Day 25: Lunderbreck Falls to Longview, AB – 74 mi

I had a hard time sleeping last night with nearby train tracks and strange noises off the river including the beavers slapping their tails on the water. When I got up, my tent was soaked by heavy dew which delayed my start waiting for it to dry — seems to be a pattern when camping near water.

I was low on steam and despite a tailwind I felt like I was riding through sludge. Time for another rest day soon, I think. This part of Alberta is lots of rolling ranch land, and I felt like I was back in Wyoming. Occasional glimpses of the mountains between the foothills reminded me I was going the right way.

Early in the afternoon I stopped at Chain Lakes park intending to camp, but $23 for a campground is getting old (2 nights in to Canada and I’m already fed up with their campgrounds!). I asked the ranger where I could camp for free, she suggested going another 25km to Bar U Ranch and up the gravel road rhere. I took a nap at the Chain Lakes beach and proceeded up the road.

I stopped in at Bar U, a national historic site, and asked the young lady at the info desk about camping spots. Desiree thought about it for a bit and then texted her parents and offered me her back yard in Longview. Win! Her mom, Lisa, was home and got me situated with a shower and spot to pitch my tent. She go home from work followed by Her dad, George, the pastor, and we ate grilled cheese&turkey sandwiches and watermelon for dinner before Desiree’s two older sisters got home and some folks came over for bible study. The thoughtful&enlightening evening rounded out with leftover carrot cake from George’s birthday yesterday, chocolate chip cookies, and more watermelon.

Grateful tonight for the kindness of strangers and the chance encounters that bring people together!