Day 5--June 25 Greenwood to Castlegar

It is now the afternoon of day 6 but I finally have time to catch you up on day 5!  The riders had a long day ahead of them so started out relatively early.  Olin insisted on joining the pelaton so they rode backwards a little ways to the Museum at Greenwood and then back to the motel before we said good-bye to the bikers. Into the jeep for us 3 and off we went for less than a mile before spotting this great old (1913) tunnel that was at the side of the road.  Great fun climbing and getting echoes off the walls!  We all agree that the graffiti looked pretty good.  Now onwards to Grand Forks where we bought lunch supplies, etc.  Olin talked me into fancy juice boxes, some almonds and then we found him new cool sunglasses.  Almost bought a pair for his friend Owen too  but Gramma suspected that Olin really wanted two pair for himself!  Not born yesterday, you know.  Upon leaving Grand Forks, we found a farmers' market selling B.C. grown fresh cherries and strawberries.  Heaven!  Crossed the bridge and headed up, and up and up towards Christina Lake area.  The riders were ahead of us!  It was now around noon so we knew it was time to find a picnic spot--sometimes it takes awhile to find the perfect stopping spot!!  Found a Provincial Campground on the shore of Christina Lake with a beach for Olin and a view to die for.  Helen took her position at the highway to signal the stopping turn while Madge set up the picnic at the lake and tried to keep an eye on Olin.  He was happily playing vollleyball at the net which was right beside the lake!  No conception that his ball could land in the lake at any moment!  Terrified Gramma but happy kid.  The gang arrived and happily vacuumed any available food.  (Where were you, Marlie, to advise on nutrition?!)  After lunch the riders headed off up yet another mountain on their long climb to Castlegar, while Helen and Madge cleaned up and packed yet again, and Olin played happily at the beach with his new-found friend, Aden.  That took an hour but we loved watching the beautiful view, etc.  By the time Olin was devoid of sand and snuggled into his jeans again, he was exhausted. But he had his new sunglasses in which to fall asleep! Yet another long climb and long descent--can't describe how beautiful the scenery was.  Now the Jeep arrives in Castlegar at the Sandman Hotel.  Nice reception but not an ideal hotel--no outside air, no microwave for porridge in the morning.  However, a great pool and hot tub!!  And right outside our rooms!!  Olin and Gramma were in and out of the pool area for over an hour.  Helen arrived with A & W hamburger, chips, and apple juice at 6 p.m.  Ideal.  No sign of the riders, hmmmm.  Finally, they arrived about 6:30--an incredible day!  Hot tub and pool and beer and wine (a whole bottle for \Ward!!) and snacks, etc. etc.  I can't believe they did so much in one day.  Wow!  Olin and Sou stayed behind while we went to dinner.  Brought back take-out for Sou.  Ward and Madge and Helen hit the hay while the younger folk tried to figure out how to fly Souhaila and Olin and Andrew back East to once again begin their lives.  Stressful, mostly because Sou and Andrew don't want their time with the riders to end.  Recognize the feeling, Marlie??
Over and out.
Madge