Midway

The name of the town says it all: we are in Midway tonight, at a newly-renovated (and proud of it) Mile Zero Hotel (another one, this time the start of the Kettle Valley Railway). We came 70 km today, and our total is now over 65o km. And the trip here was another tough one.

The climb up out of Osoyoos was over Anarchist Mountain, named after some scoundrel from the early 20th Century, we are told. And it is a significant climb. Twenty kilometres, and almost 1000 metres. Took us about three hours overall. But there are some signs that the thighs are strengthening: we didn't feel too badly at the top, and we averaged now about 7 kph, whereas before we were only about 5-6 kph. The scenery gradually changed from desert sagebrush to highland plateau, a lot more green for the eye's pleasure. And even some Highland Cattle on one of the farms. We were treated to a long, 3.5 km descent into the town of Rock Creek, and decided to stop for a coffee at a funky place which served us not only coffee but a brownie made with coconut flour (who knew there was such a thing?).

A short repose, then off for the final 20 km into Midway. Mostly downhill, and enough to remind us how tired we really were from the climb out of Osoyoos. We got here about 3PM.

Off to the Kettle Valley Museum, which was quite impressive for such a small town. this was also one of the towns we have visited (Lillooet is the other) that had a significant Japanese internment camp during the War. There is still a Japanese presence here, and they are proud of their heritage. Seeing the extent of the KVR makes me want again to try biking those trails. But I will need to bring the mountain bike, not this one; the trails are crushed gravel and more soft than here.

In spite of all the exercise, we were feeling a bit over fed, so decided to sit in the motel room (with a kitchenette) and eat smoked salmon, guacamole, and cheese, rinsed down with

 some red and some white wine. A pleasant time was had by all.