Pedaling Sketcher

More of Oregon

2011-07-04T12:07:00.000-05:00

Reunited

2011-06-30T01:21:00.001-05:00

Marilyn and Emily rolled in about 11:00 PM last night. We spent today enjoying the ocean and touring the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where Katie volunteers. What an amazing place! Mike joined us (poor guy has to work), for dinner at Nana's Irish Pub. We finished the day by watching the classic movie "Princess Bride". Now I know what an R.O.U.S. is. :)

Day 45: The finish line!

2011-06-28T00:40:00.001-05:00

Made it to Waldport around 7:00. It's never been so nice to see Mike & Katie! Had my first flat as I was pulling into Newport. Had my second 2 miles outside of Waldport (had failed to check the tire for the source of the flat; a metal shaving). We are still anxiously awaiting Marilyn and Emily's arrival, hopefully tomorrow. After a good night's sleep I'm sure I'll share a few reflections on the experiences of the last 45 days. Right now I am just grateful for a safe arrival and a wam shower!

Miles: 74
Grand Total: 3,037

Day 44

2011-06-26T19:45:00.002-05:00

It has been a lovely day. I attended Sweet Home Church of the Nazarene. They had just completed their VBS and the kids had fun singing their songs. After church Tom and Marilee invited me to lunch. We were joined also by Mike and Iris. Thank you for great Chinese food and fellowship. I think I'm getting spoiled by the great hospitality I've been shown.

After lunch I headed for Corvallis. I noticed some rubbing on the back wheel and found several spokes very loose. I've made an appointment with a local bike shop who graciously put me at the front of the line for Monday. Meanwhile I've found a camp spot I think will work well. Interestingly I was greeted by a family of. Katie investigated them based on my description. They are an invasive species from South America. You can read about them here:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/nutria.asp
I don't think they're man-eating, so I'll be Ok.

Miles: 50
Total: 2,963

What kind if tree is this (besides BIG)?

2011-06-26T00:23:00.000-05:00

Day 43

2011-06-26T00:20:00.000-05:00

Today seemed short. Perhaps because it was packed with variety. I can't really say much about Redmond. It has a nice McD's. It was early and I moved quickly on to Sisters. Sisters reminded my of Estes Park. If you like tourist towns you'd love it. Sisters is named for the three dominate "sister" peaks of the Cascades. There's a story about it that I don't yet know.

Have I mentioned the Cascades? They're amazing. Very distinct volcanic shapes and the lava flows (see photo) are other-worldly. Starting up the east side, the forest was similar to what I've seen throughout the trip. But as I decended the west face I saw a destinct change. I think this is what's called a "rain forest", with ferns of all kinds and other fauna I've never seen before. Guess I'm not in Kansas anymore.

I am in an "official" campground tonight. Nothing like half hearing the fireside conversations of my fellow campers. Oh and the music, gotta have music to camp, you know.

I see there's a Nazarene church in the upcoming town. I wonder if they welcome people who haven't showered in seven days. I'll put on extra deodorant. ;)

Miles: 83
Total: 2,913

Breathtaking

2011-06-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

Lava flow

2011-06-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

Biking friends heading up Santiam Pass

2011-06-25T18:59:00.000-05:00

Richard and David are from CA and doing a loop around OR. Richard had a biking accident 6 months ago and has 3 pins in his left hip.

Snapshot happy

2011-06-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Cascade Mtn Preview

2011-06-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

Day 42

2011-06-25T00:06:00.001-05:00

I got ahead of myself yesterday. Today is #42.

I left camp early trying to beat the wind. Turns out the wind was light today. First stop was Mitchell. Met one of a group of 3, headed my way. These are the first since Paul, back in NE. I did not end up riding with them since I was just getting breakfast. Maybe I'll catch them tomorrow. The Ochoco National Forest was beautiful and included a challenging 9 mile climb. The Ochoco Reservoir made a perfect picnic spot, then it was on to Prineville, a town of over 10,000. I found a suitable campsite just out of town and called it a day.

