11   Wednesday, September 10   Wardner, BC

I have basically come to the conclusion that much of
BC looks quite alike. In much the same way that I
imagine most of the prairies will look quite the same.
Not the details, but the overall feeling doesn't
change much. Having said that, I was presented with
quite a sight today. Since Creston yesterday, the road
has been pretty much flat. Slight uphill all the way,
but basically no more mountains. After Cranbrook
(dinner today), I entered a large, wide valley. Easily
30-40km across. To the far East side stands the last
range of mountains between here and Alberta. The Rockies
themselves. All I find myself able to say is that the
sight conjures to reality the meaning of the word
"formidable." Although the pass I will go through is
quite low, and by all accounts quite easy, the peaks of
this range are the highest. And from here, 40km away,
the view is quite magnificent. This, finally, is what I
always imagines the Rockies to be. One crag in
particular, jutting into the murky dusk, seems to
embody the very essence of ruggedness. This, then, is
all that stands between me and Alberta, a day and a
half away. Already, the signs are there. The newspaper
of choice in the restaurants has ceased to be The
(Vancouver) Province, and is now the Calgary Sun. The
Alberta license plates on the cars have been as
ubiquituous as the potholes in the roads. Oh, and a word
to the wise: If you're on a bike, avoid Cranbrook if at
all possible. The roads there are arguably the worst in
the country; I don't think a single pothole has been
fixed since the 1940's.  Anyway, that's my sermon for
the day. Aside from that, I am fine, all is well, and
it's been a long one, so I'll close off now. More tomorrow.