I leisurely departed at 6:15 am this morning and quickly realized that taking the back way into the campsite via a busy road yesterday was totally unnecessary since the trail was only about 200 meters from our camping spot. Amazingly, it did not take long before nature revealed itself to me this morning and quickly placed my mind back into the present.

My first encounter with the animal kingdom was with a nice lady Elk that was slow to move out of the way of the trail as we entered a prolonged staring contest. A little further down the road I heard the screams of a sparrow hawk. I looked up to see a sparrow hawk being harassed by a crow. The hawk eventually landed on top of a tall tree and as I came closer, it took to flight again and began to circle behind me. As it eventually flew off in the opposite direction, I looked back down the trail and see the third animal this amazing morning.

Now crossing about 150 meters in front of me was a beautiful black bear. Unlike the Grizzly yesterday, this one was in no hurry to cross the trail. I remained quiet until it was across the road and out of sight before announcing myself with a “Hey Bear” a few times. After about a minute, I proceeded and let’s just say I was Mr. Sing Along for a while to let all the other bears know I was passing through.

After a couple short miles on the highway and back roads, I made it into Fernie and rode on a nice multi-use trail along the Elk River. I then decided to stop in the middle of this beautiful town and simply relax a little this morning.

Leaving Fernie I found myself on some nice country roads with amazing properties that obviously celebrate a tremendous view everyday. After the paved road turned into gravel, a cyclist appears behind me. As he was passing, I noticed he had some bags and perhaps on an adventure. I decided to attempt to catch him and this turns out to be a great decision!

Jaime is a twenty-six year old that has clearly taken life by the horns. He took a year off after his university studies and spent time in Southwest Asia and Australia. He ends up living in Toronto, post hiatus, and works for a little bit before realizing life can be better. Comes out West to give Fernie a shot and has a random conversation with an Australian and finds himself a new job offer that is way more satisfying and perhaps more meaningful.

Jaime rode with me on his new bike until about 6 miles from Elko. We did get to experience some hike-a-bike and mud together before he turned around to head back to Fernie. I would say his new bike is properly broken in and while doing so he made my day. It was so inspiring to meet someone that has life figured out and is not living to work, but instead working to live.

After making it to the really small town of Elko, it was smooth sailing on paved roads. I made it to our beautiful campsite at Surveyors Lake and perhaps will take part in some aquatic fun this afternoon with the kids upon their arrival.