Lord willing I will reach Waldport as early as Monday. I will savor these last few days. The Lord has directed and protected me so many time during this adventure thanks to those who have prayed and encouraged me throughout.

Miles: 73
Total: 2,830

Tonight's menu

2011-06-24T22:14:00.001-05:00

Corn beef hash with fresh green beans, mushroom and onion.

Pretty cool background for something

2011-06-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

Tonight's campsite

2011-06-24T21:18:00.002-05:00

Near tonight's campsite was a ring of rusty tin cans. These were not fresh off the WalMart shelf. I'd like to think a handful of cowboys used this very site several decades ago while driving cattle. At any rate I selected a can as my memento for this trip. It has a floral imprint on each side and a cylindrical top with holes for poring. The top does not unscrew. Any guesses what it was for? I don't know.

Day 41

2011-06-24T19:41:00.003-05:00

Who in the world is John Day? Everything in this area of Oregon seems to be named after him. According to wiki, John Day was a trapper in the early days of Oregon:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Day_(trapper)

This area is well known for early mammalian fossils. In fact there is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. I didn't go there but i did ride through the "Picture Canyon, John Day National Monument.

Miles: 65
Total: 2,758

Picture Canyon, near Dayville, OR

2011-06-24T19:38:00.000-05:00

Signs of progress

2011-06-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

Is this really Oregon?

2011-06-23T19:22:00.000-05:00

Camp view outside of Long Creek

2011-06-23T18:28:00.000-05:00

Community Church, Fox, OR

2011-06-23T18:26:00.000-05:00

Day 40

2011-06-23T14:05:00.000-05:00

3 climbs today. Pretty tired. Highlight was Ukiah. 4 kids, ages 6, 7, 8 and 9, greeted me and kept me well entertained throughout lunch, in the city park. They helped set up my stove, filled my water bottles and even did my dishes for me.

Miles: 73
Total: 2,693

Day 39

2011-06-23T07:13:00.000-05:00

Miles: 60
Total: 2,620

Stream Detail (watercolor)

2011-06-22T18:18:00.000-05:00

Camp in Blue Mtns

2011-06-22T18:16:00.000-05:00

Downtown Enterprise, OR (Wallowa Mtns)

2011-06-22T18:13:00.001-05:00

Day 38

2011-06-21T23:15:00.000-05:00

Monday started with a 10 mile hairpin downhill. What a blast! My highest speed was only about 34 because I had to stop to take pictures. At the bottom was a nice cafe, where I splurged for breakfast. Of course, for every downhill there's an uphill. It wasn't bad though and I enjoyed watching a bald eagle soaring above me. For the next several mile the highway parallelled St. Joseph's Canyon, where Nez Perce Chief St. Joseph led his people on a flight from U.S. soldiers around 1866.

Before long the gorgious Wallowa Mtns loomed in the distance. These Mtns are especially impressive because they jut so abruptly from the valley floor. And the town of Enterprise, at their feet, seemed the perfect place to live.

I couldn't stay long though because the weather was perfect and the sun was still high. I finally called it a day near Minum State Park, but not before seeing my first elk herd of the trip. What beautiful animals.

Miles: 83
Total: 2,560

Been there, done that.

2011-06-21T22:41:00.000-05:00

OR HWY 3 South

Where?

2011-06-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

Unknown animal sound

2011-06-21T00:15:00.000-05:00

Lunch

2011-06-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

Signs of things to come.

2011-06-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

Trusty Steed

2011-06-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

Day 37

2011-06-20T11:13:00.001-05:00

Had a wonderful time worshiping at Lewiston First Church of the Nazarene. While I was there they voted to call a new pastor. The message really hit home with me. It was out of Hosea. This Old Testament story illustrates the extreme lengths God will go to redeem us.

After church I was invited to dinner by Joe and his lovely wife (sorry, I've forgotten her name). We had a great meal and conversation. Thanks so much to them. Silly me, I should have taken a picture.

