Wednesday, June 30, 2010 76 of 98 miles Libby, MT

This just has to be the very best day of cycling I have ever experienced!!  Following US 95 for a few miles, then onto SR 200 and later SR 56 - the scenery today

was simply breathtaking all day long. Although we had lots of rollers and even some long climbs, the route was never very difficult and the shoulders seemed always to be good. Therefore, it was easy to just look all around and up the mountains as I peddled. For long distances we seemed to ride between steep inclines of dark green forests with higher snowcapped peaks in the distance. I did myself a favor and cut my ride short which may be one reason why I feel so good tonight. Toward the end of the afternoon I stopped at Kootenai Falls. We'd been following the Kootenai River for some distance. The rivers out here are just beautiful - like one big MS R after another, except the water is so beautiful, not muddy. Getting to the falls was tricky. The path was about 1/2 mile long (maybe not quite), paved and then dirt and then up a steel staircase and then another dirt path. I'll include a picture of the staircase and steps. It was so far off the ground that I was terrified. When my eyes weren't closed, I was looking straight out. Kept saying to myself, "I road across America. I can do this." I took one slow step at a time and hung onto the rail. The terrain turned out to be worth the effort as the falls were truly beautiful. The little excursion took me about 30 minutes. I declined to walk to the swinging bridge as I KNEW I wouldn't be walking across that. A tailwind took me in the last 10 miles; I felt like I was flying. It was just a glorious day of cycling.

Almost forgot to mention that we crossed another state line today.  We're now in the beautiful state of Montana.  I'm looking forward to seeing my good friend Patsy Cloud soon and spending a couple of days with her in Kalispell.
Happy Birthday to Danny. . .

 

A little more yard art. . .BTW, all the vegetable gardens are enclosed with high fences which I'msure is to keep out the deer.  A deer actually paced me today for a minute or so.  He was slightly hidden in the trees but I saw him clearly.  Another gal got a picture of a baby bear and another saw an elk amble across the road.  It was an eventful day.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 zero miles Sandpoint, ID

We're staying at LaQuinta for our day off, and it's proven to be just great - wonderful beds and pillows and good towels.  We've got a microwave and refrigerator which have been useful.  For a hotel, breakfast was bountiful.  I had my first hotel waffle (this year).  I took my bike outside to clean it good and where I could get a van chair and sit in the sun.  Took off the back wheel and really cleaned my new cassette and chain.  My riding companions will have to put on sunglasses tomorrow when they pass me!  I was determined to stay off my feet, but I did walk to Safeway for a few items - Eating Right microwavable dish, an apple and greeting cards for friends back home.  I really meant to walk downtown, but decided that resting was more important.  We are walking to somewhere called Spuds for an early supper. 

Last night Mary and Joann from the Meandering MS tour ate dinner with us.  They are both in the group that preceeds us by one day.  Mary said that she needed to get her 'drawl' fix. . . . My friends in '07 loved to tease me about my pronunciation of 'pie'.  It sure was fun to see them again. 

Tomorrow is a 98 mile day.  Several of us have decided to give ourselves a break and get a bump up for 20-30 miles.  That means that we'll ride in the van at the beginning of the day, thereby cutting our miles short for the day.

Monday, June 28, 2010 46 miles Sandpoint, ID

Due to such a short ride today (I know, that's a relative comment), we could be slow starting and a little lazy.  The ride, again, was beautiful along the Pend Oreille River and, except for two or three good climbs, the route was rolling hills and flats along huge fields of wild flowers, usually daisies or some kind of small yellow flower.  Leaving Bear Paw Camp, we had a cool, delightful 10 miles to Newport where we crossed over into Idaho.  That, as many of you know, means Margaritas tonight!  Then, one steep climb to acquaint us with our new state.  While pulling that hill I received a phone call and message.  When I stopped to listen, I was privileged to witness a deer cross someone's driveway and begin grazing on the side of the road.  I know that deer can be a nuisance, but no one can deny that they are a beautiful nuisance. . .Later on, an 8 % downhill proved to be easy because it was short and straight; I sure wouldn't want to do it in reverse!

As we approached  Sandpoint, we  had a 5.5 mile bike path that ran along side U.S. 95 which was extremely busy.  The path seemed to run out at the bridge crossing the P-O River.  At that point I merged onto 95 and rode across the bridge on the shoulder when I should have taken the old bridge road which is now a walking/bike path over the river.  Oh, well. . . I was by myself and not paying close attention.  Getting into Sandpoint about 11:30, it wasn't until 3:30 that I could get into the hotel room.  So, I located a bike shop that turned out to have an excellent mechanic who took care of a shifting issue which I've dealt with for 2 days. Penny, Peg and I found a very good Mexican lunch which included a 'cold one' for me.  This has been a very hot day - unseasonably so for Sandpoint.  We're here for two nights before crossing another state line into Montana.  Sandpoint is in that very narrow part of northern Idaho.  474 miles thus far and having a wonderful time!

