Day 4- The Uphill Battle of Allison Pass

I left my  gracious host's house at around 8:30 AM after breakfast, packing, and many thanks. As I left town I tried to snap a few pictures since I wasnt able to on my way in since my phone had died. It was too foggy to see the full scope of the mountains hugging the town. Everywhere you go in Hope there are wooden carvings of bears and signs with bear related logos. It is as if the town decorator selected a "Bear Carnage" theme. With Manning Park coming up it practically shouts "You are going to be mauled by bears". Comforting.

I make my way towards Crowsnest Highway over a few rises, and my legs still feel sore and tired, which concerns me for the coming climb.

I arrive at the first major climb early in the day, causing concern that remaining 60 KM will be all uphill. My legs warm up and start to feel good. I actually attacked this rise a little too vigourously and was hot and sore by the end. Afterward I descended back down into a surprisingly cold and flat/ downward section that lasted quite a while.

Then the real ascent began. What felt like endless ascending road winding every which direction. Every turn promising  relief but delivering more uphill. My legs burned, I panted heavily, and I sweated profusely. Even in the intermittant snow and freezing rain in a tshirt I was boiling. I took frequent breaks and ate tons of food as I slowly inched my way up, counting the KM on the highway markers as they crawled by. It was just as much a mental challenge to keep going as physical. After what felt an eternity of struggle I suddenly and unexpectedly reached the summit. I felt pure elation at the sight and I shouted my excitement and joy out loud. I stopped for a photo op with the summit sign before descending the remaining 10 KM to the Manning Park Resort Hostel.

Reasonably nice accomodations with a shower amd kitchen available. And hey, its warm and bear-free. Apparently there is a hot tub at the main lodge, but I am so tired I just want to go sleep even though it is only 5 PM.

I will need my rest though, tomorrow is my second climb; Sunday Summit.