Then, after stocking up, again, at Albertson's, it was off to the last major leg of the trip; crossing Oregon. Based on several suggestions, I've altered my route to take in more of the Cascades. This means I won't be following the Columbia Gorge after all and will arrive on the cost at Waldport.

Miles: 37
Total: 2,477

Great downhill to Granderonde River

2011-06-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

Field Springs State Park

2011-06-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

Free Camping!

2011-06-19T21:16:00.001-05:00

Climb from Astonia, WA PN 129

2011-06-19T19:16:00.001-05:00

Day 36

2011-06-19T10:28:00.001-05:00

It was another delightfully, slightly downhill ride Saturday, from Kamiah, ID to Clarkston, WA. Following US Hwy 12 as it follows the Clearwater River, I saw deer frolicking on the opposite shore, watched fishermen vying for big salmon and osprey tending there nests. This is the river that greeted Lewis & Clark after their arduous journey over the Bitterroot Mtns. One historical marker commemorated the spot they stopped to build 5 dugout canoes in 2 week.

Miles: 68
Total: 2,440

Historic Lochsa Forest Ranger Station

2011-06-19T02:55:00.000-05:00

Dinner partner

2011-06-19T00:54:00.000-05:00

I was pleased to share my cafe table in Lowell, with Boyan (sp?), from Lithuania. He is riding coast to coast, West to East. His only compliant is, it's hard to find good bread. I'd have to agree.

Nez Perce "Heart of the Monster"

2011-06-19T00:07:00.000-05:00

This natural mound in Kamiah, ID, is the "Heart of the Monster" in the Nez Perce "First Peoples" legend. Read about it here:
http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/nepe/exb/slideshows/legendTimes/Heart-of-the-Monster.html

Osprey Nest on the Clearwater

2011-06-18T23:44:00.000-05:00

Deer on the Clearwater

2011-06-18T23:40:00.002-05:00

This scene reminded me of an Albert Bierstadt painting. Check his work out here:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Bierstadt

Fishing on the Clearwater

2011-06-18T17:16:00.000-05:00

Talking with a fisherman here on the Clearwater. They're fishing for chinook salmon. They average 15 and can be 30 lbs and over. In winter they fish for steelhead. I'm hoping to bring them good luck.

Day 35

2011-06-18T08:35:00.001-05:00

Today I am thinking and praying for my friends who lost there 18 year old son in a tragic accident. My heart goes out to you, Wayne and Kelly.

It was a sunny, cool day for a ride down one of the most beautiful highways in the country, HWY 12, though the Bitterroot Mountains. It follows several rivers on it's journey, including the Lochsa and Cearwater. The actual Lewis & Clark and Nez Perce Trails followed the mountain ridges because the river valley was too chocked with rocks and underbrush.

Shortly after my ride began today, I stopped in at the "Historic Nacsaw Forest Ranger Station". This multi-building station is a jewel out of a bygone era, when forest rangers often lived very solitary lives, at great personal sacrifice. I found this a fascinating place and well worth the time.

Later I stopped for a picnic and let my gear dry in the sun. Finally I was off to Lowell, a small town of about 30, where I stopped for a bight. While there, I met a gentleman from Slovenia, who is biking across America. We had a delightful conversation.

As I was leaving I realized my sunglasses were missing. Could I have left them at the picnic area? I rode back 7 miles just to check (I know, this is becoming a habit). No glasses. Then it hit, I left them sitting in the restroom at the ranger station. I decided it wasn't worth another 10 miles of backtracking. Finding "over the glasses sunglasses is now high on my shopping list.

I tried to make up a few miles by riding late and paid for it by settling for a dry drainage ditch for a campsite. Let's hope there's no rain tonight.

Miles: 73 (including 14 backtrack miles)
Total: 2,372

Old Growth Forest

2011-06-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

Lolo Pass

2011-06-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

Day 34

2011-06-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

Riding up Lolo Pass, with all its history and beauty, made me appreciate God's creative power and the resourcefulness of the native Americans who travelled through this rugged land for thousands of years before Lewis and Clark and those who followed. To this day a railroad has never penetrated this rugged terrain.

