Rampart Creek Campground, Alberta to Columbia Icefield Campground, Alberta
Posted by scott in Leg 1
06/25 The mother of all storms slammed into me today. I watched it getting closer and closer as it made its way up the valley toward me. Then it hit and boy did it hit hard. The wind was so bad that I actually had to turn around and ride back the way I came just so I could keep pedaling (which is the only thing that keeps me warm). It was a good one no doubt about it. I’ve never had to duck down and hold onto my handlebars just to keep from getting blown over. I rode about 2 miles with the wind until it was mostly just rain (and cold, so very cold). Then I turned back the way I was supposed to go and rode with a steady rain beating down on me. It lasted about 30 minutes and then it was partly cloudy and cool.
One nice day would sure be a treat. Except for one day its rained every day I’ve been in Canada.
Climbed my 2nd pass in as many days. This was a tough one. Very long with a steady 8% grade. About 2/3 of the way up I was pulled over taking a break when another guy on a touring bike saw me as he was going down the hill. While we were sharing horror stories about the weather and our gear some Japanese tourists came over and asked if they could take their picture with me. So while I’m standing there one of them puts his arm around my shoulder and the other took a couple pics. Maybe I should get little statues made so I can sell them? 
I finally made it up the mountain and over the pass but I was beat. The CG wasn’t that far which was a good thing. After the pass the downhill was very minimal so I didn’t even get a break there.
Made some hot chocolate when I finished setting up camp. That hit the spot. It would sure be nice if any of the campgrounds I’ve stayed at actually had showers. I am so looking forward to getting to Jasper and being able to eat some real food. I’ll probably stop at the Columbia Icefields in the morning and load up on snacks.
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What incredible photos! Definite WOW! Glad you got some time with your sisters and nephew. Even knowing you are ‘in the wilds’, I was getting a little concerned about you! Even after a 5 minute meeting, we moms can kick into the worry mode
(After reading your intro, I discovered you were born the year between my daughters.) I was also suffering withdrawal – been awhile since there were comments from your aunts 
Travel is fun…..I’m sitting in Carthage, Missouri where temp reached upper 90s today and power has been out for 4 hours.
Continued safe travels!
Anita
Hey Anita! Yeah it’s been tough finding places to link up and post pics every day like I used to be able to do down south. I suppose it’s going to get worse before it gets better though. Maybe I’ll spring for a cell that actually works and use Twitter to post quick updates. It’s just so expensive. Anyway, 90s would not be fun with no AC. Hope it cools down soon or the power comes back on. Did a storm hit or something? Or just too much demand?
Hey Scott, I’ve enjoyed reading this so far… Laurent showed me the site a week ago or so and I’ve been reliving my trip up there and really enjoying yours.
I’m sure you know this but there are a ton of Esso stations and other small places, especially once you get up past Dawson’s Creek, that you can shower at. I had the same problem on my trip — couldn’t find a decent shower anywhere unless I rented a motel room. That was until I thought like a trucker. Not sure what you’d do with your bike though… Good luck!
Hey! Good to hear from you. Yeah, the book I picked up (The Milepost, which I suspect you probably had too) lists stops along the way so I’ll be hitting them up. I wish I was going as far North as you did but I’ll be running out of summer by then.
How much are the bobble head Scott dolls gonna be? Will he be on a bike like yours? LOL I’ll buy one! Glad to finally hear from you as we were all worried. Great pics!
Thanks Aunt Lynne. Bobble heads will be $9.99 and of course they’ll be on a bike.