July 24, 2016 Osoyoos --> Midway, BC - 45 miles

SAfter the 72 mile ride I was exhausted and went to bed at 7:30 pm last night, and did not get up until 5:00 am. After a hearty breakfast of multigrain pancakes at Smitty's, I began the 20 mile climb to Anarchist Summit. The first 7 miles were a series of switchbacks and a long, long slow steady climb. The good news was that my legs actually felt pretty strong, even after the 72 mile ride with all its climbs yesterday. It helped that the climb was during the start of the day as opposed to the last 20 miles. And the grade of the incline was manageable. I found that I was able to maintain a 4-5 mph speed, stopping frequently, as necessary, and drinking plenty of water. After 1 1/2 hours of climbing through 7 miles, I reached the viewpoint overlooking Osoyoos. Stunning. 

The sustained climbing continued for another 13 miles, gratefully at a lesser grade. It was quite warm, and I was glad that I had put Powerade in my water bottles, as well as picked up an additional water. I stopped around noon to eat some cherries and nuts before continuing the climb. The terrain began changing to more of a grassland with shorter mountains in the distance. Finally, at 1:15 pm, I reached the Anarchist Summit, elevation 4400 ft.

The next 25 miles to Midway were pretty much downhill, with some stretches along the river. I stopped to take pictures of some horses for my sister just outside Rock Creek. The little blonde amiably sauntered over at my request. 

As I approached Midway, I saw a lot of lumbering activity, and huge stacks of logs. This region has a long history and culture of logging and mining activities. 

I rolled into Midway around 3 pm and checked into the Mile Zero Motel. The owner was very friendly and helpful with suggestions for cycling in the area. My room was fabulous, and one of the most reasonably priced on the whole trip. I inquired about staying over an extra day to rest, but unfortunately they are booked up for Monday. I had a lovely dinner at the motel's restaurant.

Around 9 pm I walked outside to get a breath of fresh air and check out the evening scenery. Just outside my door there was a woman changing the tire on her bicycle. I learned that she and five other women from Victoria were starting a ride in the morning on the Kettle Valley Trail. Making a loop from Midway --> Beaverdell --> Idabell Lake --> Penticton. One of her friends joined us, and we had a nice chat. They invited me to join them on the ride, and I told them I would think about it, although not likely. I went back inside and started looking at maps. Reminded myself of living in the present, and being open to adventures that present themselves. By the time I went to bed, I was well on my way to actually considering joining them for some or all of their ride, then heading back to Seattle via Vancouver, rather than heading south into the US and the northern tier. Decided to text Pam in the morning and get her input on a revised route. Tomorrow promises to be interesting.