Slept in, as we have a low mileage day (closest we can get to a day off).  Amazing how good one can feel after ten hours of sleep!Crystal clear, 70 and sunny as we pedaled out of Newport at 9;45 in the morning.I asked our course director if the ride was flat today, “fairly flat” he said.  Note to self:  fairly flat = Rolling Hills.  But there is nothing like a Sunday morning ride, to make the day right!

Our first seven miles were surrounded by pines and again the beautiful smell of Christmas.  Then we dropped to the Pend Oreille Lake and were greeted by a stiff headwind displayed by the flag above the lumber yard.

As a side note:  the Pend Oreille River, which we have followed for two days, is 43 miles long and is the 5th deepest river in the country.

We rolled up and down, lake to our left, forest and fields to our right.  Even with a head wind, it was a beautiful day to ride.One of those days that every turn offered a picture perfect scene, so we will save most of the photos for below.

With the clear skies, it did not take long for the day to heat up, so we were looking forward to this sighting.Never found it, but did see several Osprey;this one not happy with us trying to take her photo.  Idaho we know is known for potatoes, but happy cows??? so looking for commentary on this one……

We had a three mile trek along the highway.  Though the shoulder was wide, the traffic was deafening after the serenity we had biked in up until now.  However, after three miles along the highway, we were rewarded with two large mocha expresso milk shake and a dedicated bike path to take us into town.  It was still another six miles, but with a private path just off the highway, it was easy to enjoy the ride.  Our 35 mile ride was a bit tougher and longer (4 hours) than anticipated, but still a great day, eh!

Even though our ride was under 30 miles today (another day off), we left early to beat the triple digit heat that was forecasted.  Fifteen minutes down the road, I realized the real reason for our early departure as we rode past Coldwater Creek headquarters.  No chance of them being open at 7:45 am…..nice one, Jerry!

It was a cool morning, warm sun and fiesty wind in our face, but we had all day to ride, all we had to do is stay upright when the wind whipped around to our side.  Then our course took a turn along the ever present Pend Oreille River as it flowed at the base of the mountains,offering spectacular scenery (many of which are in the gallery below).

The Pend Oreille Lake was shaped by a glacial ice dam with water massed to 2,000 feet deep.  The resulting ice age floods had a force “hundreds of times the explosive energy of Mt. Saint Helens.”

Shortly before ten, we stopped for coffee and donuts along the lake and started the discussion that was bound to happen…..should we go further?    We decided to stick with our original plan; rest in Clark Fork for the remainder of the day and get an early start for our 70+ miles (to the next motel).  That was until we actually reached our destination; a darling town, lots of local restaurants, beautiful accommodations…..but neither of us could pass up on riding longer on such a Gorgeous day!

Stopped at one of the many darling shops in town for food and water supplies for the extra trip.  Just before pushing off, we happened to secure a reservation at a B & B about 25 miles.  All we had to do is get there, which seemed like a piece of cake since it was only 11:30 in the morning.  Climbing out of Clarks Fork and away from the cool waters of the lake, the temperature climbed….and never stopped.We did find a shady place for lunch enjoying the breeze. The scenery continued to be spectacular. Somewhere on a downhill corner, we flew by the Idaho/Montana border too fast to take a photo, but did manage a shot of the time zone change shortly thereafter. The rolling hills in the heat were starting to add up and take a toll on our bodies, but the scenery…… Thank goodness for the vistas as it kept us going, that and the ice cream/water stop nine miles from our destination.  It was the only way we would make it.  It was a long nine miles and hot, but still breathtaking scenery. Made it to the gravel drive at 5:00 (local time) that pointed down into the woods, it was not something we would look forward to tomorrow, but we were in the middle of nowhere and “wild camping” was not an option in this wilderness.  At the bottom of the hill, we could not believe the bed and breakfast that appeared in front of us. The Big Horn Lodge was way beyond what we expected, even if we were not exhausted.  Our only regret, is we didn’t get here hours ago to enjoy it more and longer.We shared a toast, laughs and delicious pie with our amazing hosts, Dave and Karen (on the right) and their friends and family; it was a magical evening.  Though the sun was still up, we were beat and a bit dehydrated after 54 miles in 100+ temperatures; we fell asleep to the chirping of chipmunks.

It was tough to leave our beautiful home for a night, but we had a hot day in front of us and wanted to get going.  Our delicious and hearty breakfast (including the best coffee we’d had since Seattle) would definitely help; the flat tire would not.  We finally started rolling at 8:00, only to have the tube patch fail a half hour down the road.  The bright point was these two that came to supervise! Finally settled into a pedaling rhythm by ten and began to enjoy the cool 64 degree day with very little traffic.We rode in the shadow of the beautiful Cabinet Mountains on our rightand hillsides reaching into the water on our left.Found an unexpected and much appreciated refreshment stop; though it was not open yet, Johnny let us in and happily sold us a Pepsi.  Enjoyed an early lunch break at a shaded rest stop, along with some Canadian bikers (motorcyclists).  Our last twenty miles was on a busy highway (luckily, with a wide shoulder),

the traffic deafening after enjoying our solitude through the hills.  We have found Montana cuts the trees far away from the road, so there is no shade available for our last two hours of riding, but we were distracted by the occasional glimpse of the the beautiful waters of the Kootenai River.Made it into Libby by 2:00, just as the dry heat was reaching 100.  We were thankful for the air conditioning, laundry and rest after 43 miles.

The ride out of Libby this morning was filled with whimsical moments (that’s a giant fishing pole over the creek),cool air, bright sunshine and a beautiful stream.

