I knew it would be a fairly easy ride up to Smithers, so lazed around in the motel for much of the morning following the cricket. Spoke to parents who helped give some perspective and clarity on the sleeping mat issue (I was just going to buy a new one and not worry about the one being sent out). I’d arranged a Warmshowers stay with a woman I’d met very briefly at the campsite in Burns Lake. 

 

Eventually rolled out of town and was quickly greeted by views of some snowy mountain peaks. This was such a welcome sight after a week or so crossing the, somewhat dreary, BC interior. 

 

Stopped in Telkwa for an ice cream by the river which was running with the turquoise glow of glacial meltwater. Again, a world of difference from the seemingly endless stagnant water recently. 

 

I arrived into Smithers and got a picture of the town sign for the obligatory Simpsons references and  went to an outdoors shop to pick up a new mat. Relief to get that sorted both for sleeping comfort and not to have to worry about the logistical headache of trying to be in a certain place to meet the post. 

 

Got to Sarah and Rory’s and was given a really nice welcome and shown to this amazing treehouse-like structure where I’d be spending the night. The three of us then cycled up to a nearby lake for a swim. 

 

Sarah made a lovely pasta dinner including vegetables freshly picked from their garden - what a treat after a painfully low intake of fresh veg over the past couple of months. I did a bit of scoping out the final leg of the trip and rearranged my ferry to give myself more time on Vancouver island. I’m slightly ahead of where I thought I’d be so the next bit will be very much at ‘touring pace’ with short days and opportunities to spend multiple days in some places.