Dwagenheim
09-27-02, 11:33 PM
I woke to the sounds of big logging trucks zooming by on the main logging road. I was camped on a small dirt road connection between the main highway and the logging road. Fortunately it isn’t used. I started cycling into what looked like a great sunny day. The gradual ups and downs continued with a couple steep grades. The scenery was mountainous all around, some covered in trees, some scarred from clear-cuts looking like a boy with a bad haircut. For most of the way, there was only about a foot of shoulder and the fast moving trucks loaded with timber made cycling a bit more nerve wracking at times. I had a few snack/rest stops and at one I spoke with a motorcyclist who was taking a rest. I ended up making great time and had a great day of cycling, making it to Campbell River around 5:30pm after 80 miles. I searched out a hot shower and got one dockside near a pub and laundromat. I went food shopping for a couple more things and then had dinner at a small seafood restaurant. I had some delicious fish and chips and better yet my bill was covered by a nice older couple from New York that had asked me a few questions about my trip outside the restaurant. I chatted with the couple for a big after dinner and gave them big thanks before heading to the ferry terminal. I found out I wouldn’t be able to get to Cortes Island tonight, the last ferry was before 7pm. I had a nice chat with Joe, who works at the terminal. We discussed the islands of Quadra and Cortes and my camping possibilities on Quadra. Before getting on the ferry, I met a beautiful person, Erin, who I talked to the whole way across. She is currently in school doing environmental studies. Erin invited me to camp out on the property she was house sitting but it was on the other side of the island so I wasn’t thinking of cycling the whole way there at this time of the evening. So I left my bike at the ferry terminal, locked up, and took the necessities with Erin and we drove. She was headed back to the ferry early in the morning so I’d have no problem getting back to the bike. I enjoyed hanging out with Erin through the evening. I could tell we shared quite a bit in common. Even though I was full from dinner, I tried her squash and pasta meal that was delicious. After a nice smoke and some good conversation, I turned in to my tent and had some great sleep. (86 miles)
Peace
Dave
Pic: Clear cut action
Peace
Dave
Pic: Clear cut action