Tuesday 25 July 2017

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Sparwood to Eureka)

We survived three days in Grizzly conservation and breeding habitat and we didn't even see one. The locals told us to make a lot of noise to alert the bears to our presence. I think my loud (and terrible) singing must have scared them away! We saw plenty of footprints and scats though (see below). The bears are feeding on Huckleberries at the moment.

The wildlife in Canada seems to be dominated by large carnivorous mammals (bears, cougars, coyote and wolfs) and their prey (moose, deer and elk). We also see and hear a lot of different birds, but very few reptiles. A Garter snake below,...

.... a chipmunk, ....

 ...... some sort of Grouse ...

... and a furry forest creature.

The bridge got washed away and apparently will not be replaced. The water is very clear but very cold!


Approaching Cabin Pass.


The roads are very dusty due to a very dry summer. Lucky we can scrub it all off before  getting into the sleeping bag.

Camping at Wigwam Creek.

Single track again, this time too rough to ride.


The scenery is just stunning!

 There are flowers everywhere!



Kirsten getting water. We bought a filter pump, which will hopefully remove the giardia.

 Climbing up >1,000m to Galton Pass, the toughest day on the ride so far.


Leaving Canada and entering the US. No queues or inspections. The custom officer even waived the fee and told us to buy ourselves a beer instead!

1 comment:

  1. What a very beautiful snake.
    I am not sure which I would be more scared of in the middle of the night - an encounter with the furry forest creature or a Grizzly bear?

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