June 21st, Buckley, WA Stopped off at a bike shop in Enumclaw to pick up a few last minute items before heading over the pass. Lightning, thunder, and rain in the mountains. A gentleman from Greenwater was in the store - I hitched a ride.
June 22nd Greenwater, WA Spent the night at a friend's house dry and warm while it rained outside. Woke up to clouds, cold, and rain. Hitched a ride over the pass. Got a bit carried away and hitched all the way to Yakima. Heck, I have ridden that pass enough times I didn't need to prove I could do it in the rain.
From Yakima I had a lovely run to the Tri-cities. 102miles with a slight tail wind. and a beautiful day. Nice towns along the way to stop and enjoy. Got to Richland with a broken cable and had it replaced at a bike shop. I am always impressed with how they fit me in when I am just passing through. It is so appreciated. After running around to three different campgrounds, all of which were closed, finally stayed at a very cute motel and the lady gave me a great rate on her last room.
The whole way through Washington was beautiful. The wheat was still green and the hills were wonderful. Don't know if I have ever seen it quite this way. Had great weather, and met nice people. Met a very nice gentleman at a dinner in Dalton, WA and had breakfast with him. After talking a bit it came out that he is from Enumclaw - small world. His brother in law lives in Keystone, SD. Hopefully hook up for a tour of Mt. Rushmore - he is a retired park ranger.
Made it to Clarkston, WA and it rained. Sat out for two days. Really didn't want to start over Lolo Pass with rain and lightning. Lolo Pass by the way is absolutely beautiful. Possibly a bit windy in a car as it meaders along the river, but on a bike - awesome. Met a dude from Norway who is rollerblading across the country - go figure.
Ahh, I have made comments in the past regarding road kill. Western Washington - opossom, squirels, and other rodents. Eastern Washington - Birds. something very wrong about seeing an owl smashed on the road. They are supposed to be wise, no? Lolo Pass through Montana the occasional deer. Now in Eastern Montana and back to the bird population having issues with cars.
There are so many beautiful things to discribe and so many people I have met. The mountains and hills in Montana are absolutely beautiful. While they didn't get much snow this winter, they have had a very wet spring. The hills are still green, no forest fires, and the wildflowers are out. Seeing the Lupin, Bitterroot, and Crested wheat all together on the hillsides takes your breath away.
The other day I was reminded of Snow White. You know the scene where she walks through the woods and all the animals follow her. Well, I have been given the cow salute three times. The best was as I rode over MacDonald Pass into Helena. A herd of beef cows beside the road. As I rode by at 4 miles an hour, they all stood up and watched me. One even walked along with me until she hit a fence and couldn't go any further. Then I had the opportunity to be escorted by a little black bird for about .20 of a mile. Just flew alond beside me. After that I stopped to read a historical marker and this cute little bird with a yellow breast sat atop the sign and sang while looking right at me. Guess I needed it at the moment. Busy road, head wind, and crazy people yelling at me. ug. Then yesterday I was followed by a FLY. For a mile up a hill. It just keep going in circles about my head, and getting in my face. Like it was showing off that it could go up the hill faster that I could.
Mountain Passes. Chinook Pass (ya, in a car this time but I have ridden it, with all my luggage too), Lolo Pass (Hwy12), through the Garrnet Mountains (Hwy 200/414), MacDonald Pass, (Hwy 12) through the Belt Mountains (25miles of steep Hwy 12), through the Castle Mountains (Hwy 12), and on to the prairie!
Today I will end up 17 miles out of Billings, MT. I am told there is a bar in Acton and the owners are very nice. So I need to find a patch of green to pitch my tent. Tomorrow into Billings and headed towards South Dakota on Hwy 212. Perhaps if I take a day off sometime I can really write about all the beautiful moments. But I am sure for most of you this is plenty. Signing off as of Thursday June 7th. Riding east - my right side is definatly more tanned than my left. Better however than last year when I rode West and my front was more burnt? than my back.