Today, waiting at the top is a visitor's center, complete with WiFi, coffee and hot chocolate. I relaxed for a good while before starting my decent. For the test of the story read my previous post.

I was hopeful the rain would end after leaving the pass, but instead it increased. Thankfully I'm now equipped with proper wet gear!

I slept under the canopy of old growth cedars, where the undergrowth is sparse and the rain cannot fully penetrate.

Miles: 85
Total: 2,299

Charging behind

2011-06-16T16:51:00.001-05:00

Well, I finally did it, I left my charger behind, at the visitor center, on top of Lolo Pass. I realized when I was at Powell, ID so I stopped in at the Powell Ranger Station and they were able to verify it was still there. So I stashed my panniers and headed back the 12 miles to the top. Got another cup of hot chocolate for my effort... and a fully charged charger.

Day 33

2011-06-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

After making the pilgrimage to Adventure Cycling (great place), I continued up toward Lolo Pass. This pass was used by Native Americans for thousands of years before Lewis and Clark made their trek. If not for their Indian guide they would have been hopelessly lost.

Weather was chilly, but peasant Wednesday and I was able to find a creekside campsite in the national forest.

Miles: 59
Total: 2,214

Idaho, Lolo Pass, Pacific Time Zone

2011-06-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

Snow on Lolo Pass

2011-06-16T11:10:00.000-05:00

Adventure Cycling, Missoula MT

2011-06-15T17:19:00.002-05:00

A great place! I got a new tire (rear was worn out) and waterproof shoe cover. They also gave me a free membership for riding my bike in. That includes a magazine subscription! Oh, and free ice cream. Did I mention this was a great place?!

Day 32

2011-06-15T07:49:00.001-05:00

Not a lot to say. Great scenery, slow biker. Made it within 30 miles of Missoulla and called it a day. I did tale time out to climb a foot hill. Also had an interesting conversation with a forest ranger about the grizzly bear and wolf population in this area. An 800 lbs grizzly was hit and killed just 5 miles from Lincoln in 1996.

Miles: 63
Total: 2,155

2011-06-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

Mountain scenery

2011-06-14T22:55:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIecU7xopeg

Helena National Forest

2011-06-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

Day 31

2011-06-14T08:05:00.000-05:00

Today is significant for having crossed the Continental Divide. The pass was not as strenuous as I expected, however, Lolo pass will be a different story in a few days. I'm camping just off the road in Helena National Forest and the full moon is alluminating the tent interior with a misty glow. Since I'm now in bear country I thought it wise to hang my food in a tree. The animals must have gotten a real laugh as I made one feeble attempt after another, but I finally succeeded in hanging it about 8 feet off the ground. If we have pigmee bears we should be fine. A nearby tree is squeaking as it blows in the wind, adding to the night's ambiance.

Miles: 73
Total: 2,093

I Passed... The Continental Divide that is)

2011-06-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

Rogers Pass is up there somewhere.

2011-06-13T16:40:00.000-05:00

30 miles from Continental Divide

2011-06-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

Golden Coral

2011-06-13T00:07:00.001-05:00

Lewis and Clark Interperative Center

2011-06-13T00:04:00.000-05:00

Day 30

2011-06-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

What a blessed day! It started with a visit to First Church of the Nazarene, Great Falls. Boy did I time my visit right! They were celebrating graduations with a full breakfast for everyone! Never mind that I'd already eaten at camp, the smell of bacon will always get my mouth salivating. I think I was the last to stop eating. And before service started someone offered to let me stay in the church for the night. They even have a shower (not that I need one. I had one just yesterday). Jim, the director of the local homeless shelter, gave the message on "No Excuses" from Romans 2:1-11. I'll think twice before I judge someone else again!

After service I went directly to the CM Russell Museum. Russell, a native of St. Louis, MO, lived and worked in Great Falls. It was a thrill to see so many of his drawings and paintings under one roof and then be able to walk next door to view his studio and home complete with original furnishings. This man truly captured the American West as it was disappearing.