Here's a few more pics from Bear Paw Camp, including some of us demonstrating The Beaver Song.  That's Jane S. pulling her bags from the cabin, and Jean and Juani entering Idaho.  Enjoy. . .  BTW, thanks so much for the sweet comments about my blog.

Sunday, June 27, 2010 81 miles Bear Paw Camp, WA

Another pristine day and wonderful day of cycling. After climbing out of the town of Colville, we encountered a few doable but long climbs before riding 40 miles or so along the gorgeous Pend Oreille River (pronounced pon-der-ray). It’s quite wide and meanders for miles. Lots of summer cabins and motor homes along the river bank; also lots of cabins and homes were sale. Considering the climbing we’ve been doing, today almost seemed like a day off. Most of the route was relatively flat or rolling, good road and no traffic – perfect cycling conditions. A beautiful portion of the ride was through a green, meadowland that is part of the Kalispel Indian Reservation. We saw a herd of bison and a llama and I got a few pictures of interesting yard art. I drafted the last 40 miles with Peg and Penny.  In my book, Penny is Wonder Woman, for she has overcome serious health issues to be here. This is our third trip together, and I’m so glad she’s here for this tour. . . . Just about all the group stopped for lunch at The Cabin Grill, the only services on the entire 80 mile was. For me, coffee hit the spot w/my pb&j. We’d been riding since 7 am; was good to have such a pleasant place to stop. . . . Seventeen miles into the route, our SAG wagon was parked at Chrystal Falls – a really beautiful water fall just off the road. I hope my pics turns out; just wish I could record the sound to go with it. The noise was thunderous. Tonight we’re staying at Bear Paw Camp, a beautiful, 4 H camp that seems to be far away from civilization, but probably isn’t. Think Camp Pratt, Gwynn Valley, Bratton-Green. We’re surrounded by heavily wooded semi-mountains and a huge lake which may be an off shoot of the Pend Oreille River. Soon after arriving at Bear Paw, each lady was given a 36 gal. leaf bag that contained bed linens, pillow and towel. We brought our own soap. Then, we each had to find a bunk in one of the many eight bunk cabins. I settled into a small room in a large cabin and have bath facilities just across the hall – luxury in the midst of rustic. I’ve hung out my bike clothes to dry on a rail fence. Linda has put out snacks and Michelle (WT) is treating us to free sodas, beer or wine to make up for the rustic lodging. Dinner is to be camp food – hot dogs, hamburgers, Linda’s famous Mac ‘n Cheese (see May ’09 issue of Bicycling Magazine). This beautiful place has got to be one of the loveliest stops of any WT trip. Well, I hope ya'll enjoy the pics.  Be glad when I learn to place them where I want them and not where blogspot wants them.  :))

Saturday, June 26, 2010 60 miles Colville, WA

What a day!  It began again cool and crisp at 50 degrees.  After the 1st 2.5 miles, I was shedding jackets and arm warmers.  At that point, we began a marathon climb of 17 miles up and over the Sherman Pass (5575 ft.)  That stucker just went up and up and round and round.  It took me 3 hrs. to reach the top and I was probably in the middle of the pack.  The downhill was 6 % grade for 6 miles; naturally, I took my time getting down.  Somewhere along the final 39 miles, I stopped to explore the Log Flume Heritage Site.  In the early 20's a lumber company was located there and probably destroyed a lot of the surrounding forest.  A fire destroyed the business in 1928 and the Depression finished them off.  Now, though, there is a beautiful woodland, paved path down to the river where the logs were floated.  I walked for quite a ways and took pics of some of the wildflowers.  ASAP I will add some of the pics to this page.  The process is too slow tonight, so stay tuned.  The sweet smelling flowers included wild roses, lupine and an orange flower that I can't identify.  . .. There were still plenty of hills to climb and the temp was up in the 80's.  Laura and I stopped in Colville (Main St. naturally is at the top of a hill) and got a snack at an expresso/sandwich shop.  I enjoyed a good cup of iced coffee with my pb&j that was still not eaten.  . . .  I rode today with several different ladies.  This will surprise my biking friends, but I actually can climb around a lot of the ladies.  But, they fly past me on the downhill side and leave me in their dust!  Speaking of dust, my odometer seems to have bitten the dust.  I've installed new batteries, but it refuses to reset.  Since we have excellent que sheets, I can get along without it and still keep up with the trip miles.  It is helpful, though, in knowing  when I've reached a point where I need to turn.  I'll be in Sandpoint, ID, soon where there are three bike shops, so will do something about it then.  I may also get a massage.  The body is hurting tonight after today's climb.  :))
Check back later for pictures.