We left behind the snow capped Cabinet Mountains; happy to not be climbing 7000 foot mountains today….soon come!

We had an option on the first half of the ride to take the highway or a back country road.  Though these “alternative” routes inevitably require more climbing, there is much less traffic, lots of cool shadeand an occasional rough patch of road. Once again we could hear the birds, talk to the chipmunks and watch the deer grazing by the side of the road.  Our rolling hills gave us ample opportunity to see the Koocanusa River from nice heights and at eye level.

Halfway through the ride, our course took us back to the highway; we were not looking forward to the noise we had yesterday afternoon.  Surprisingly, we had very little traffic plus beautiful views.

Stopped at the Libby Dam, completed in 1971, amazed by massive structure, as well as the sound of the water that rushes through it.We enjoy the mini-rest and views.

Reached our destination before noon. Once again, we are not in or near any town, just a campground on a deserted road between Libby and Eureka.  The Koocanusa Resort(?) and Marina stop is only twenty seven (hilly) miles for the day but that beats 75 miles in one day.  We opted for a cabin instead of camping, not luxurious, but a comfortable bed and hot showers.  No internet, cell phone service or TV stations, so all we could do was enjoy the wind whistling through the pines,

the lake and always appreciated rest.

 

 

 

 

It was quite chilly (52) when we started our one mile climb out of the campground, just after 6:00 this morning.  As cold as it was, we knew it was going to get hot and we didn’t know how long it was going to take us to climb our hills along Lake Koocanusa; 90 miles long stretching from Libby Dam through Canada.

Traveling on the east side of the lake, we watched the sun slowly rise above the mountains we biked the base of.  

Breaks in the mountain, gave us brief and blinding sun then back to shade.

The highway was almost deserted with the exception of our first bike tourers in several days.  Simon and Sean, from England, are traveling east to west and have been averaging 80 – 100 miles a day…….how embarrassing.  Guarantee they are not taking as many pictures as we are!

This road, cut out of the very impressive rock that dropps to the water, had evergreens growing out of the slightest crack.

Shadows from the mountains reached across the very wide lake;from our vantage point, the sunrise was quite dramatic.

Slowly climbed mile long hills, then gave it all back with mile long drops.  The climbs warming us in the cool air, a quick chill on the down, then warm again.

Saw a lot of wildlife today, wild turkeys and finally a couple of buck, but only managed a photo of this pretty girl, but it was a nice pose. For several days we have caught glimpses of eagles and thought it appropriate on our Nations birthday, that we manage a photo (albeit distant).

Around ten, as we turned from the lake we were in full sunshine and beautiful blue skies.

Within a few miles we began to see signs of civilazation, homes, powerlines and more traffic.  Though the hills on our last 15 miles were not nearly as long, the heat of the sun made the climbs tough, nonetheless.  Beautiful fields and signs of the old west lined our path into Eureka.  Stopped just outside of town, where the only two hotels lay.  We enjoyed the afternoon wind from a shaded picnic table and hoped it would blow itself out before tomorrow morning’s ride.

We Hope ALL have enjoyed their Fourth of July.

We Thank our military (past and present) for the Freedom to go where we want to go, do what we want to do; that unique quality of The United States of America!

Today’s ride was simply Gorgeous, so just showing you pictures!

Left just before six this morning, just as the sun was coloring the clouds hanging over the Rockies……did we mention we were just four miles from the Canadian border, but heading south again!Pedaled three miles down to town into a cold (52), stiff head wind, hopefully the last remnants from yesterday, for breakfast at the 24 hour gas station.  Gulped down coffee and deep fried breakfast burrito (can you believe it?) …….gonna’ make up for this “breakfast” down the road.

Luckily, our course immediately turned Straight Up into the pines,out of the wind and into the countryside. We had two hours (but only 15 miles) rolling Up and down the rough back country roads, immensely enjoying the morning and it’s inhabitants.  You may not be able to tell, but this is Bambi. Turning back on to the highway and headwind and the roughly paved/patched road conditions did not improve.  Thank goodness the scenery was so spectacular, as the road was horrendous and there was No shoulder. Thankfully, the drivers were courteous (or felt sorry for us).  Twice we enjoyed a couple miles of freshly paved road; still no shoulder, but at least the white line was smooth.  Biking through one of the many glorious fields, we manage a great shot of a Bald Eagle soaring. What we didn’t manage to record on film was the eagle swooping down, right in front of me, grabbing a field mouse and whisking it away for lunch…..Amazing!

The entire day was up and down hills, wind in our face, cool temperatures, incredible scenery, screaming legs, cramping backs…….a perfect day!There was a lot of road construction on the way into Whitefish (certainly necessary), so didn’t manage a picture.  But we’ve promised the duckies a day off as they’ve spent almost 7 hours watching us bike and after 59 miles, we need rest.   We will show you Whitefish tomorrow, in the meantime, hope you enjoy our day of Big Sky Country below!

Whitefish, Montana!

Part ski resort town, part old western town!Sound a bit contrived?  Actually, this town started development when the railroad was built through it at the turn of the century 1900’s, for you youngn’s) and the skiing on Big Mountain began in the 40’s, so both are pretty valid.

For those not concerned about history, Whitefish is picturesque, perfect weather (for a couple of months a year) and a lot to eat, drink anddo; this weekend an art show in the park.

Trying to talk Jerry into taking this over the Rockies!!

Duckies got new tread for their web,and by the time we got them back to the room, they needed a bath ……very dirty duckies!

More pictures of the town are below, but we need to get off our feet.

We are not sure we will have any internet connection for the next day to three, but you can check our progress on the tracker, right of the page “Click Here to See Us Live”.  See you again, soon.