Day 8 - Coquihalla Hwy - Merrit, B.C.

Hello there,

Zopkios Rest Stop – Merritt
75 km.
Slightly overcast, not much wind.

I guess it's a light day, sorry to disappoint.

The picture is what I saw first thing when I unzipped the tent.

The day started sweet-bitter-sweet.

I unzip the tent, and see a nice spectacular view. The mountain with trees and snow all over the place was a sweet to see. I've never been around mountains that much (a few years ago in Colorado), but never in the winter. It's nice. I think it also reflects with the numerous pictures I take along the road.

I was almost done packing, and went to get the dry-bag full of my food that I stored hidden in the bathroom. It wasn't there. After checking everywhere, including garbages and outside over the banks, I asked that chip stand about it. They informed me that the garbage guy came by 30 minutes ago, and they usually return after a few hours. All my food was there, including two chocolates that I didn't have a chance to taste yet, and some scented products (tooth paste, deodorant, soap).

After cursing a bit, I started working on plans. Finished packing, started writing a note for them to give me a call to inform me what happened, and the guy shows up. Sweet. He found it, and kept it in storage on site. I am re-united with my food. I could finally have my breakfast.

I can feel myself getting left handed.

I left for Merritt shortly after. Within 15 km, all the snow disappeared. I did also reach the peak – 1244 metres (over 4000 feet). Nice, felt good. I have no idea at what altitude I started (close to sea level, or just 1000 metres). Now, I didn't know if I was going downhill for a while. Not really, as it turns out. Sure, a few nice downhills, but a few climbs too. The last 10 km into Merritt was a treat – all downhill.

In Merritt, it's a bit of a country town. There's a big country music festival every year, and they built a little Country Walk of Fame with it. George Jones and a bunch of other names I can't recall (but recognize) have been here. I'll go around and take a few pics (mainly for my mom and memere Boucher). Merritt is also the town that is blown up in the pilot of Smallville. What else, oh, the only official Elvis mural in the World is here too. I think it'll be a honkin' good time tonight, yee haa.

I searched for a massage therapist around here – the physio place they worked at just burnt down a few weeks ago, and they are in transition. I did get a card for a woman who does relaxation treatments, and can even come to my house. I can just see this – showing up at my tent, with candles, lavander stuff, etc. (just like the treatments I tend to do).

I arrived here quite early (1 pm). I am just killing time in an internet cafe, and finishing up today's blog entry. I will wandder around town later on, check out some murals, parks, and then scope out my place to crash. Since it's Friday (I hear), I get to scope out the local schools and crash in the back. Free, and quiet. I found that works quite well, but I've only tried it in the summertime. Now, I have to wait for the week-end.

I wanted to ride the Coquahalla Highway because of how Dzintra Teed raved about it when we were in school in Toronto. For years, I wanted to do this. I think she spoke of another highway too, but I don't know which one it is. She's in B.C. (last I heard), m.i.a. I miss that girl. So, I get to think of her during this part of the trip. I hope I get to get a hold of her one day to touch base.

Tomorrow, it'll be a little detour, the 5a, to Kamloops. It is a rest day. I already have my supper planned there (following a tip from the lady at the information centre), and will enquire about another fun thing to do. Unfortunately for you guys, it wont be as exciting as the bungee jump (but still rockin', at least for me and maybe a few of you guys).

Dad and Roch – Calgary next Saturday. I plan on arriving there on Friday night, and spend the whole day doing some touristy thing in town. Crash there at night again, then head East on Sunday. More details to come later.

Food – Classico di Parma tomato pasta sauce (store bought) is always great. Today I had the four cheese flavour. Just plain pasta for today. This morning, I boiled water to put on the oatmeal. It's a bit more filling that way. I tend to (and prefer) just using cold water, but the best is with cold milk. Tonight, The lady at the info centre highly suggested (off the record) that the Sushi joint in town is excellent. So, sushi it is. I am saving Greek for tomorrow night, and the Canadian-Chinese food for (probably) the prairies where I might not have much variety. I can't wait to eat sweet and sour chicken balls, some chicken fried rice, and a couple egg rolls. The two chocolates left. Nice, real nice. The vanilla cream, quite tasty. I think I prefered (out of the two) the almond brittle (is that the right word? I can't remember). It was great desert. No more chocolate now. Maybe I'll find a beer for tonight, to sample more of the area's beers. I would like to try wine too, especially being near the Okanagen Valley, a wine-belt. But, I dont think it is wise to polish off a whole bottle by myself.

Well, time to check out the town, and head towards the Japanese sushi place.

Bonne soiree, head ood,

p2