Slowly I have noticed the terrain change from coniferous trees widely spaced to ones that are growing together tightly. The grasses change from brown to green, if there are any grass. It was slow but when I noticed the change it was stark. The change probably started south of Clearwater. Once I left Kamloops I was now on the Yellowhead Highway, or BC 5. I did not think the Yellowhead Highway was in this part of BC but rather made a line from Edmonton, Alberta to Prince George, BC and on to Alaska. Regardless I am on the Yellowhead highway and I am in BC.
Even though there is still construction immediately adjacent to the highway there is very little debris on the road. The shoulders are wide and relatively stress free regardless of the traffic volumes. I now believe that BC regularly sweeps the shoulders to remove the stones and thus chips that may occur to car windshields. Or, the Province makes the Pipeline company sweep the stones off the road.
Like so many other days I could ride farther but a short day is good for the butt once in a while. The stops are all related to services and the ability to get food, water, shelter or a campsite. Tonight it is camping in Blue River. It rained briefly after I set up camp but only for a few minutes. Camped next to me were 3 motorcycling brothers in their 60s and 70s. They seemed to be having a lot of fun together and would talk to anyone.
Today’s stats:
Total mileage: 61.31 miles
Average speed: 12.4 mph
Total ascent 2280 feet
Total descent 1552 feet
Maximum speed 26.8 mph