As you can see, there is more beautiful scenery than you can imagine. This pond was along Rt 12 as we pedaled down the road after sleeping in (6:15-ha!) and enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Lodge. We knew that we had 13 miles to Lolo Pass and the first few miles just rolled along.
Being the good tourists that we are, we stopped at the Devoto Memorial Grove and walked among the old Red Cedar. There are some very large, very old trees in the Grove. It was a lovely break before started our climb up.
We had left the Lochsa Lodge at 8 AM and arrived at the summit at 10:45 AM. Yes, it seems a long time to cover 13 miles, but last three miles went from about 4000 feet to about 5200 feet. The visitors center was full of information and was a great place to regroup. Then we hopped on the bike and readied ourselves for the screaming down hill..............
......but first a stop at the "Welcome to Montana" sign to show you that we are in the fourth state of our journey. Since Lolo Pass sits on the state line, we did not have far to go. No more climbing in the Bitterroot Mountains. Lewis and Clark referred to these mountains as a most desperate place. They are exquisite to look at but a challenge. According to our Adventure Cycle maps, it was all down hill to Missoula.
Of course since we slept in and checked out all the historical markers, we arrived in Missoula too late to find the quilt shop, but don't worry, I got my quilting fix today without a shop! Tina, from the Wild Hare in Orofino saw us pedaling along and stopped for a visit! Quilters are crazy people (good crazy). We never imagined that we would recognize anyone while zipping down Rt 12. I may not have gotten any fabric, but this was better. There is always a something to buy somewhere, but a good story is priceless.
So eventually we made it to Missoula-there were a few uphills, but we prevailed. It is a pretty town full of people getting ready to run in the Missoula Marathon tomorrow. Now those people are really nuts (no disrespect intended). While they are all running, we will begin our trek over the Rockies. We got over the Bitterroots and a plan to successfully cross the Rockies.
Today's stats: miles-59; total climbing-2795 feet; elevation-5247; total trip 585 miles
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