Thursday, June 30, 2011
another week
Well I tried to write each evening and add all at the end but with setting up the tent and getting ready for bed I just can't seem to fit it in. We left Baker City Oregon and travelled to Richland Idaho where we stayed in a county park. In the park there was covered roof and a stage for events. This turned out to be very fortunate for us. The clouds opened up and it rained so hard that we could hardly hear each other talk while the rain hit the tin roof we were under. We set up our tents on the stage and slept there for the night.
From there we descended to the snake river and hells canyon and the out of the canyon on the steepest climb of the ride to that point. We found a USFService campground which said it was 1 mile on a gravel road (actually 1 and1/3 miles uphill), a hard climb after the climb out of the canyon.
From there we camped at another US Forest service campground called evergreen campground, we then rode a short day to New Meadows Idaho where friends of Fred and Mimi met us and provided an apartment over their garage and a meal of Salmon and vegetables and beer. They were great hosts and the next day drove us the 11 miles back to New Meadows to continue our trek. From New Meadows we were met with another climb over the dreaded White Bird pass, Fred now declaring he LIKED to climb these passes.
We then camped under a bridge after we found the planned campground to be closed and the ranger at the station unwilling to let us camp at the ranger station. The spot we chose was also a favorite of the mosquitoes and we didn't get to spend much time outside.
The next day we did a long day (70 some miles) and camped at a campground near the last stop for provisions for 66 miles along the lochsa river on a narrow winding road. We got up and had a rare meal out at the restaurant in Lowell and rode to the town of Powell (66 miles) and camped there at the base of yet another climb up Lolo Pass (where Lewis and Clark crossed). From there over the pass to Missoula Montana and more friends whose yard we camped in, and got showers and laundry and food.
Today is our first full rest day, we are going into Missoula and get supplies and repairs to Freds bike and rest. And its back on the road tomorrow where once again I will try to keep a daily log so as to not need to remember all of the details (thanks to Mimi who does keep a log of places).
From there we descended to the snake river and hells canyon and the out of the canyon on the steepest climb of the ride to that point. We found a USFService campground which said it was 1 mile on a gravel road (actually 1 and1/3 miles uphill), a hard climb after the climb out of the canyon.
From there we camped at another US Forest service campground called evergreen campground, we then rode a short day to New Meadows Idaho where friends of Fred and Mimi met us and provided an apartment over their garage and a meal of Salmon and vegetables and beer. They were great hosts and the next day drove us the 11 miles back to New Meadows to continue our trek. From New Meadows we were met with another climb over the dreaded White Bird pass, Fred now declaring he LIKED to climb these passes.
We then camped under a bridge after we found the planned campground to be closed and the ranger at the station unwilling to let us camp at the ranger station. The spot we chose was also a favorite of the mosquitoes and we didn't get to spend much time outside.
The next day we did a long day (70 some miles) and camped at a campground near the last stop for provisions for 66 miles along the lochsa river on a narrow winding road. We got up and had a rare meal out at the restaurant in Lowell and rode to the town of Powell (66 miles) and camped there at the base of yet another climb up Lolo Pass (where Lewis and Clark crossed). From there over the pass to Missoula Montana and more friends whose yard we camped in, and got showers and laundry and food.
Today is our first full rest day, we are going into Missoula and get supplies and repairs to Freds bike and rest. And its back on the road tomorrow where once again I will try to keep a daily log so as to not need to remember all of the details (thanks to Mimi who does keep a log of places).
Mountain passes by Mimi
When we got to the top of Brownlee Pass, after grinding for hours, Fred announced that he LOVED passes. Jim and I looked at each other incredulously.
We were dreading White Bird Pass, figuring it had no shoulder, rough road, and big trucks and camper traffic.
It turned out that it was a gorgeous, wide open area with beautiful views and little traffic..and Jim and I reluctantly agreed that passes weren't so bad. By time we did Lolo Pass (the pass which many folks had said, "well, wait till you try THAT pass..) we actually had to agree with Fred that passes were fun!
We were dreading White Bird Pass, figuring it had no shoulder, rough road, and big trucks and camper traffic.
It turned out that it was a gorgeous, wide open area with beautiful views and little traffic..and Jim and I reluctantly agreed that passes weren't so bad. By time we did Lolo Pass (the pass which many folks had said, "well, wait till you try THAT pass..) we actually had to agree with Fred that passes were fun!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Unexpected trail angels
we made it to Idaho! The climb out of hell's Canyon was aptly named. And then to have to get ourselves uphill for a mile and a half on a dirt road to a campground didn't seem fair.
But our friends Debra and Dale offered to pick us up in New Meadows and take us for a rest at that their house...heaven!
But our friends Debra and Dale offered to pick us up in New Meadows and take us for a rest at that their house...heaven!
Mimi's favorite ride..so far
The ride from Baker City in Oregon to Richland was awesome. OK, those first 5+ miles uphill that took an hour were challenging but the views of snow- capped mountains was great!
After that, the gentle descent along the Powder River thru canyons was stupendous. In Richland, we were welcome to stay in the town park under a huge awning, where we saw a wonderful storm..and stayed dry...
After that, the gentle descent along the Powder River thru canyons was stupendous. In Richland, we were welcome to stay in the town park under a huge awning, where we saw a wonderful storm..and stayed dry...
Birds & other road kill
By far, the greatest amount of road kill is birds...no wonder they were after Tippi Hedstrom..
Snakes are a close second.
On a lighter note, we've seen red-winged blackbirds every single day. That's pretty cool!
Snakes are a close second.
On a lighter note, we've seen red-winged blackbirds every single day. That's pretty cool!
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