Bears

Nope, still not seen one. But when I arrived at the trail for elk pass a grizzly had just been spotted. Tord, a guy doing the great divide who pulled into the campsite I stayed at last night a few hours after me saw it twice though, once a lot closer than he would of liked as it popped up out of a bush beside him. I did see lots of bear scat right on the trail, you can tell from the hundreds of berry seeds in it. So they really are out there.

So I have now arrived in Elkford, camping last night at a place called Tobermory (hehe) recreation site, just below the pass. The campsite was essentially a bench and a cabin, but it's all cool as it costs nothing.

However...just to continue with a theme from an earlier entry..Mosquitoes....argh! I have already used a full can of bug spray, but have still been well chewed.

The plus side of the campsite though especially on such a hot day was the bath. See attached photo.

Coming up to elk pass yesterday and my first crossing of the divide I passed boulton creek trading post. Which sounds cool. But translated into 'English' means campsite shop. Still it was the first shop for two days. However there was certainly no fresh fruit or veg, in fact the chilled section consisted entirely of soft drinks. But a hot dog and a carton of cold chocolate milk for lunch and I was a happy man.

The trek up to the pass was pretty steep in places but all in all, despite a little pushing up the 'vertical wall' it wasn't too bad. However you end up following pylons along the top for ages before you hit the divide and cross from Alberta into British Columbia. And the view. Well... trees, bear scat, and a gate to be honest. But coming down the other side I popped out the trees and some of the views were breathtaking. I'm finding that every now and then I need to stop and look around, as I get so focused on the trail i can almost pass entire mountain views by, and believe me it's worth stopping and taking in what an incredible place this is.

Today has been a reasonably easy 40 mile cruise into Elkford and in reality was only a half day ride. Despite some horses trying their best to cause a traffic jam on an otherwise deserted road. And now I'm here it is so good to have a shower and a proper feed. I also got to fulfill an ambition, ordering a slice of pie in a proper diner. Result!

Oh and forgive me if any of these posts are a little confusing, they're all being done on my phone.  Time to go for a snooze then a well earned beer in the pub downstairs.