Release the hounds.

We knew even before starting out that it would likely go somewhere along the way. It was just a question of where. Along the Cassiar was not our top pick. But as we continued south Martha's rear wheel kept getting closer to collapsing.

Since wheel failure was not so much an if as a when we decided to push for Smithers. A 95 mile day followed by a 5:00 AM wakeup and 72 more miles put us into town before the bike shop closed. Within 15 minutes of arrival we were invited to set up at a stand in the back. I switched over Martha's wheel and my rear tire, the last remaining reject from the Armadillo farm. Suggesting/allowing us to do the labor ourselves was a sweet favor. Thanks again to Eric and the guys at McBike.

We left with reservations for the guest house, directions to the Mexican Cantina and suggestions to stop in at the Farmer's Market in the morning. Since then we have been enjoying our first real rest day since Anchorage. Smithers is a sleepy little town with a healthy outdoor vibe that Martha and I have enjoyed soaking up for a couple days. We will miss it as we pedal away in the morning.

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