The wind and the rain.
This is Elizabeth updating the blog today.
Yesterday we left Comox and I was in good spirits. It was a little overcast but good weather. We first had to head north to turn south. As soon as we turned south there was a drastic change- the wind. Clayton and I discussed how wind can be your best friend or worst enemy. And we had a nasty strong headwind. So I guess each day presents its challenges: yesterday was a headwind and the day before was hills. I drafted behind Clayton for a bit which helped and then we headed up to the inland highway to see if the wind was less severe. Nope. After a few miles or so I told Clayton to go ahead and I'd meet him at the next food stop for lunch. This stretch was the hardest part of my day. I felt that even on the downhills I was barely moving. Not to mention my right knee pain was escalating. By the time I caught up to Clayton I was feeling pretty broken and exhausted and we still had about 55 k to go. We ate rolls and bananas on nutella with trail mix on the side of the road.
I told Clayton to go ahead to Nanaimo and if I couldn't make it I'd turn on my phone and call him. As I started going I noticed the wind had calmed down- hallelujah! I was able to finally enjoy the beautiful scenery and touristy towns along the coast. Then about 90 minutes later the rain started- and not just a drizzle but a downpour. However I decided I would choose rain over a headwind any day and I kept cruising along. At 25k from Nanaimo I had to merge back on the highway. Whenever a semi truck would pass I would get slathered with water. I was soaked to the bone and do not like biking on major highways. My back was not feeling so hot either. So I finally pulled over and gave Clayton a call to get me.
Clayton and Craig picked me up and we went to Craig's place in Nanaimo. Clayton and Katy met Craig and his sister Hailey while trekking through Nepal a few summers back. Craig moved back home because their dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and he was needed to help around the house and with their dad.
They are a great welcoming family and treated us to a steak dinner with corn, potatoes, beans, and ice cream and strawberries for dessert. Yummy!
The tentative plan is to stay here for a few days before heading to Victoria.
A few thoughts I have that I'd like to mention:
Although yesterday was really hard for me I'm having a great time. The scenery is incredible and I actually love the weather when it's not pouring rain.
I'm so amazed at how incredibly nice some people are to strangers. I have stayed with strangers five days in a row now and each is just as kind as the next. It really warms my heart knowing there are so many kind, good-hearted people. I feel we get tainted from the news and all the bad stories we hear.
Clayton is incredibly strong. He's thinner then I've seen him in a long time, and his legs are very toned. Not only has he carried much of my stuff the last two days, but he often pushes me up the big climbs. On Tuesday we were nearing the end of the day and got off our last ferry to discover we had to climb 600 ft or so immediately. It looked so daunting when you're tired and carrying touring gear but Clayton put his hand behind my back and pushed me up. It feels like I'm on a much lighter bike and helps a lot.
Clayton also eats a lot! And his hair is getting a bit out of control!
That's all for now folks.
This is Elizabeth updating the blog today.
Yesterday we left Comox and I was in good spirits. It was a little overcast but good weather. We first had to head north to turn south. As soon as we turned south there was a drastic change- the wind. Clayton and I discussed how wind can be your best friend or worst enemy. And we had a nasty strong headwind. So I guess each day presents its challenges: yesterday was a headwind and the day before was hills. I drafted behind Clayton for a bit which helped and then we headed up to the inland highway to see if the wind was less severe. Nope. After a few miles or so I told Clayton to go ahead and I'd meet him at the next food stop for lunch. This stretch was the hardest part of my day. I felt that even on the downhills I was barely moving. Not to mention my right knee pain was escalating. By the time I caught up to Clayton I was feeling pretty broken and exhausted and we still had about 55 k to go. We ate rolls and bananas on nutella with trail mix on the side of the road.
I told Clayton to go ahead to Nanaimo and if I couldn't make it I'd turn on my phone and call him. As I started going I noticed the wind had calmed down- hallelujah! I was able to finally enjoy the beautiful scenery and touristy towns along the coast. Then about 90 minutes later the rain started- and not just a drizzle but a downpour. However I decided I would choose rain over a headwind any day and I kept cruising along. At 25k from Nanaimo I had to merge back on the highway. Whenever a semi truck would pass I would get slathered with water. I was soaked to the bone and do not like biking on major highways. My back was not feeling so hot either. So I finally pulled over and gave Clayton a call to get me.
Clayton and Craig picked me up and we went to Craig's place in Nanaimo. Clayton and Katy met Craig and his sister Hailey while trekking through Nepal a few summers back. Craig moved back home because their dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and he was needed to help around the house and with their dad.
They are a great welcoming family and treated us to a steak dinner with corn, potatoes, beans, and ice cream and strawberries for dessert. Yummy!
The tentative plan is to stay here for a few days before heading to Victoria.
A few thoughts I have that I'd like to mention:
Although yesterday was really hard for me I'm having a great time. The scenery is incredible and I actually love the weather when it's not pouring rain.
I'm so amazed at how incredibly nice some people are to strangers. I have stayed with strangers five days in a row now and each is just as kind as the next. It really warms my heart knowing there are so many kind, good-hearted people. I feel we get tainted from the news and all the bad stories we hear.
Clayton is incredibly strong. He's thinner then I've seen him in a long time, and his legs are very toned. Not only has he carried much of my stuff the last two days, but he often pushes me up the big climbs. On Tuesday we were nearing the end of the day and got off our last ferry to discover we had to climb 600 ft or so immediately. It looked so daunting when you're tired and carrying touring gear but Clayton put his hand behind my back and pushed me up. It feels like I'm on a much lighter bike and helps a lot.
Clayton also eats a lot! And his hair is getting a bit out of control!
That's all for now folks.
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| Dinner with Craig and Hailey Morgan in Nanaimo, BC. I would say I've been eating pretty well. |
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| My friends from Nepal. Wishing I was still on the Annapurna Circuit. |
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