Day 8 – Wed 14, 2008: Christina Lake to Owen and Rebecca's in Rossland

It rained all night, stopping sometime around 4:00 am, but we were cozy in our tents under the tarp. Even though the clouds were hanging low over Christina Lake we decided to pack up and try a two pass day(Paulson summit: 1538 metres and Nancy Green Summit: 1576 metres). Are we ever glad we did because when we rolled into Rossland and parked on the main street, Owen walked by, asked where we were going, and promptly invited us to stay at with him, Rebecca, and their daughter Everest. OUR LUCKY DAY!!! What kindness – totally appreciated!

Leaving Christina Lake and heading up to the Paulson bridge (about 15 km from Christina Lake) seemed fairly straightforward – maybe 5% grades. Then the grade started, 7 and 8% up to Paulson summit – and cold too. We decided this equalled the drag up out of Hope. with Christina Lake at about 500 metres and the Paulson summit at 1538, this part of the day had us climb 1000 metres in about 30 km. Then it was down, down, down to the junction of 3 and 3B. We turned down the 3B to Rossland, and started to climb the Nancy Green summit – only an additional 300 metres (prep for the Kootenay Pass in two days time). Lots of snow at the NG summit.

The roll down to Rossland was spectacular, 15 km of downhill on a quiet road. Also, the sun came out as we raced by Red Mountain, just outside of Rossland. We rolled into town and met Owen. Right now I'm sitting in a comfy living room, having just had a wonderful barbeque chicken dinner and chocolate cake, writing this blog – life is good!!

Tomorrow will be an easy day – about 40 km to Salmo – and it is going to be that much easier for having spent the night at Rebeca and Owen's

ttfn
Mary