September 10, 2019
Vermillion Crossing, BC –> Redstreak Campground, Radium Hot Springs, BC

Distance: 68.7km
Ave: 18.2km/h
Max: 58.4km/h

Not letting yesterday become a pattern, by 10:30am this morning, I was already 45km along and well into the main climb of the day.
It’s a good thing I started when I did, otherwise the temptation to stay dry and warm may have got the better of me. Today has been entirely soggy. It started just spitting, then became more and more persistent and has yet to stop. Wearing full rain gear, it’s impossible to stay dry on a long climb, and by 11, I was still cranking up the same hill, in the same sprocket, now completely soaked from sweat.

I nearly froze at the viewpoint (aka false Summit #3, which on a day like today offered a view of only clouds) and was uncharacteristically happy to find more climbing required as it reduced wind experience and turned on the internal heat. Rain gear, I gather, starts as a dry suit, but then also works as a wet suit. The wet inside my black suit was certainly warmer than the wet outside it. So long as I never stopped pedaling, it would stay that way, and I’d be fine.

But, after my measly breakfast of a few handfuls of granola and (delicious!) mini cheeses, I needed water and food. I found another covered picnic area, stripped quickly and pulled on my dry set of clothes and all the sweaters. I hung the wet set, although if they dry at all it’ll be a miracle. I made excellent (although very flamey!) use the last of my fuel to cook myself some soup.

Tonight, I can’t imagine anything more awesome than hot springs.

Alice

PS.
They were awesomely warming, and I am now pleasantly full of dinner (and dessert!), and hiding in yet another covered shelter at tonight’s campsite.