July 15, 2018
Lolo, MT to Powell Campground
Uncle Chuck and Debbie let us sleep at their house in the living room so we could avoid having to take down tents in the morning and also to get to sleep earlier. He offered to drive us to US 12 at Lolo, which I immediately accepted because it cuts 20 miles of riding highway on 93 to get back to the route. We left at 6:30 and were rolling at 7:00. Uncle Chuck wanted me to carry a gun in case of griz but I told him any griz that wants trouble with me is gonna get to meet The Captain and Tennille. (You have to click the link for this to be funny. Go on. )
Traffic was light and the winds were slightly in our favor, east at about 2. The weather was good and we handled the gentle, steady ascent with no problem. We stopped for drinks at Lolo Hot Springs and then the real climbing began. It was steep but, as are most western mountain passes, graded pretty well. Plus, I have exceptional thumb strength so climbing is no problem.
| Heart | 7 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
We reached Lolo Pass, and our 8th state, Idaho, at about noon. There is an excellent Ranger station and visitors center there so we stopped, went inside and drank free coffee and watched part of video about the Missoula floods. Outside we met Bryant, a retired technician from HP, and Beth and John, both librarians who have done a bit of touring. We talked for awhile and then everyone got back on the road going the same direction on the Transamerica.
The road surface was far worse after the pass, with a lot of holes and broken pavement, but we still made good time to Lochsa Lodge, a resort with a restaurant, store and free camping behind the store. We got drinks and elected to camp at Powell Campground, which was just a quarter mile away. This was a great decision. The Lochsa ran behind the campsite and there was plenty of room for 4 tents and 6 people. We all shared the cost of the camping, which ended up being $10 total with Gay's Golden Age pass.
| Heart | 7 | Comment | 2 | Link |
| Heart | 3 | Comment | 0 | Link |
We exchanged information, and talked awhile after dinner and hit the rack. The plan is to head to Lowell tomorrow.
Today's ride: 47 miles (76 km)
Total: 1,455 miles (2,342 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 9 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 8 |
6 years ago
Are you getting tired of peanut butter on bagels?
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
We've gotten it down to about 10-15 minutes to set up the tent and sleeping gear. It takes longer to break down in the morning.
Most of the campsites have been fine, and some are awesome like this one on the Lochsa.
The KOA in great falls was ridiculous at $63.
I wouldn't say we are tired of peanut butter and bagels, but we welcome the opportunity to eat other stuff sometimes. If there is a cafe in town we usually will eat breakfast there and lunch on our own.
6 years ago