If you are confused by the low mileage, it is because we felt like having a little down-time in Missoula. Because of that, we had to do the mileage required to get us to town. That turned out to be 31 miles. Technically, the map has us going right back out of town tomorrow on the same road, to where we turned off to Missoula today. We are not going to re-trace our steps. Instead, Kim will drive us back to where we turned off and we will begin in the opposite direction.
We got some vital things taken care of here in Missoula. We got an oil change. We bought some groceries. We checked out the newly released movie Grown Ups. Now, we are chilling in our room, updating blogs, catching up on news, and eating some Pizza Hut.
Kim and Anna had their own fun today, so for you "I Like Kim's Posts Better Than Steve's" people....your wish is going to come true. With that, I give you my lovely wife, Kim:
Hi there, again! I think that Steve actually enjoys handing the laptop over to me every once in a while. I'm not sure if he has mentioned this yet or not, but we really do not have nearly the amount of time that we thought we would during the afternoons and evenings to do our updates on this blog ! Heck....I thought I'd have 5 or 6 books, a 10 DVD Bible study, and several magazines read by now! Ha!!!!!!!! Typically, the guys get done around 2-3 p.m., we raid the food supplies for lunch, set up the tents/van or move into our motel room, do showers and laundry, find more food, decide what we are doing for the next day or two, make the reservations, catchup on personal/business emails and voicemails, upload our photos/videos for the day, and then attempt to catch up the blog. By then, it's 10:00 or so, and it's about time to go to bed and do it all over again! Luckily, they ride 60-70 miles per day, which gives the kids and I a few extra hours to explore! But down time????? No way! This summer is flying by!
I do have to pinch myself every once in a while, though. I feel so very blessed to be seeing all of the beautiful sights that we have seen, and I have met so many diverse and interesting people. Like Steve mentioned, I have had the opportunity to give some "TLC" to a few other bike groups, as well. Because this is a highly traveled and well-known bike course for people going coast to coast, it is not unusual to see several bikers in one day along the same roads my guys are on! I am amazed at how these people carry all of their belongings (clothes, food, AND tents/sleeping bags) on their bikes and ride up these mountain passes! We seem to be on about the same pace as a three-some from Iowa right now.....Dan, Kelsey, and Rachel. Quite the interesting and spunky bunch...in their early twenties and just enjoying life so much! They also have a blog, and I must say.....they are so ingenius and really quite crafty with the way they find places to stay, food to eat, and things to do! You can live your life vicariously through them at: http://www.feedthefiretour.blogspot.com/. They started in Astoria, Oregon, and are finishing in Yellowstone this time around! I believe they are now about one day ahead of us since we decided to back off and stay in Missoula for the day! There's another married couple I've come upon who might be 60 years old, but ride like they are 40! They are doing this type of coast-to-coast ride for the SECOND time!!!! And then there is Paul....bless his heart....out here on his own...late 60's-ish....just plugging along! Yesterday I gave him a banana, some water, and a two-pack of honey granola bars!
One thing I have figured out about the Northwest....everyone is super relaxed and laid back in their personalities, but they drive these 70 mph windy roads like maniacs! The drive has been beyond beautiful over the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway and we topped it off with a gorgeous view at Lolo Pass yesterday, dividing Idaho and Montana. While waiting for my guys to summit, I met up with the threesome of Dan, Rachel, and Kelsey for a while and shared a few laughs with them! If you three are reading...."hey there!" and "hope to catch you soon!" But the best part about yesterday's mountaintop experience was that I noticed a flyer for a 5K run that was to be held on June 26th at 7:30 a.m. ! It started right behind the visitor's center, going through the meadows and forests of Lolo pass!! Needless to say, since the extent of my "activity" is driving a van, running errands, and sightseeing, I jumped at the chance! I inquired inside and they said they had room for more entrants, so it was a done deal!
Anna and I woke up early this morning in Lolo Hot Springs (about 8 miles into Montana at the bottom of Lolo pass), and made the trek to the top to participate in the local 5K! It was exhilarating to be racing again.....as I reflect on last summer's treatments and experiences, I never imagined I would be in Montana/Idaho running a 5K at 5200 feet in altitude just one year later! I thank God for the many ways He is blessing me on this trip! And to top it off, Anna ran her little bucket off and received first place in her age group! Go Anna!
