Meandering to Trout Creek

June 21, 2024

What could be better?

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Today was the perfect day for a ride — warm temps, beautiful skies, and lonely, well-paved back road. It would be a short day — only 28 miles and 1,500 feet of climbing, so we slept in a bit and met Jim and Genny at 9;00 am for breakfast there at the lodge. After a filling breakfast, we all went back to our rooms to pack our bags. It was Genny’s turn to drive, so it was just the boys on their own today.

They left at about 10:45 while Gen and I went into town to pick up some pharmaceutical supplies for me. On the way back, we stopped to capture a picture of the town entrance sign. While there, we observed several ducks with ducklings in tow, a turtle sunning on a log, and some birds we thought might be cormorants. Then we traced the cycling route and caught up with the guys. They were making great time.

Sign for Thompson Falls as seen heading into town. I thought it was interesting to place the sign on a rock in the water, so we stopped to capture this picture on our way back from the store.

View of Noxon reservoir from an overlook.

Another view of the reservoir at water level.

These blue flowers were amazingly lush. We thought they were lupin, but now think ”blueweed”.

Pasture spreading out on each side of the road.

Blueweed, lining the rim of the reservoir.

When we arrived at Trout Creek, we had time to kill, so we went to a restaurant inside the Lakeside Motel, located on the highway, for lunch. Gen an I had the grilled chicken salad and both guys opted for the turkey club wrap. The food was good and the portions generous. Afterwards, we got ice cream from a little ice cream shop inside the gift shop area. We sat in a shaded outdoor deck area that had a view of the water across a green, park-like lawn. It was very pleasant.

I needed to wait for a call from my Kaiser doctor, so Rich and Jim left to ride up to our lodge and check in. After the call, Gen and I caught up with them and we arrived together. I had no idea we were staying at such a beautiful place! Randy and Julie, the lodge’s proprietors, greeted us upon arrival, gave us a tour, and made us feel at home. Julie got me an ice pack for my shoulder as the rest of the crew unpacked.

Some pictures of the lodge:

Breakfast table as seen from the second floor.

A beautiful grand piano, and I can’t play it because of my injury 😢

Back of the lodge. Rich’s and my room is behind the patio table and chairs.

After showers, we ended up ordering a pizza from one of the bars in town. Jim and Rich went to pick it up, and we all sat at the table at the back to eat and enjoying the view. After dinner, Jim, Gen, and I took a short walk around the property as the sun set.

A beautiful end to a beautiful day.

Today's ride: 28 miles (45 km)
Total: 275 miles (443 km)

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