Day 15 - Fernie, B.C. - REST DAY

Corinne Visscher
2 days ago
3 min read

I set my alarm to 9:00 am so I would not waste my rest day sleeping - I have much to do. My internal alarm clock goes off at 5:00 am and I lay around in my tent listening to the birds chirp until 6:30. For me to sleep until 9:00 would take a miracle, I am hopeful that one day I can do it. I’m usually up well before the crack of dawn.

My “Rest Day” has many little tasks on the ‘to do’ list - bike service at the bike shop, supplies re-stock, laundry, etc. It’s all done in slow-mo, but it needs to be done. As I’m sitting having a coffee and planning out my day, I look up to discover an amazing sight - a VERTICAL RAINBOW! At first I think I’m imagining it, but no, there it is ! More research indicates that it is likely a sun dog (which can have rainbows on both sides of the sun at the same time). Something new, unexpected and pretty darn cool.

First thing in the morning, the campsite looks damp, I can’t tell if it rained or if it is heavy dew. Once my head hit the pillow last night I was out like light. I did hear a campfire crackling at some point - it sounded like new campers right beside me - but when I got up in the morning, no one was there! Either sound travels a long ways here, or I was having a dream.

After doing my laundry, I head into town and visit the bike shop. My chain is 100%+ worn and needs to be replaced. Brakes are good. Knowing I’m travelling through, they can accommodate my bike servicing today and will have it done by 6:00 pm tonight. (Yes!!!!)

I go for a late hearty Italian brunch - including espresso and tiramisu (why not?), do some shopping and then head over to the beautiful library for most of the afternoon. It is super hot out today (someone said 30 degrees) and the library to me seemed the coolest place to hang out - literally! The staff are very welcoming.

I pick up my bike at 5:00 and get some great advice and resources for thunderstorms (these seem to happen a lot around these parts). I feel a bit more prepared.

I grab a beer and a few snacks for dinner (still feeling fullish from brunch) and ease into settling in for the night.

Tomorrow I will cross the border into Alberta. That, of course, is only the first part of the day (I must remember to manage my expectations). I’ve got 117 km and 1000 meters of elevation throughout the day. I’m excited and I know I’m capable.

Some of the campers from the big RVs stop by to talk about my set up and marvel at the smallness of it all. Some love it and say that’s all we really need. I have a one man tent.I thought I would find it too small, but it seems to be adequate. The alcove really helps to store my panniers (saddlebags). The food cache (lockers behind the tent) are really great to have at this site. Here are some of my camp set-up pics: