I will post a video below to show what I mean by loud trains … just across the creek … day and night 🤣 Surprisingly I didn’t hear the 1am train last night since I used earplugs! My ears are narrow with weird angles so earplugs (headphones etc) do not fit me at all. It takes about 10 min to get the regular foam earplugs to stay (with a buff over them) but it was worth the effort.
The smoke here in Blairmore is a bit better today (much better than Kimberley!) but it’s still a concern since it can shift any time. I feel for the people in the Okanagan with the big fires happening.
My day was spent resting (thighs feel better) and eating and chatting. Steffen and Jonas were good company, and in the afternoon a third hiker (Vivian) arrived who had hiked with those two before. The usual chatter about plans and gear and food ensued.
In the afternoon the couple from across the path came over and asked us about the GDT. Turns out they are from Cranbrook, and Keith is pacing a racer in the 200 mile race (The Divide 200). I also know one of the other pacers that he’s working with. Small world.
We also walked to the store for some greens and fruit plus bread … good thing we did! When I came outside, a lady told me that Ksanka had said hello to her granddaughter, and so we started chatting. Danita (and her husband Kevin) are locals and she offered to help with any ride I might need (which I do, up the road, when I continue). What serendipity to run into such a kind person yet again! We will be making arrangements tomorrow …
And, as always on town arrival, in the evening I got fries and a soda at the bistro here on site. Not the best but salty nevertheless.
We have days of rain coming up so I’m hoping that will help the smoke here a bit.
For now the plan, considering weather and terrain coming up, is to keep going and assess the smoke after the first rainy days. It could very well fill in quickly again and I am not sure I want to hike through that again. My thought is that I’m close enough to do this another time if there are no views to be had … what’s the point, I’m not hiking to just see the trail in front of me. I still very much enjoy the backcountry camping so I’m hoping to make it work.
In addition, leaving on Wednesday gets me back onto my original schedule. Also Thursday is the worst day for wind and rain, and I don’t want to be on Tornado Pass and Saddle on that day (the Germans will be 😳). Leaving Wednesday means I should be there Friday.
So that’s the plan for now. Dog is also resting besides some swimming in the river. Still very clingy!
Since there isn’t too much to report about the day, in case it’s of interest, here is my first aid kit … it weighs 121g and has all you need: bandages, steri strips, various pills (pain, allergy, stomach), leukotape and duct tape on label backing paper, polysporin/itch creme in single use packs, repair tape, sewing kit, dental floss, super glue and more.
With that I can deal with the minor issues; for major ones you need outside help anyway.
Happy trails!
