A corridor of mountains Since leaving Dease Lake the route has taken me literally through a maze of mountains. Firstly through the Stikine Plateau mountains, then the Skeena Mountains and finally the Coastal mountains to reach the Pacific (at least a long arm of Portland Inlet twisting out to the Pacific). As each gorge opens out the next range appears in the distance. First night out was a camp at Tatogga, as it turned out next morning just down the road from Tatogga Lodge, which provided an excellent display of wild life (stuffed versions). So for my keen Imagine Childcare followers at least I have some images. After leaving the lodge a forgettable day climbed into a howling head wind focused on getting to Bob Quinn Lake. Finally the road sign appeared, a few buildings then the signs for the traffic from the opposite direction past. No Lodge, nothing that provided a half decent campsite (although I did eye the grass of the airstrip in desperation). Dinner the night before had been four sardine sandwiches, the extent of Iskut outpost store food offerings. On a ride like this food in equals well being (or not) on the next stage. Definitely not today. I stopped to cook in a desolate gravel pit. To complete the scene wolves were howling on the ridge above. Large fresh bear droppings dictated the gravel pit was not an ideal camp site. Nine hours on the bike and the road crammed between steep cliffs and a river bed. Just as light was fading at 10pm a side track provided a perfect campsite. A race against the mosquitos to get into the tent with no more than a small massacre on the tents walls. Morning dawned with warm sunlight, enough to dry the wet layers of the day before. Transformation in mood and ride. Great water from Liz Creek and just 30 kilometres to Bell II Lodge for an early lunch and a pleasant chat with the cafe worker. We were joined by two fellow cyclists Faez and his cousin from Iran. In today's security climate these two, with long flowing black beards and hair to match would probably spend a long wait in "special attention" queues at border crossings. Faez also carries a long didgeridoo on his bike to complete the improbable picture. But two lovely guys who loved to get on their bikes and ride. Faez actually links back to the Dempster Highway where we met him at the junction. He actually rode from the arctic sea on the ice road in full winter conditions. At least he had the comfort as he huddled in his tent that the grizzlies were still in hibernation. When you think you are undertaking an extreme adventure, there is always someone else just a little further up the extreme scale. I have learnt that the average bear territory ranges over 10 kilometres, if you find bear sign, ride on 10km to a safer site. Yesterday every 10 km there was a bear sitting in the road side ditch, a total of 9 bears for the day. So 130 km later I opted for a safe official campsite at Meziadine Lake, right at the junction to the. Stewart turnoff. This mornings ride was a justification for changing from Prince Rupert as my Pacific touch point. Magnificent scenery including a roadside glacier. It has also recovered so days on my schedule. Glacier on the road to Stewart Finally had the courage to take the camera out for one of yesterday's 9 bears Road side fox Glacier melt streams Wolves at Tatogga Lodge Leader of the pack Big Sheep
13 Comments
June Parnell
29/6/2017 06:41:24 pm
Awesome photos thank goodness you were avoiding those lovely bears!!
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Julie
29/6/2017 07:21:42 pm
Such great people are around! Kids loving the video updates too and getting comments at work from my colleagues loving following your journey - love you
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Barb
29/6/2017 09:36:23 pm
Wow - can't believe you've covered so many kms already! Great decision to change direction slightly, judging by these beautiful photos! Awesome effort so far - keep it up. XXX
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Loek Strik
29/6/2017 10:30:50 pm
9 big bears on the wall I mean road !
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Val
30/6/2017 03:46:03 pm
Dear Linds, I am not sure if you are mad or magnificent. I get extremely nervous just reading the updates, but all that wonderful scenery must outweigh the scary bits. Keep safe.
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Bill
30/6/2017 07:56:18 pm
Amazing. Well done on achieving the first part. Hope you have restocked the bear spray. We are in "Big Dogs on Blair" in Wellington with Doug and Sally and family and have just raised a toast in your honour.
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Ang
2/7/2017 06:48:23 pm
Hey there Linds your stories and pictures are wonderful, thanks for taking us adventuring with you, you are inspiring, keep up the great cycling and exploring. LOve you, Ang and Des.
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Lindsay
3/7/2017 09:41:33 am
Thanks for all the comments - they keep me going to the next WIFI spot - so far few and far between. Having a half day mini rest day at Smithers 8 days solid riding has taken its toll and I need a dry tent.
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Phil Parnell
3/7/2017 09:59:16 am
Great work Lindsay hope you celebrate Canada 150
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MZ
3/7/2017 07:32:56 pm
Awesome pics and such a gutsy ride Linds. Very proud of you. Enjoy the scenery and keep us in awe of the scenery. Love from us 😘
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Tony southall
3/7/2017 09:10:48 pm
Brilliant to read your diary and see the fantastic photos of your epic journey Lindsay. You're going so well - keep it up. I'm recovering from 3 Lions games in 8 days - a win - a loss and a draw. Your efforts were toasted at a recent frost luncheon as well
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sarah
4/7/2017 07:58:54 pm
Lindsay, it is so incredible to read about your journey. Thanks for sharing your poetic insights and inspirational stories. Charlie has been planning to share your story about the bear biting at your bike for news at kindy but keeps forgetting...Stay safe and keep up the amazing effort!
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Cleaver clan
5/7/2017 07:40:12 pm
Your words paint a thousand pictures, and then we are treated to the pictures as well. Great storytelling. Amazing journey. Love you Dad / Grandad
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AuthorLindsay Gault. Archives
September 2017
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