DAY 12--Lolo Pass

After a 10-mile warmup, we rode up and over our first mountain pass--Lolo Pass (5200') between Idaho and Montana. It ended up being not nearly as difficult as we had anticipated, and we made it up the pass early in the morning. Had more spectacular views down the valleys as we climbed. Cruised down the other side along Lolo Creek.
The original Lolo trail winds back and forth, up and down the surrounding hills. We could occasionally catch a glimpse of it, and we were very glad we were not following that path (really suitable only for mountain biking). We rode through one area where there had been a large forest fire in recent years.
More nice views, including Lolo Mountain in the distance.
Looked around downtown Missoula a bit. Stopped at a bicycle shop for minor adjustments to the bikes. Also swung by the Adventure Cycling Association Headquarters building (they were closed). We are staying with our cousin Rebecca Bertin a few miles outside of Missoula. We went back into town for pizza and calzones, and enjoyed our bottle of Washington wine.

DAY 11

Spent all day (62 miles) on a gradual uphill, winding alongside the Lochsa River. I believe it would be called a gorge-- the sides got taller and steeper as we went, covered in pines. Stopped at a historic ranger station and fire lookout.
Saw the remains of a semi loaded with paper that had crashed, with the cab destroyed and the trailer smashed. A little disconcerting. Generally the shoulder on this road has been narrow, so we have to keep a close eye on traffic, and occasionally pull off the road when vehicles are approaching from both directions. The drivers have mostly been very courteous.
Camped at Whitehouse Campground in the national forest. Lonna noticed some damage to the sidewall of her rear tire, so changed it out for a new tire when we got to camp.

DAY 10--Trees at last

Finally had a chilly start to our ride, although it warmed up quickly. After the tough climb yesterday, we had a great 7-mile descent down the other side. Rode through beautiful rolling hills, some with wheat, some rocks, finally into some more wooded areas. Saw a couple of very high trestle bridges (fortunately we did NOT have to go over them). Another day with not many places to stop along the way. There was a little church at the side of the road that was unlocked and unoccupied where we were able to go in and refill our water bottles. Followed a winding road beside Clearwater River, with bluffs on both sides. Stopped in Kamiah for some strawberry-rhubarb pie. Camped in Lowell at an RV park that had a very nice swimming pool. It was great to cool off! No cell service or satellite access for 2 days now. Averaging 75 miles the last 3 days.

DAY 9--Goodbye Washington, hello Idaho

Started out the day with an 8-mile climb, then a long descent to the Snake River. Rode into Clarkston on the Washington side, then crossed the river to Lewiston on the Idaho side. Followed a lovely bike path along the river, then continued with a HOT, sunny route. Finished up with a grueling 8-mile climb up a winding road to some spectacular views into the valleys. Still a lot of smoke from wild fires, especially in the valleys. Camped at Winchester State Park in a quiet campground near a lake.

DAY 8--Washington Wheat

Still rising early to beat the heat. Rode out of Walla Walla into miles and miles of gently rolling wheat fields. Saw almost nothing else with few places to stop, aside from a little espresso shop that also had smoothies--very few houses and, oddly, no birds, no insects. When we reached Pomeroy, we stopped in a variety store for ice cream, and looked around the county museum. Camped at the Fairgrounds outside of town, which was a nice quiet place, away from the road.