Leg 27 - Strathmore, AB to Kamloops, BC

Left the motel in Strathmore at 6:30 with the air temperature at 54 degrees. The predicted weather was sunshine the entire leg with little or no winds. Warning, the internet weather websites are not 100% accurate.

The winds leaving Strathmore for Calgary were slightly less than what I had turned around from the previous night. In addition, there were dark gray ominous clouds coming in from the north. My direction of travel was west and the winds and storm clouds were coming from the same direction, directly opposite from the southern winds from the day prior.

I stopped and repacked my bike with the rain fly on my clothing bag and put on my rain jacket. I rode for the next 50 miles in strong cross winds and periodic heavy rain. Sheesh, I thought this was going to be an easy day.

By the 75 mile mark the winds subsided and the rain was a lot less heavy. I began the climb into the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park and Glacier National Park.

By all accounts the next 365 miles were absolutely spectacular. The tallest peaks in Banff were obscured by clouds, but once in awhile were revealed. I took the following photo of one of the dozens of waterfalls in Banff.

Banff National Park waterfall

The following photo was taken just before entering Glacier National Park. Note the rain clouds are now gone.

Glacier National Park

By the time I got to Revelstroke, BC the weather was gorgeous. I stopped to take the following photo.

Revelstroke, BC

Four events happened on this leg:

1. Crossed the continental divide.
2. Crossed into BC.
3. Crossed into the Pacific Time Zone (last time zone change of this trip).
4. Crossed the 10,000 mile mark (while entering Banff).

Just out of curiosity I checked the weather in Calgary to see if I would have left later that it would have made a difference in the weather I experienced. You bet it would have! The weather report was still stormy and the winds had picked up to a steady 22 mph with 35 mph cross winds, 50% more than when I had traveled through the same area!

I got into Kamloops right around 3:30 local time. The temperature was 81 degrees. While crossing through Banff the temperature dropped to 46 degrees for a total of 35 degrees difference. Layered clothing and foul weather gear are an absolute must.

Overall, 440 miles and 10 1/2 hours. Getting rid of that stomach bug brought back my riding energy.

Leg 27 - Strathmore, AB to Kamloops, BC

Tomorrow I have a short 200 miles to the fourth and last corner, Blaine, WA. The plan is to ride to Blaine, get the required documentation and then ride on to Seattle, WA to visit my elder daughter Katie. Yahoo!!!!