Hello from Nakusp

Thanks for your comments everyone, and especially to Jenn for correctly coming to my defense on the underwear debate!

Since the last entry I've been climbing in Valhalla Provincial Park with Dave. We had an excellent time climbing the SE Ridge of Gimli. Gimli is a prominent peak with several very asthetic climbs on it. The rock was incredible, and the climbing was steep and exposed ... right up to a crux roof near the summit. We hiked in the first day (it took an unpleasant 6 hours due to postholing though the snow), climbed the second, and hiked out the third. Neither of us expected it to be quite as high or remote as it turned out to be, so we had a few setbacks to overcome. I accidentally clicked my camera into some weird mode which overexposes everything, but here are a couple pictures which almost turned out: (edit: I've replaced the pictures with better ones from Dave's camera)

Creek crossing on the hike into Gimli with improvised snowshoes.

Almost to the base ... 5 hours later! We climbed the steep ridgeline directly facing the camera along the edge of the shadow.

Me following the second pitch.

Happy to be through the crux ... and the beginnings of lots of rope drag!

Near the summit. Once again, we were surprised to find snow.

Yesterday we got back to Slocan at about 12pm and went to campground to drop off my stuff and eat lunch. We got back to Bruce and Suzanne's at about 3pm for a quick visit before heading out.

It was wonderful riding back 50km to the campsite in Slocan without bags on the bike. The Slocan Valley has lots of character. It seems quite rugged compared to a lot of the terrain I've been coming through, and doesn't seem to see a lot of tourists.

The Northern Part of Slocan Lake

I rushed the first part of the trip in order to make it to the Valhallas for a weekend. I think I will get more enjoyment from shorter riding days with lots of stops in the towns along the way. To accomplish this, I'm going to skip all or part of the Icefield Parkway and Edmonton in order to make it to my next deadline of Friday June 12th in Calgary. Today is a bit of a relaxing day, which started out with banana pancakes ... mmm! I'm in Nakusp now, and I think I will make my way to Halcyon Hot Springs before heading to the Galena Bay Ferry.

I've sent the saw, trowel, and some food home with Dave in an attempt to save some weight and space on the bike. I'd also like to get a light and small pair of flip flops instead of the big bulky sandals I've been carrying around.

Cheers,
Dave