July 25, 2016 Midway --> Beaverdell - 42.7miles

I didn't sleep well last night, mainly due to some pain in my right jaw that seems to have intensified in the last few weeks. My various "consultants" have suggested TMJ issues or trigaminal neuralgia. Whatever it is, even though intermittent, it is very painful and the effectiveness of the Advil I have taken on occasion seems to have diminished. Before I left Austin, I had seen my dentist about this just in case it was a cavity or cracked tooth. I had been having occasional bouts of jaw pain then that I attributed to muscle spasms, easily alleviated by Advil. The operative word here is occasional. Luckily, he prescribed an antibiotic and stronger pain med just in case I was on the road and the issue became more intense. At the end of today's ride, I felt the need to take the stronger pain med - thankfully, it helped immensely. More on that later. But for now, back to the events of the day.

Somewhere during the ride yesterday from Osoyoos to Midway over Anarchrist Summit, I had become aware of a sense, or discernment, that it was nearing time to start heading back towards Seattle, rather than continue all the way to Fernie, then south to Montana. Maybe start looking south sooner than later and crossing the border into the US. I can't explain it other than to say it felt like a discernment sort of thing. When I spoke with Pam and Carin last night re the next phase of my route, I did not mention this. However, they suggested that while the ride the past few days through the mountains, etc was a big accomplishment, maybe I should not continue east - wow, an independent confirmation of what I had sensed. I felt I should pay attention to that. Then, I met the 6 women from Victoria who invited me to ride with them, and started looking at that route last night. The thought occurred that I could ride with them a few days, then loop back towards Vancouver on the way to Seattle. Seemed like another message. 

I met up with the cycling women at breakfast, and they enthusiastically urged me to join them. I contacted the place where they were staying at Beaverdell and found there was a vacancy. Seemed like another sign. So, they took off around 9 am, riding the Kettle River Valley trail, a loosely gravelled road. I told them I would meet them in Beaverdell later, as I had a few things to take care of before leaving. 

What I learned after the women left was that the KRV trail was probably not suited for a loaded touring bike because of the loose gravel. So, around 11:00 am, I left the motel taking the highway route. As I was in the parking lot, a man on a fully loaded touring bike was stopping at the restaurant. He had left Osoyoos at 5 am and ridden the same route I did yesterday over Anarchrist Summit. He was very friendly and, like me, just happy to see a another touring  biker - they have been few and far between on this trip.  Turns out he is a Canadian teacher who does these rides in the summer through this stunning scenery as a means to renew himself for the next school year. I get it. 

Shortly after I got underway, I met another fully loaded touring biker coming from the opposite direction. He pulled over and we chatted. Again, I think we were both just so happy to see another touring biker. Turns out he started his ride from his home in Czechoslovakia 10 months ago, riding south through Europe, then on to Cape Town South Africa, where he caught a flight to Vancouver. He was on his way to Calgary to catch a flight home. Interesting fellow.

I proceeded on to Beaverdell, much of the time along the Kettle River. The road was fairly flat, with occasional minor inclines. However, it was quite warm, and I found myself stopping frequently for water. Stopped at a rest area for a lunch of an apple and the remaining cherries from Keremeous. 

Never did see the Victoria women on the trail along the way, and pulled into my little cabin around 3 pm.  My jaw was extremely painful, so I went ahead and took the stronger pain killer for some relief. Thankfully, it kicked in shortly. Took a hot shower and a nap, awaiting the arrival of the Victoria women. When they hadn't shown up by 5:30 pm, I walked across the street to Marley's - the only place in town to get something to eat - and had a delicious BBQ chicken sub. 

When I got back to the cabin, two of the Victoria women had arrived. The others came rolling in around 7, and I sat and visited with them while they ate dinner. They all apparently met when their children were in pre-school and remained connected through the years. Their kids are now in their 20's. Very interesting women from a variety of backgrounds and professions. I enjoyed visiting with them. 

Before going to bed, I communicated with Pam and Carin regarding possible routes back to Port Coquitlam/Vancouver, and learned there don't appear to be very good options. Apparently, some of the roads I had considered did not allow bicycles. So, Pam suggested I ride to Merritt - approx 4 days ride from here - and they will pick me up there. My plan for tomorrow is to ride to Kelowna, possibly with some of the Victoria women part of the day. Will sleep on the options after Kelowna and touch base with Pam and Carin tomorrow. I am just way too tired to deal with it all tonight.