25 – 40 KM

We wake very early, and have coffee and bagels with cream cheese. We are on the trail before seven, which gives us an hour jump on the previous day. The next few kilometers, along flowing water, are flat, soft and magical. We wonder if this stretch encouraged the group ahead to keep going. It certainly encourages us.

Black Bear

As we meander smiling, Helene hears a noise. Looking around I quickly find a bear. He is quite conflicted between pulling down branches for berries and rubbing his bum on a log. He makes grunting noises, which we conclude are pleasure, if only because we prefer it.

We have a short but steep up section which brings reality back to our day.

Jim does not stop at the shortcut trail split. We do not know which way he went. We have a frantic moment, with me running down one trail, Helene the other, and Coral and Marjie staying put. We are all whistling and yelling for what seems like ages. Jim is apparently in a groove, and does not stop until a spectacular vista. He never even saw the split.

View from Jim’s Overlook

After catching him, I run back to the trail split, find Helene, then we all hike back to the newly name Jim Overlook, in memory of him overlooking the trail split.

Rieveley Pond Shelter

We hike on to Rieveley Pond Shelter, where we find an encouraging note. The group ahead pushed on. We lounge, filtered water and have rehydrated bean and cheese burritos.

The next few kilometers are quite spectacular, with cooler temperatures, cascading water, and occasion waterfalls. Gorge Falls should be named gorgeous. A dozen people could easily shower under it at the same time.

Every sign we run into indicates Sliammon lake is 4.4 kilometers. We are either walking in place, or this is some kind of sign about the math skills of the sign people. I have a feeling it is a minus sign.

Gorge Falls

We tumble down steep yet incredibly soft tread to the mysteriously warm Large Sliammon Lake. We swim in its warm glory, then make Pad Thai with peas for dinner.

We find no note from Steve, so have no idea how their trip is going. We fall asleep wondering.