Day 9: Radium hot springs, BC

I think I'll let the photos describe today's ride from Jasper, through Lake Louise, Banff and finally into Radium hot springs( we ended up here to avoid the extortionate costs of Banff). We started at a chilly 8 degrees Celsius and ended at 30 degrees. Misty drizzle through into sun and then convection showers. It was beautiful and atmospheric beyond words with the most amazing array of clouds and light playing on the mountains. The lakes are really that colour!
I thought of Jennie a lot today. An artists dream.
Tomorrow we intend to leave Canada via the port of Roosville. We need to have a good look at how the great devide ride links with both the Glacier National Park and Yellowstone and put together a hybrid route of sorts as it would be a pity to miss out on the scenic wonder of the national parks.

Today we spent a lot of time alone with our thoughts, which is as it should be when you are encompassed by mother natures grandeur. Why ride a motorbike? For me it's certainly not because it's cool or daring. I think it comes down to the fact that you are so much more engaged with the world around you. If its cold you feel it. You smell the wood smell or the foulness of a passing stock truck. You experience the texture of the passing landscape in a way that is simply not possible in the sanitised confines of a car. It is not comfortable or convenient but certainly exhilarating. Why wouldn't you ride a bike I guess?
To explore the back country on an adventure bike is such a privilege.
Then you add the fun of challenge. Can I ride that root infested hill or cross that river, knowing that the consequence of a mistake can mean a long walk or a night out (unless you are with Dave - he just fixes things).
Why wouldn't you?
Thank you all for coming on this journey with us. Enjoy.