Day 5 - Hedley to Osoyoos

Looking at the driveway coming out of the campground, Brian suggested,"Maybe you should walk your bike up?". I thought, "What kind of a biker am I if I can't ride up that hill?" Out loud I said, "I think I'll give it a try." Thankfully I managed it without a problem - a good warm up.

About a kilometer down the road, I realize I have an issue - my feet are freezing cold. Preparing for the trip, I had to make some very difficult decisions about what to bring along and what to leave behind. My runners did not make the cut. I only have a pair of riding sandals (with magnetic clips on the bottom) and a pair of flip flops (that double as my shower shoes). On cold days, I wear wool socks (thanks mom and Oma) and I wrap my feet with waterproof shoe covers. I need to make a stop to wrap up my feet because the socks on their own are not warm enough. The next available location was a 'no stopping at any time' spot. I couldn't help myself but to stop right there to gear up.

Brian leaves for home today. He has a call to take at 11:00, then he'll meet me in Osoyoos before he heads back home. Of course, I see this as a challenge - can I get to Osoyoos before Brian does?

Hedley to Keremeos was a enjoyable downhill glide. I love Keremeos. I stop at my favorite fruit stand to load up on some dried cinnamon apple slices and a bit of fresh fruit. I text Brian to ask him to pick up some of the jarred butter chicken and some fruit for the kids (I'm sure he'll pick up a samosa or two for himself).

The ride today takes me through the beautiful Simikameen Valley. The scenery is amazing and there are hundreds of thousands of crickets chirping (singing, cricketing) as make my way along. There are moments when it feels magical (especially between the flows of traffic).

From time-to-time I come across some a lawn maintenance crew (a flock of sheep) that are quietly working away munching down the grass in an orchard. They are just as interested in me as I am in them.

Today's going to be a hot day. I've had lots of water to ensure that I stay hydrated. When leaving Keremeos, I spot a bathroom and decide that I didn't want to leave my bike alone to use the washroom (I'll need to get over this). As I rode away, I had a feeling that I would regret my decision (the image of the bathroom door is permanently etched in my brain). About 15 km down the road, not only do I need to go to the bathroom, but I also need to re-sort my gear because it is getting hot! Finding a 'nature's women's bathroom' (as I like to call it) and a roadside change room is a skill! There needs to be a place to lean my bike and there needs to be good coverage from the highway and any other possible onlookers. An extra fun bit is making sure there are no snakes or other critters. Getting over roadside bathroom breaks has been a really big thing for me - and it is necessary. In this regard, men have it so much easier.

There is (of course!) an uphill for this day's ride as well, but it is saved for the end of the day when it is hot. Luckily, the holiday weekend traffic is coming the opposite direction (towards me), which means the traffic in my lane is minimal and travellers in my lane are not as impatient.

Climbing the hills that will eventually descend into Osoyoos is challenging. It is hot and for the first time I'm well into water bottle #4. Water bottle #5 is my emergency bottle. It is my biggest water bottle - and I've thankfully never had to use it.

To motivate myself in the heat and the climb, I start taking pictures of flowers (well, some of them may be weeds, but they were colourful). The wild rose seemed to always appear at a place where I could not stop. Eventually I did manage to get it!

On the final approach into Osoyoos (just before the "Osoyoos - Canada's Warmest Welcome" sign), I think to myself, "There's been no sign of Brian and the Escape 19 trailer, I might have beat him!" Just as the thought goes through my head, there he is...passes me and pulls onto a side road ahead. Damnit...I think I'm going to call this one a tie - so close. I'm starting to wonder if he's got a tracker on me - his timing so far has been incredible.

The ride into Osoyoos is pretty cool. I take a moment to remind myself that I had just THOUGHT about doing this a few months ago...and now I AM DOING it. Just before Christmas, I picked up a children's book at a local gift store: What do you do with an idea? by Kobi Yamada. Such a great little book! So many times in life, we put limits on what we can do. I love the question: What would you do if you knew that failure was not an option?

I get to the Nk'mip Campground and meet Brian there. I secure a campsite - and he bids me farewell. I'm not sure when I'll see him again.

I'm excited because tonight is the first time to set up camp. As I slowly set things up, I see that I've done a good job preparing - I have everything I need. I'm now ready for a good night of sleep and then a day of rest as I prepare for the massive climb east out of Osoyoos.

Day 5 - May 18, 2026

Start Time: 6:50 am

Stop Time: 12:50 pm

KM Travelled: 73.6 km

Elevation: 776 meters

Special Stuff: Crickets and Flowers