Kamloops to Salmon Arm

After we loaded up with carbs and protein at a local Denny's in Kamloops, we set sail to the extremely scenic Salmon Arm. The trail today was visually epic, yet real easy to cycle. There were no real uphill battles to be fought. I listened to the music that zany Brit recommended and it did not disappoint. If you haven't listened to The xx yet go find their stuff on YouTube now. They're kind of like Metric meets the Postal Service meets Stars. I also listened to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack which was added a real epic overtone to the day. Cycling towards ancient and majestic mountains while blasting Lord of the Rings through my ears further enchanted the already remarkable landscape. As I cycled, I pretended to conduct an imaginary orchestra, and probably looked like a complete ass doing so.

About half way through I took a quick dip in a beautiful lake to cool off. I definitely did cool off... brr!

As we approached Salmon Arm, a sign indicated a winery 4 km off the highway. I really wanted to go but because John doesn't like wine he passed. The first half-kilometer was stupidly steep, but when I finally got to the winery, a lovely couple who owned the place, Graydon and Maureen, gave me a wine tasting as we talked about their business and happenings. The winery, Recline Ridge is great - I bought a delicious white named Kerner which had a definite green apple taste. I gifted it to the gent whose place we are couch surfing at tonight and he ungraciously commented that he prefers beer.

Despite this, Hermann is quite the generous man and is an amazing cook. He made John and I two delicious pizzas that included fancy cheese, broccoli, peppers and delicious sun dried tomato sauce. He also suggested we visit a hot spring that is outside of Revelstoke. An avid cyclist himself, he too wanted to cycle across Canada this summer but was unable to do so due to unforeseen circumstances. Maybe next year. I wish him the best of luck and the biggest thank you.

After the pizza I cycled back down to the centre of town to watch Brave. I was highly anticipating this movie but boy was it a disappointment. This movie was made by Pixar? It was by no means bad, but where's the imagination? It was very well animated but wasn't very interesting. There was no real depth I give it 2.5/5 pickles.

When I arrived back at Hermann's, he told us a funny story about how occasionally chases off bears in his backyard. He just chases them with his fog horn and they run crying for their mommies. Jesus. As I listened, I sipped a beer from Halifax: Propeller's Extra Special Bitter. I liked it but it didn't really stand out to me. I like bold flavors.

Great day. Enjoy the pictures!

 

Rustic General Store

Recline Ridge Winery

 Graydon and Maureen

 Me and Herman

Where I Swam