Friday, June 25, 2010 69.7 miles Republic, WA

Today was beautiful in every respect – weather, route, scenery. Jean and I pulled out at 6:50 am to try and beat the heat, but that didn’t happen. By noon it was really hot (maybe not by Memphis standards). We rolled into the quirky little town of Riverside and took a few pictures. . . The scenery was lovely all day – rounded hills, woods on the hillsides, green valleys, ranches, rushing creeks roadside – quite idyllic. Jean said once that someone should be yodeling! At mile 29 we began a steady climb up to mile 55.7 and the top of Wauconda Pass (4310 ft.). From there it was pretty much downhill for 13 miles. Except for being a little bumpy (winter road damage), I really enjoyed the ride down. I braked some at the beginning and then just sat back and enjoyed the ride, especially since the switchbacks were broad. . . . Early in the morning, I had a sweet incident happen. A deer walked to the edge of the highway on my right and after looking both ways and assessing the traffic, she hopped across the road right in front of me. I had slowed to a near stop as had the approaching car. The driver and I smiled and waved. Then, in the early afternoon as we were in 3 mile climb, a herd of about 50 horses wandered across the road looking for water on the other side. We flagged motorists to slow down and crawl through the herd. The horses had broken thru their fence. There were several foals, too. Long story short – the owner arrived, the horses ran back up the hill and the rancher repaired the fence. Exciting day. . . Getting into Republic, WA, I couldn’t wait to find ice cream. Bought a double dip of vanilla and black cherry. Garmin Jane reports 4559 ft. of climbing today and 3,144 calories burned!  I may add more pics later.  They're taking too long to upload!

Thursday, Jun 24, 2010 50 miles Omak, WA

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The sun shone brightly this morning and even at 53 degrees, it was a beautiful morning – cool and crisp. Before climbing Loup Loup Pass (4020 ft.), most stopped in Twisp for a sweet at the Cinnamon Twist Bakery. It took us about 1.5 miles off the route, but was well worth seeing the community and enjoying the cinnamon twist. I will say that probably all of us shared one. . . . Today’s ride on the east slopes of the Cascades took us thru a real change in scenery and topography. The forests are not as dense and the land in the valleys seems more arid. Since it's cattle, sheep and horse country, there was a lot of irrigation going on in the hay fields. Then, on the hillside of the road, the hills were covered with sagebrush. So, after one long climb up Loup Loup, with corresponding long and twisty downhills, we rode thru lovely high plains and valleys in the Okanogan Highlands. . . . Around 1 pm one could see about 15 bikes parked outside Wallwebber Restaurant in Okanogan where the ladies were enjoying good sandwiches, soup and salads. Altogether, it was just a beautiful ride, and, as always, challenging. :))  Linda’s good dinner tonight was turkey tacos, corn salad, rice and tomatoes – all delicious. I’ve got to remember to ask for the corn salad recipe. Some of the ingredients were lima beans, corn, red onion, avocado and Italian dre ssing, but there was more. . .Jane's Garmin is the one that works the best and she tells us that we climbed 3235 ft., descended 4081 ft., and consumed 2,269 calories. Is it any wonder that supper was so good?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Winthrop, WA - day off

A few more pictures from Monday and Tuesday, including Linda and the picnic lunch from yesterday. 

I lucked into having a single room for two nights.  Unfortunately, my would be roomie had to return home with a very bad back ache.  I hope she gets to rejoin us later down the rode.  In the meantime, I got a really good night's sleep and have 'rested' all day except for the struggle with Blogspot and Acer!  I don't know what I keep doing that deletes my work, enlarges the type, reduces the type, etc., etc.  And, I'm still not comfortable inserting pictures.  But, I think it's all getting easier.  Lynn has an Acer and helped me solve the jumping cursor problem.  That's been a huge improvement.  . . . We're at the Cascade Inn, the rooms are very nice and clean, and the staff is very accomodating.  Have talked to friends back home and know that I'm only misising 100 degree temps!  It's beautiful here in Winthrop.  In fact, so far, we've been blessed with great weather.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Winthrop, WA 92 miles

May the 3rd time be the charm. . .  I've lost this entry twice! 

