June 19th – Missoula to Darby

Miles: 69.87. Total accent: 1,380

Totals: 807.49 miles. Accent: 27,584

69.28 hours in the saddle

 

It’s Monday morning and time to push on.

We are reminded that we grew up in a much simpler time- no computers or cell phones.

“Be home in time for dinner.”

And truly, what happened in the field, stayed in the field. You were swown to secrecy and if you were a tattle…well, I can’t tell you what would happen!!

Starting the morning with spaghetti westerns on TV brought that all back! And shows like Big Valley, Bonanza, Gun Smoke and Davey Crockett were set in areas that look like the roads we’re traveling. It is so easy to replay scenes in one’s mind while the miles tick off.

 

Today is Juneteenth and a federal holiday. It’s so easy to lose track of what day it is when on a multi day trip or retired. Having so much fun talking with others along the way. “What day is it?”. If it wasn’t for camp reservations, we’d be really lost!!

So today, the post office is closed. The chance of picking up our restock box today is nil.. Not realizing until now it was the 19th, and having stayed an extra day Missoula hoping to get the package,  is time to move on. The bodies have gotten used to working each day so two days off the bike have us feeling restless with boundless energy.

 

We have climbs ahead and threat of weather. So maybe, just maybe, not having the restock package and carrying the extra 15 pounds up the passes this week is a godsend. We stop at Cabela’s to get more fuel for the stove and continue out of town. The day is cool and cloudy. There’s quite a bit of traffic along Highway 93 and it moves quickly. A huge shout out to all the drivers who give us even more than 3 feet when passing. While on the bike, being hit by a vehicle is not the only challenge. Debris from the road as well as rain becomes air borne, often coming our way. And the amount of air that a semi can push is surprising! It is a unique vortex created by how close they are, what speed we and the truck are moving and any wind speed/direction. Having a loaded bike and weight to keep us ‘grounded’ helps.

 

Folks told us about a cool bicycle shop in Hamilton, so we’re hoping to stop in and say hello.

There is a bike path along the highway that we rode for a while. There were quite a few cracks, bumps due to tree roots and the need to cross driveways. We are only able to travel about 10 mph on the path so opt to return to the highway.

By about 2 pm, it’s time for a hot cup of coffee to warm us up so we stop at a gas station. What nice people! A gentleman stopped in who lived in Hemet, Hesperia and San Diego. Now a resident of Montana, he says he’s never looked back. He said if two people are lined up at a stop sign, that’s considered traffic. This made me laugh. So funny what becomes your ‘norm’. We chatted a bit about the mountainsides and the devastating fire. He explained they burned so hot in some areas that it sterilized the earth and no trees have returned. It is evident as we ride…burnt trees, low grass over massive elevations…on and on.

We arrive in Hamilton and head for Valley Bicycle. And of course, they’re closed on federal holidays.

On the road again! We push on to Darby… trying to make up the extra day off so we can get to Yellowstone Friday night. Adjusting the miles means some long days ahead. Good rest and taking care of the body is critical if we’re going to be successful.

Just outside of Hamilton, we watch a red winged blackbird chasing a robin… so aggressive! Over our travels, we’ve experienced smaller birds take on larger birds when their territory is invaded. There is strength in numbers! And boy, did I dodge a bullet! As the blackbird flew back over us on its return to the meadow, it was like a B17… dropping the biggest ‘load’ landing within inches of my feet. Oh… imagine if he had gotten me?!

Arriving in Darby, we are tired, cold, hungry and just lived the best day ever. We check out Traveler’s Rest but they were full so down the road until we get to the edge of town at Mountain Spirit Inn. There’s a vacancy sign in the window. Yay! Drew checks with Adele and we get the last room at the Inn! #7. Drew’s lucky number! Such a cute place. The room reminds me of the small homes on Catalina Island that started as tent cabins, then were enclosed. In the room, the floors were not level and one could tell, it was built some time ago. But it was impeccably clean, had a heater in the bathroom and living area so we would be warm and dry for the night.

A highlight in our day is a wonderful conversation with our friends David and Theresa. They will be traveling the early part of July where we’ll be riding so we hope to connect. It would be so good to see them!!

A walk down the street took us to Big Cat Cafe and 406 Saloon. Drew had the bison burger with sweet potato fries and I enjoyed their special-prime ribs tacos. Our bodies have adjusted to small, frequent meals. Leftovers are now the norm and meals are eaten over 3-4 sessions. I recall Kathy Berhens advice-grab that toast-you’ll want it later.

A hot shower, the room toasty, gear set out for the morning and off to Never-never land.

At each day’s end, we are grateful for all of you. Your comments and likes on these posts help us feel connected and gives us a strong sense of purpose–to take you with us and share this beautiful journey.