Big Sky Country

Idaho is a distant memory......

Since the last posting we have put many miles behind us. Approximately 300 in fact! Odometer readings for Geoff, Danielle and Gift are over 1000 now (a little less for me because I joined the group four days into the trip). We've continued to see amazing landscapes along our way. We've followed several big rivers, including the Lochsaw in Idaho. It's been fun to watch the boaters and paddles maneuver through the rapids!

We summited LOLO PASS on June 1 and found snow! Thanks to the folks at the visitor center for the hot drinks and a place to warm up! The top of the pass is the border between Idaho and Montana. State #3!

Our first night in MT was spent at Lolo Hot Springs. Had it not been for the fact that the "Love Your Mother Earth" Festival took place there the two previous days, it would have been a lovely place to stay. As it was, they were still deep in the process of cleaning up and there was a fair amount of trash around. Still, we got a hot dinner and a hot soak!

Next day we cruised into MISSOULA in the rain. We found our way to REI where we purchased more rain gear-pants for me, fenders for Geoff and Danielle. The rain seems to want to follow us wherever we go so these purchases were not up for debate! Also in town we were able to do some errands, eat meals that didn't include fried food and visit the Adventure Cycling headquarters.

From the big city we cycled to Hamilton and promptly found ourselves at the Bitterroot Brewery. After some good pub food and tasty brews, we met a cool guy who ended up hosting us at his home. We shared stories and beers and were very grateful for the roof over our heads that night. THANK YOU WILL AND MARTHA!!!!!

Over the next two days we rode over Lost Trail Pass and into JACKSON, MT. We camped at Jackson Hot Springs and had a wonderful experience! Friendly folks, a cozy lodge with a huge stone fireplace and a very inviting hot springs pool in which to soak our weary muscles! A place we'd highly recommend if you're in the area!

The next morning, Geoff's 33rd birthday, we awoke to snow. SNOW! This was June 6th, people! We were used to waking to rain but this was absurd! Over a hot breakfast in the lodge we debated on what to do next. Finally we decided to just go for it, thinking that the weather could end up being the same the next morning if we decided to stay. We bundled up and set out into the storm! The first hour hit us with snow and driving wind....but after going over our first pass we found milder weather. The wind, however, stuck with us all day.

DILLON was our destination and we arrived mid-afternoon. We visited the Patagonia outlet there and ended up finding another kind soul who invited us to stay with her and her husband. Again, beers and stories and great company! THANK YOU Kenda and Tommy!!! Have a great summer!

That brings us to today. We've ridden close to 40 miles and are breaking in the small town of Sheridan. I am at the library.....I'd written almost this entire blog when the computer shut down on me. I just rewrote but left out quite a bit. I need to go grab some food with the others because we have yet to ride close to 40 more miles. Plus summit a big pass!

On that note, we hope everyone is well and there is sunshine where you are! If so, please send it our way! We should be in West Yellowstone late tomorrow if we put in the miles! I keep saying we'll post pix......but I've been voted the writer. The others said they would get the pictures put on here.... so give 'em hell about it! :)

cheers,
amy