Day 14: Beaverdale to Fauquier. 98 miles. 5972 feet elevation. Weather toasty.
I really didn’t want to do a bigger day . Unfortunately , or fortunately, BC is sparsely populated and there really wasn’t a town for a almost 100 miles from Beaverdale. This is a picture of me about 50 miles into the ride, wondering if I should just throw in the towel. Seriously, I was tired, but the cold water is wonderful for rejuvenating the legs and helping me continue. That water is barely warmer than the snow field that it came from, and it felt great.
Not surprisingly, the ride took me through some beautiful valleys. Unfortunately, I was always going up the valley climbing for most of the day. A little further up the road from this picture above, I saw a moose and two calves. They ran off before I could get a picture. That’s probably a good thing because I understand mother moose aren’t exactly like Bullwinkle.
Now, I’m embarrassed to admit to another equipment failure. Mostly, because this failure was my failure. I could have sworn that I bought a new cartridge for my water filter. Being old, I was mistaken, and the filter I brought doesn’t work. I think it must have been new when I went for a ride with Justin for 3 days in Grand Staircase Escalante. We clogged it up with mud, mosquito larvae, and tadpoles. In other words, we filtered some nasty water, and I failed to replace the cartridge.
By the time I was to the top of the second Valley, I was nearly 60 miles into the ride and had climbed about 5,000 ft. Additionally, I drank everything I brought, and it was hot and dry. I kept telling myself I would find someone to give me water rather than drink unfiltered water. However, the babbling creeks that constantly crossed my path we’re so enticing that I finally gave in. Yep, I drank unfiltered water in the woods. Now, for the next few days, every sound from within will be terrifying and potentially the beginning of an explosion. Hopefully, they will let me prescribe my own medications if necessary. I will keep you posted, but try not to be too graphic.
The day ended with a beautiful fairy ride across Arrow Lake. It was then a short distance to the arrow Lake Motel where I’ll spend my Sabbath. I am very grateful for a day of rest :-). BTW, please do not ask the name of the town because if I say it out loud, I’m afraid I’m swearing. I have no idea how you pronounce it.
Grumpy Grandpa's Great Bicycling Adventures 
Shaun if you can tell me where to send them I will send you water purification tablets which could be a helpful backup to a water filter. The come in small bottles so it would not add much weight to your packing. You might be able to get them locally if the town you are in has a sporting goods store.
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I’m not sure you even know how to ‘throw in a towel’. I’ve never seen it happen. With all the climbing, I’m hoping the proverbial phrase ‘what goes up, must come down’ will come into fruition for you sooner than later. Get some rest…
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So the day you ran out of water was only day it didn’t rain?
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Following you every peddle. Where was “Gumby”?Why didn’t you polar plunge, Lynn would have. HAHAHHA. We think of you every day. Love ya Shaun, we admire you.
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Sounds like you are trying to test your physical limits early in your journey. We took Pokey hiking up in Beulah to the Fire lookout from the Mace trail. Everything is so green because of the frequent rain showers the last 2 weeks. I am grateful for your example of pushing onward inspite of the hiccups that occur such as no water filter. I’ve thought alot about you this week as I’ve studied come follow me. It’s about the Sabbath and the importance of not being compelled in all things. We should be anxiously engaged in good causes. You have exemplified that in your work and your family. I know what a strong testimony of the Sabbath which has helped strengthen mine. Keep smiling and finding ways to serve along your journey. We miss your presence but reading the blog keeps you here. Safe travels. Denise
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