Well, there's another novel for you! Hope you enjoyed and I will have to "guest-host" again soon! Remember to check out Kyle's journal as well....link at the top of our page. He gives you a few extra insights to each day!
We got some vital things taken care of here in Missoula. We got an oil change. We bought some groceries. We checked out the newly released movie Grown Ups. Now, we are chilling in our room, updating blogs, catching up on news, and eating some Pizza Hut.
Kim and Anna had their own fun today, so for you "I Like Kim's Posts Better Than Steve's" people....your wish is going to come true. With that, I give you my lovely wife, Kim:
Hi there, again! I think that Steve actually enjoys handing the laptop over to me every once in a while. I'm not sure if he has mentioned this yet or not, but we really do not have nearly the amount of time that we thought we would during the afternoons and evenings to do our updates on this blog ! Heck....I thought I'd have 5 or 6 books, a 10 DVD Bible study, and several magazines read by now! Ha!!!!!!!! Typically, the guys get done around 2-3 p.m., we raid the food supplies for lunch, set up the tents/van or move into our motel room, do showers and laundry, find more food, decide what we are doing for the next day or two, make the reservations, catchup on personal/business emails and voicemails, upload our photos/videos for the day, and then attempt to catch up the blog. By then, it's 10:00 or so, and it's about time to go to bed and do it all over again! Luckily, they ride 60-70 miles per day, which gives the kids and I a few extra hours to explore! But down time????? No way! This summer is flying by!
I do have to pinch myself every once in a while, though. I feel so very blessed to be seeing all of the beautiful sights that we have seen, and I have met so many diverse and interesting people. Like Steve mentioned, I have had the opportunity to give some "TLC" to a few other bike groups, as well. Because this is a highly traveled and well-known bike course for people going coast to coast, it is not unusual to see several bikers in one day along the same roads my guys are on! I am amazed at how these people carry all of their belongings (clothes, food, AND tents/sleeping bags) on their bikes and ride up these mountain passes! We seem to be on about the same pace as a three-some from Iowa right now.....Dan, Kelsey, and Rachel. Quite the interesting and spunky bunch...in their early twenties and just enjoying life so much! They also have a blog, and I must say.....they are so ingenius and really quite crafty with the way they find places to stay, food to eat, and things to do! You can live your life vicariously through them at: http://www.feedthefiretour.blogspot.com/. They started in Astoria, Oregon, and are finishing in Yellowstone this time around! I believe they are now about one day ahead of us since we decided to back off and stay in Missoula for the day! There's another married couple I've come upon who might be 60 years old, but ride like they are 40! They are doing this type of coast-to-coast ride for the SECOND time!!!! And then there is Paul....bless his heart....out here on his own...late 60's-ish....just plugging along! Yesterday I gave him a banana, some water, and a two-pack of honey granola bars!
One thing I have figured out about the Northwest....everyone is super relaxed and laid back in their personalities, but they drive these 70 mph windy roads like maniacs! The drive has been beyond beautiful over the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway and we topped it off with a gorgeous view at Lolo Pass yesterday, dividing Idaho and Montana. While waiting for my guys to summit, I met up with the threesome of Dan, Rachel, and Kelsey for a while and shared a few laughs with them! If you three are reading...."hey there!" and "hope to catch you soon!" But the best part about yesterday's mountaintop experience was that I noticed a flyer for a 5K run that was to be held on June 26th at 7:30 a.m. ! It started right behind the visitor's center, going through the meadows and forests of Lolo pass!! Needless to say, since the extent of my "activity" is driving a van, running errands, and sightseeing, I jumped at the chance! I inquired inside and they said they had room for more entrants, so it was a done deal!
Anna and I woke up early this morning in Lolo Hot Springs (about 8 miles into Montana at the bottom of Lolo pass), and made the trek to the top to participate in the local 5K! It was exhilarating to be racing again.....as I reflect on last summer's treatments and experiences, I never imagined I would be in Montana/Idaho running a 5K at 5200 feet in altitude just one year later! I thank God for the many ways He is blessing me on this trip! And to top it off, Anna ran her little bucket off and received first place in her age group! Go Anna!
Well, there's another novel for you! Hope you enjoyed and I will have to "guest-host" again soon! Remember to check out Kyle's journal as well....link at the top of our page. He gives you a few extra insights to each day!
Anna Hitting Her Stride in the 5K Race
Mommy and Anna Post-Race
Anna With Her Hardware
