August 22
41mi/66km
2100ft/640m elevation gain
It started raining about 5:30 this morning and didn’t stop for over 2 hours. We finally decided we should just start getting up, so we suited up with all our rain gear and packed up the wet tent. That’s when it decided to stop raining. At least we didn’t have to eat breakfast in the rain.
We pushed our bikes back up the steep side road (19% grade) to return to the highway. We still had our rain gear on since it was still gloomy, but once we got hot, we took it all off, and it never rained again.
After 10 miles we arrived at the village of Dease Lake, where we stopped for groceries and some food. Options were limited, but we made do and charged our electronics for a bit before heading out for a big climb.
Once we summited Gnat Pass, we stopped for a break. It was starting to look like rain was possible in the evening, so we took the opportunity to air out the wet tent.
In town we saw some signage about a wellness walk, and we passed a group of people walking along the road. They are raising awareness about suicide and addiction, so we gave them a cheer of encouragement as we passed. Soon after, Paul got the first flat tire of the trip! We both got new rear tires in Whitehorse, but they only had 2 in stock, so we are still running the same front tires that we started the journey with, and it was his front tire that got a puncture. He patched it quickly and we continued on without any trouble.
After a few more miles we arrived at the Stikine River, and decided to set up camp a little early for the night. It’s another big climb out of here, so we will save it for tomorrow.
The people we passed walking the road arrived, recognized us, and invited us to eat with them near the river. It was quite the spread: macaroni salad, potato salad, green salad, fruits and vegetables, ribs, and hot dogs. We asked about their journey and they asked about ours. They showed us their stick with the names of loved ones they have lost. They brought roses to put in the river to honor them. I regret we didn’t get a photo with our generous friends, but it was a good time and good eats.