Movin' and Groovin'

The tenth was a beautiful ride; the group met Houston with happy smiles. We were revived by the finally beautiful vistas; show casing the first snow-capped mountains of the trip. 

We happily realized at the end of the day that that very night was our first evening off. With a breath of relief the sore group dispersed to catch up on various things: sleep, journals and the luxuries available at the neighbouring pub.

Sunday started up at different times for all as it was our first chance to sleep in and not to many people jumped up at 7:30am. The well-rested group got some much needed time to ourselves yet we were still often crossing paths, as Houston didn’t offer too many opportunities. The town park was vibrant with long lasting summer flowers and many people took advantage of the surrounding wilderness. That evening held in store another productive meeting, a few of us pre-empted for some pie to get us through.

Monday morning we yawned awake with the sound of Happy Birthday skipping through the crisp north air, it was Michelle’s day. The beautiful girl was now the lovely age of 28.

Our third presentation, done that morning went very well and was followed by some afternoon workshops. Those unoccupied spent some secret time planning a no-bake birthday cake, hidden in the fridge it would stay until after our first Otesha-fest. The community get-together included the 20 of us and a handful of young and old locals. We played some knock out or bump as some like to call it (a chaotic basketball game), watched the magnificent sunset and ate our share of stone soup. We then returned to the community centre to enjoy one of our last few nights with Jess and celebrate Michelle’s special day.

When Michelle entered the darkened room where we were all sleeping she was hug attacked 007 style by the stinky group, then presented with a crumbly very Otesha style birthday cake, another successful vegan dish. We played the night away like 3^rd graders, mafia, dirty mittens and other camp-esk, The pub was re-visited for a night of dancing. The morning, which was only hours away promised another 70 km of pedal pushing and a hill that we were told would result in one of the worst days of our lives.

So we faced the day wearing forced grins and apprehension of a cruel day of thigh grinding. When we reached “ Hungry Hill” summit (our supposed nemesis) we had to laugh. To most of us the hill had turned out to be about one fourth of was we were expecting. This was a big relief and we still received the down hill benefits of a massive hill. The rides were getting progressively and progressively more beautiful. We arrived to our destination where we met up with some local environmentalist from a group called one sky. We all rode critical mass style into Erica’s hometown of Smithers. It was the first time the group had actually all ridden together.We has a great traffic circle moment and proceeded on to receive generous donations from the local health food store. We eventually ended up at Erica’s house where we all received a gift of home made wool slippers from Erica’s mom. The booties were sported immediately.

 That night was occupied with another Otesha fest, the folk from One Sky attended and the media as well made an appearance, spreading our word to even farther places.

It was Jess’s last night and we wrapped our time with her on a beautiful note of Erica serenading us all into a sleepy lull just before bed. We settled in for a clean, fed, homey sleep.

Wednesday’s ride held no expectations so when we progressed into beautiful Mountain View every one was very happy. Many people made a visit to a roadside canyon, home to a gushing powerful river. Being salmon spawning season the group was lucky enough to come across a group of natives who were catching, measuring and tagging select salmon breeds. The men were even friendly enough to offer Kristin a marriage proposal, lucky girl.

We arrived at the school in Hazelton to meet our very first chaperon. We had an unsettled sleep with a midnight alarm. But we awoke revived and did an assembly style presentation, a few workshops and then everyone broke for lunch. The team recommenced with a staff vs. students soccer match and we played with the teacher’s team because they thought we might be a help to them - we lost! Unfortunately Tom broke his toe and spent the rest of the afternoon in the hospital - remember to wear shoes when playing soccer!

That night was one of our favourite Otesha fests with the community garden group. We played Big Booty and giggled the evening away under the beautiful backdrop of the mountains of Hazelton. That night we all slept well, undisturbed by school alarms.

After yet another beautiful 70km ride, past the Seven Sisters mountain range and we arrived at our destination. We were staying  at a restaurant which was a strange venue, but it turned out to be very enjoyable stay. The team hung out with John (the owner) that evening, playing poker for salt packets and reading his extensive comic collection.

 The next morning began with the crowning of King Laen, and for some progressed to a breakfast of waffles, French toast or eggs at John's restaurant. The stuffed group then headed back on the highway for another beautiful day of biking. The Alaska highway even made an appearance along the way.