Adventures with Yogi and Boone

 

Golden Days, Gravel Rides, Bears and Laundry by the River

Yesterday was Day Two in Golden, British Columbia-and let me tell you, this little mountain town is living up to its name. Golden is golden. On our first day, we explored the town on our bikes (because that's just how we roll), weaving through streets lined with charm and the smell of fresh coffee. We had dinner back at the campsite, legs kicked up, hearts full, and pasta bowls fuller. It was peaceful. It was lovely, It was...still broad daylight at 10 p.m.

We tried to go to bed early. Really, we did. But between the sun that refuses to set and the birds who think 4 a.m. is a great time to start chirping motivational quotes outside the van, sleep continues to be more of a polite suggestion than a reality.

Still, we were wheels-up by 9 a.m. and off in search of adventure. We stopped at the local bike shop for some route tips (because locals always know the best stuff), and they pointed us toward a gravel ride that turned out to be.....drumroll....absolutely stunning!

Now, let's be clear: the first five miles of this ride were no joke. We climbed 1,400 feet right out of the gate. I was sweating in places I didn't know could sweat. Even Boone was sweating. But once we crested the climb, the trail mellowed out and followed the river, winding through scenery that looked like it had been Photoshopped by Mother Nature herself. Gentle rollers, blue skies, glacier-fed water below. It was pure riding bliss. 

And then-wildlife alert! We saw Bears. As in plural. The first was up on a hillside, doing bear things-probably writing poetry in a berry patch or auditioning for a granola commercial. He had his back to us which we appreciated. The second one? A little closer to home. Bobby was riding ahead, rounded a corner, and boom-bear in the middle of the road. It looked up, decided we weren't worth the trouble, and shuffled off into the woods. No bear spray required, no drama, just a little surge of adrenaline and a reminder that this is their home, and we're just passing through. 

We wrapped up the day with dinner at a riverside cafe-delicious, peaceful, and the perfect setting to reflect on the fact that, yes, we do still have to do laundry on this epic trip. Socks don't was themselves, even in the wilderness. 

This morning? The usual ritual: coffee, breakfast, mild complaints about sunlight at ungodly hours, and now-we're packing up and heading for Banff.

Yep. Banff.

Say it out loud. Doesn't it just sound like an adventure? We're excited for the next leg of the journey, and as always, we'll keep you posted-hopefully without any surprise wildlife encounters in the bike lane.

Until next time: stay wild, stay awake (because the sun won't let you sleep), and stay curious.

Bob, Sherry and Boone