July 28, 2016 Falkland --> Kamloops- 50 miles

I felt very emotional as I concluded my morning studies and prayer. No particular reason - I felt happy, sad, centered, awed, vulnerable. In short, alive. I had a good cry. A cleansing cry of gratitude and a renewal of hope. I have often read that "it is all about the journey, not the destination." Or, I often meditate on Rilke's  "Live your questions now, and perhaps even without knowing it, you will live along some distant day into your answers." This odd ride I am on, with its minute by minute changes and uncertainties, has added a more heightened dimension of listening and discernment to my "living in the present moment" philosophy, i.e, lessons about focusing on the journey itself and not the end game.

I also have to add that it feels incredibly vulnerable to put these personal thoughts and emotions out there for people to read. Exposed. But to truly share this bike adventure and journey I am on, I want you to get some insight into who I am and how the events of the day affect me. It is another example of not letting my fear that you will see who I am and perhaps not like what you see get in the way 

So, it was in this state of mind that I headed out towards Kamloops, paying particular attention to the beautiful countryside, the farms and grasslands, the mountains bordering the fields, old farmhouses and barns, blue skies and those incredible cloud formations. 

After 11 miles, I stopped at a spot in the road called West Wold and had breakfast at the Hwy 97 Diner.  It was vintage cafe, with pictures, mementoes, juke box and more from the 50's. Had one of the best cheese omelets ever, served by a very friendly waitress who looked as though she may have had a hard and interesting life. But had managed to come through with grace and a kind spirit. She blessed my day.

The next 30 miles to the outskirts of Kamloops were a breeze. Flat or mostly downhill country road with interesting scenery of all types. I consciously took it all in. Sang a few songs to myself. Even listened to the soundtrack from "The Way," which is one of the best biking soundtracks ever, as well a a reminder of that special hike across Spain that I survived with my sister last summer. Good memories. 

My emotional "reverie" was severely tested once I reached Kamloops and began the journey to the other side of town where my motel was located. Google lady sent me on another of her goose chases, only this time it was in the middle of town, not down a dirt road. It was very hot, and the way out was up a very very steep hill, that I actually got to ride twice due to Google lady. Started losing my zen a little. Thankfully, I finally got headed in the right direction and arrived at my motel in time to do laundry and get a little rest.

For dinner, I walked next door and had Chinese chicken with vegetables. Quite delicious, colorful and healthy. 

Tomorrow I have a challenging ride of 60 miles to Merritt, where Pam and Carin will pick me up. I realized that I will have ridden approximately 530 miles in the ten days since I left them, including a good number of mountain passes and sizeable inclines. A pretty good little feat. My next challenge will be determining how best to get to Seattle.