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!