We got an early start this morning as we wanted a jump on the 90 degree heat that was forecasted for the day.  But at 6:30 in the morning it was quite cool, about 58 degrees and no wind. Our course today was on a relatively flat, back country road that followed up the Pend Oreille River past river homes; yes, this river flows north into Canada.  We biked through the Kalispel Indian Reservation, sharing the road with white tail deer and chipmunks, but we only have pictures of horses, cows and flowers. The day was taking a while to warm up, but we didn’t mind the overcast skies, as it kept it cooler.  The sky was looking “interesting” (for lack of a better word), but it made for striking scenery. Not sure if it was because of or in spite of the overcast skies, but we were thoroughly enjoying the ride.

By ten we arrived at the only crossroads that offered refreshments and a break from the saddle.  Since we had already completed 35 miles, we decided to treat ourselves with a rest stop and pastries.  The ride across the bridge (to our stop) offered spectacular views down the river. As we crossed back over the bridge to resume our ride, the wind picked up and it began to rain… pour, lightening.  We made a quick U-turn and quick run back to our previous stop to wait out the storm.  Arrived in time to be undercover when a thunder rumble rocked the floor of the store we were in.  It took another half hour for the storm front to pass, so we could continue.

When we pushed off again, it was still sprinkling but a comfortable mid-60’s, so we continued to enjoy ride, despite the gently rolling hills that threatened our potential double digit average for the first time since we began.  The rain didn’t last and the fields took on a healthy glow. We shed our rain jackets as the temps kissed 70 degrees and dropped again as the rain threatened, it was definitely a duckie kind of day.

Our goal was to get to our destination before the skies opened for a second time.  Unfortunately, we were two miles short of making it happen.  We unceremoniously crossed into Idaho and back into Washington in pouring rain, but we were able to check into our hotel before 1:30 and rest for the rest of the afternoon.  By dinnertime, the sun had come out and our stroll to dinner was lined with flowers. Nothing like a Huge plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes to cure what ale’s ya’, eh!.  Not a bad reward after 54 miles.