such luck, I'm sure. I also noted how much I love my new odometer with its extra large numbers which are easy to see without readers - especially appreciated these days.
I decided to press on to Hope (another 20 miles) since it was only 1:15 pm and the riding had been so pleasant. Good decision, and more of the same satisfying riding. Saw a couple of fully loaded touring bikes coming from the opposite direction, so I am becoming more and more hopeful that there are riders up ahead that I might catch up with at some point. Several Canadien Pacific trains passed by on my right, just adding to the ambience.
I finally arrived at Hope around 2:45 pm and rode around to visually check out the reasonably priced motels I had found on Trip Advisor. Hope is characterized by views of those steep nearby mountains that seem to surround and almost engulf the town on three sides, with the fourth side bordered by the river. There is a beautiful green park with those huge trees at the center of town. I found a suitable motel choice and checked in. Texted Carin and Pam as they requested to let them know I had arrived safely, and that I was about to venture out to forage for food. Pam cruelly rsponded with a picture of the shrimp smorgasbord they were having for dinner.
After my very ordinary dinner at a local diner, a lady who heard my waitress asking about my bike ride approached me and said that if I was riding as far as Ottawa she wanted to invite me to stay with her family. Another kind stranger. I thanked her for the offer, but told her I was not riding that far east. Still continues to amaze me how very kind most people are and have been to me, a stranger. Makes me want to be kind.
Returning to the motel after dinner, I also noted seeing at least 3 other fully loaded touring bikes parked at a local coffee shop. Of course, the question is which direction are they riding? It would be fun if they show up on my route tomorrow - which is 50 miles to Manning Provincial Park through what promises to be much more challenging mountain passes. In anticipation of the physical challenge of tomorrow's ride, I went ahead and booked a room at the only available lodge in the area. I rationalized that I would need that comfy room in lieu of camping since Friday's ride also promises to be yet another series of steep inclines over the 45 miles to Princeton. Need my rest, you know. The real truth is that it takes very little for me to rationalize a way to avoid camping.
