Columbia Falls. MT

Wednesday:
Left Missoula, cycled another 28-ish miles to Headquarters Lubrecht Experimental Forest. There I camped in the midst of a youth camp (but for free!) and shared the cycling area with Doug - a retired US Army Colonel. The people you meet cycle-touring! I totally quized him about the US military. Not the type of person I'd been expecting as a colonel. He is on a trike, and cetainly had me convinced about its comfort benefits (even if it does require a lot of space on the road). Heading from Jasper to Charleston (his home town). He also shared with me his touring motto: Start slow and ease up. :)

He was also carrying 60 lbs of gear and absolutly could not believe how little stuff I have. I told him that other than the guys carrying their dogs, I think he's the heaviest I've meet.



Thursday: Left the campground and did 100 easy aweseome miles. Just endless lakes lined with sheltering pine trees. Perfect 66 degrees. Kept on going cause I wanted Spent last night sharing a campsite with Martin, a german dude who actually may have had more stuff than Doug - except that Martin is doing the great divide, which is a mtn bike route that requires a lot more gear. Although I doubt he needs all FIVE pots/pans/dishes. I also introduced him to the wonder of coucous.

Today: From here (Columbia Falls) I have another 30 miles to give me a nice short day to the base of 'Going-to-the-sun' highway. Then first thing bright and early tomorrow I shall be climbing the 3,500 ish feet. Bicycles are prohibited on the roads betwen 11 am and 4 pm. So there is an exciting element of time to the whole thing (although I do wonder what they do if its 11 and you aren't at the top yet? Do they collect all cyclists and just drive them up the rest of the way?)

Sunday I expect to be in Canada heading towards Fernie. Where I will then loop South to connect to the northern route through Washington. Where incidentally - there is going to be about a pass a day (what a way to end the trip- just climb after climb after climb).

It is going to be quite difficult to be in Fernie, and head south rather than just heading to my car in Invermere. The temptation may be too much to resist!

eta: apparently its puppy season. Gamboling puppies everywhere!!!! So cute! Also - the only thing weirder looking than a llama? A shaved llama. I saw one today and thought: why is that poodle grazing?