Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 5–Coeur d’Alene to Cranbrook

It was overcast and looked like rain when I woke up. I loaded the bike and started to gear up to ride to meet YoshiTheShiba another youtubber and Polar Bear Challenge participant. Just as I was about to get on the bike to leave, it started to pour. gar. I rode quickly to my destination.

Check out the snow covered trees on those hills. Nice.

I was excited to meet Roger the man behind the camera. My wife and I enjoyed watching his PBC videos this past winter with his dog Yoshi riding on the gas tank of his Suzuki. We had a great time chatting, but too soon it was time for me to go. See his version of the meetup vid at the bottom along with mine.  My internet is very slow, 3 hours it says to upload a 50MB video. Not very “high speed.”

The star Yoshi relaxing in his chair:

Roger’s clever GoPro rig on the right, and Yoshi’s perch on the left side.

My destination was the Canadian border, and I have been curious what it would be like for some time now. Would it take a long time? Did I have all the right paperwork? Would they let me in? Or would it be super easy?

I followed US95 north to Sandpiper were I took refuge from the rain in a small café. As I was riding the bridge across the lake the sky really opened up again. No time for rain gear. The outside of my coat was soaked, but I was still dry. yay!

After a warm cup of chai, I hit the road again. I planned on getting gas in Bonner’s Ferry which seemed like the last major spot before the border. The first two gas stations in town were closed and seemed out of business. On the other end, there was two more.

I pulled into the first one; put my credit card in and expected gas. A thimble full dribbled out. I squeezed the handle again, and another few drops came out. I repeated this cycle for a few minutes and managed to get 0.2 of a gallon which cost me a whole $1.00.

By now, a blue Subaru had pulled up on the other side. She seemed to be having the same trouble I was. She went in to investigate while I switched to the other open pump. That one didn’t work either. She came back out to let me know they were out of “premium” which seemed to be both 91 and 89. Then the clerk from the store came out and said they were out of gas, but that I could ride around to the pumps in the back to get some. I agreed. She directed me to pump 7.

I rode back to pump 7. No gas. She walked over and asked me if I wanted gas, she could turn on the pump. I told her again, yes. The lady in the Subaru laughed and said “this kind of thing happens often in up here”. hmm. My expectations of what to expect at future gas stops for the next few weeks are now low. I’m on vacation, and not in a hurry anyways. I don’t know why I got annoyed.

View from Bonner’s Ferry:

The ride up to the border crossing was gorgeous.

Looking back:

A scenic winding road with great vistas.

The border? It was quick. It was setup like a toll booth. I pulled up just as the car in front was leaving. I handed over my passport. We had a quick chat about my plans, did I bring guns or alcohol, the usual border crossing questions. Then I was in. Maybe five minutes? Wow so easy.

First views of Canada:

The biggest challenge was getting used to the metric system. Luckily my GPS was easily switched so I could get a speed reading. The KPH numbers on my SV are VERY tiny and hard to read. I’m still getting used to the distances and temperature.

I stopped at a rest stop and sat in the sun. I enjoyed the last of the blackberry muffins from yesterday. The sun felt good.

The scenery up here is just wow.

I had some issues with my ATM card, so I got a room in Canbrook early. I spent several minutes on the phone and sorted the problem out (yay skype!). I should be able to get Canadian money tomorrow morning. hooray! I will also be avoiding esso gas stations as they have a silly policy which makes it impossible for non-Canadian credit cards to pay at the pump. boo.

I also passed several runners from the “World Harmony Run” today. They are running with a lit torch with their support fans hustling back and forth.

The first half of the day was rain, but it was almost all sunshine after I crossed into Canada. North of Cranbrook there looked to be a lot of rain, so it was good I stopped where I did.

The scenery in BC is stunning. I think I said wow this afternoon as many times as I did yesterday on 12. I love mountains. did I mention that? Snow covered ones are the best. Lots of them today. Nice!

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and my favorite pic of the day (again):

 

Tomorrow Banff!

 

My version of meetup

 

YoshiTheShiba’s meetup video.

 

Full Flickr Album

 

Today's Route:

View Larger Map

Other Posts in the series:

• Day 4–Missoula to Coeur d'Alene
• Everyday for 7 Weeks - Trip Index
• Day 6–Cranbrook to Banff