May 13, 2014

Abottsford is deep in the heart of Mennonite country in British Columbia. I guess we always notice our tribes beyond what may be apparent to the rest of the world but I starting noticing too many Mennonite names on mailboxes to be a coincidence or mistaken identity. If you notice an Enns or Braun here or there it’s probably a fluke but in numbers you start to expect a church or two. Not to disappointed I came across various stripes in the Mennonite tradition. On top of that Mennonite Educational Institute, Columbia Bible College, and a new headquarters for Mennonite Central Committee. Anyway, I enjoyed the best part of Mennonite country by staying with a friend last night and having farmers sausage (Mennonite pork sausage) with another friend for brunch. Thank you!

Today I also rolled ever so steadily towards the mountains. As you can see, they are looming large. Consider the next few days ahead of me, it’s a little ironic to be staying in Hope, BC tonight. It sounds like one John Bunyan’s deceptively misnamed places like By-Pass Meadow, which is inviting especially consider the alternative but assuredly just as destructive. I guess I know there trouble and sorrow ahead so at least I’m going into this with eyes open, with hope that I’ll make it to the otherwise. A Bunyan character would of course fall into peril because the hope was in himself.

Road Report: 93km
The road was primarily along the TransCanada highways and so largely uneventful. Along the way you pass Bridal Falls; it’s a little climb but worth the stop.