Up early today to share a pot of Nancy's good Starbuck's coffee before walking over to the trailer for a hearty breakfast of steelcut oats.  Linda soaks the oats overnight which makes them creamy and delicious.  Prepared snacks of scrambled egg sandwich, banana and enery bars.  Due to the long day and anticipated difficulty, everyone was on the road by 7 am.  The first 18 miles were beautiful as we constantly looked up at heavily forested slopes leading to snow-capped peaks.  Then, we began the long climb up into those slopes!  For 36 miles we climbed and climbed.  Reached Rainey Pass at 4855 ft. and then, finally, Washington Pass at 5477 ft.  Altogether we climbed 7000 ft.  I rode up a little further at W'ton Pass to the Overlook

and was rewarded by a spectacular view not seen from the road.  Having been warned that the ride down might be quite chilly, I put my windbreakers and warm gloves back on.  This proved to be unnecessary as the sun was out by then and only the first few miles of descent were chilly.  Steep descents are not my favorite riding, but by feathering the breaks and paying closs attention to the road, I made it just fine.  Actually, about half way down (past the 8-10% grades), I began to really enjoy the descent.  Vicki came whizzing by yelling "Geronimo" with her fist is the air.  I would never have let go of the handlebars.  What a woman!  After the long descent, the final 15 miles were awful, because I only had a few sips of water and the headwind was quite strong.  I finally rolled in at 6:30 pm - after some and before some others.  Fortunately, Linda didn't serve her good spaghetti until 7:30 which gave me time to shower and relax.  I believe this was the most difficult day of cycling I've ever experienced.  Emery Pass (Texas) and McKinsey Pass (Oregon) don't compare with today's climb.  The beauty of God's creation today was just spectacular.

Monday, June 21, 2010 Marblemount, WA 52 miles

Rooming with Sue tonight -a delightful former air traffic controller.  She commiserated with me over the difficulty of using this new Acer.  The learning curve has been awful.  Enough about that! . . .  Today's ride began in a light mist changing later to partly cloudy. .  The route was gorgeous - thick woods, overhanging trees and always riding along the beautiful, green Skagit River.  The river is fed by glaciers and is milky green in color.  We criss-crossed it several times.  I also saw many waterfalls near the road and beautiful wildflowers - yellow buttercups, floxgloves, pinks.  The trees were pine, aspen, fir, cedar.  I noticed a lot of evidence of the pine bark beetle destruction and am told we'll see a lot more as we go along. 

We're staying tonight at Clark's Skagit River Cabins,  otherwise known as the "bunny" cabins because of the large population of semi-tamed bunnies all over the place.  The owners have placed huge containers of food all around.   They encourage feeding but not touching.  Mrs. Clark (Tootsie) is 91 and the 5th generation owner of this large piece of property along the river.   People come here to fish for steelhead, trout and salmon, also to raft.  . . . On the way into town (before getting to Clark's), I stopped at one of the Express coffee kiosks that seem ubiquitous in WA.  Had a great cup of coffee to enjoy with my pb&j that I had not yet eaten.  . . . Rode thru the town of Concrete today and also thru Sauk National Park and thru the Sauk (sock)-Suiattle Indian Reservation.  Before dinner Sue and I walked across the road and down the path to the river.  There's a convenient log bench and a swing.  Several others showed up so it was a good time to visit and get acquainted.  At the start of the path, we visited a quaint, very small little chapel - Wildwood Chapel.  Inside there are 6 very short pews.  It was moved in 1975 from another location.  . . .  Today's ride was mostly flat with a few good hills to prepare us for tomorrow and Washington Pass.  Nancy and I are in Cabin 5 where a family could easily stay for a week or more.  I cleaned my bike good today and removed all the road grit from the rain.  BikesPlus did a great job of overhauling it, and I want to keep it in good condition.

Sunday, June 20, 2010 Sedro-Wooley, WA

Everyone was ready to roll early today.  After breakfast in the motel and preparing the day's snacks (pb&j sandwiches, gorp, fruit, etc.), we pulled out at 8 am for the 5 mile ride to Washington State Park and the official group picture with the back tires facing the ocean.  Then, it was 5 miles back to town to get on a combination of bike paths, highways and backroads to Sedro-Wooley (pronounced 'See-dro').  One 2.5 mile section was the Padillo Bay Shore Trail - crushed limestone just along the Bay.  Since it was VERY low tide, it looked like mud flats for miles and miles.  We met several other bikers as well as walkers and joggers.  About 15 miles out we rode thru an Indian reservation - a tribe I've never heard of and can't remember the name now.  . . . Since this was such a short day, most of us just ambled along, visited an aquarium, took pictures, etc..  Rode thru a beautiful valley of bountiful cropland - potatoes, beets, maybe soybeans and lots of dairy cows. One field had an interesting display of hay bales that looked like marshmallows.  . . .

Arrived at Three Rivers Inn around 12:30, checked in , found Main St. and a very nice cafe filled with local people.  I had their special which was coconut  pancakes!  Only had one, but it filled the plate and was delicious.