If that wasn't enough I then headed for the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, a few miles away, on the shores of the Missouri. Along the way I marveled at the power of nature as I watched the massive flow at the Black Eagle Falls and Dam. This was one of the five waterfalls The Corp of Discovery was forced to portage around on their way up the Missouri.

The Interpretive Center did not disappoint. It was pact with interesting details about the journey, focusing especially on the great sacrifices made by everyone in the party during the portage. I am constantly reminded how selfless each individual was as they fought for a shared goal.

One more mission to accomplish... EAT! Because Marilyn had expressed concern about my weight loss, I wanted to put her mind at ease so I chowed down at Golden Coral and I have the photos to prove it.

A great day. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Tomorrow's goal is Lincoln, MT, on the way to Missoula.

Miles: 18 (in town)
Total: 2,020

Kayaking

2011-06-12T23:02:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8KrQhFhrLM

Black Eagle Falls

2011-06-12T22:56:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u79NA5ru3k

More CM Russell Museum

2011-06-12T22:52:00.001-05:00

CM Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT

2011-06-12T22:50:00.001-05:00

Mouth of the Missouri

2011-06-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPJwIDK21Uo

Black Eagle Falls & Dam

2011-06-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

First Church of the Nazarene, Great Falls, MT

2011-06-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

Day 29

2011-06-12T00:29:00.001-05:00

This day seemed more like three. It started with a beautiful rainbow. By the time I hit the road at 7:05, it was threatening rain. Watching it approach over the mountains was breathtaking. By the time I hit the small town of Stanford I had my ZipLocks on again and decided to have a second breakfast at the local cafe to wait out the rain; biscuits & gravy with hash browns and one egg. Thankfully the rain did pass and I was on my way to Great Falls, 64 miles away. The countryside was somewhat reminiscent of home, but for the ten thousand foot peaks in three directions. When I finally arrived in GF, I did laundry and checked on a tent sight. The only one available was at an RV park. I happened to see a local police officer and asked if camping was permitted in any of the city parks. He said no, but then added if it was for only one night he could make an exception if I camped in a given area. I thanked him and prepared to set up camp when I heard what sounded like an outdoor rock concert starting up a few blocks away. I am now comfortably tucked in at the RV Park. Surprisingly I'm NOT the only tent camper here.

Tomorrow I plan to visit the local Nazarene Church then take in the CM Russell Museum. I'm excited about both prospects.

Miles: 70
Total: 2,002

Snowblower Gloves

2011-06-11T19:56:00.002-05:00

No more cold, wet fingers on the next rainy day!

Near Belt, MT

2011-06-11T19:05:00.001-05:00

ZipLock Bags to the rescue

2011-06-11T19:02:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDVtPwPvUF0

Just turn your computer upside down to view this. ;)

From Last night's hilltop camp

2011-06-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

David and Pearl. Headed for Delaware!

2011-06-11T09:30:00.001-05:00

2011-06-11T07:52:00.001-05:00

Big Sky Country

2011-06-11T07:39:00.001-05:00

Day 28

2011-06-10T23:44:00.002-05:00

What a relief from yesterday's cold wet weather. I left Winnett around 7:30 and enjoyed a beautiful ride to Lewistown where I met David and Pearl, fellow cyclists who are traversing the continent. We shared route and blog info. It was great to talk with folks who can relate first hand to your own experiences. Read all about their adventure at:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=187940

After sharing photos in front of Albertson's it was "goodby" and off for few more miles before camping. I did not quite make it to Stanford, but found a nice roadside hill to spend the night. The sunset was gorgeous. Of course the photos pale in comparison.

Miles: 88

Total: 1,932

Looking South

2011-06-10T22:33:00.001-05:00

2011-06-10T22:31:00.001-05:00

View from my front window.

2011-06-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

AT&T Coverage Viewer

2011-06-10T16:36:00.001-05:00

http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

ATT coverage is spotty in MT so blogging will be intermittent. The tracker map will continue to update as usual.

Ft Peck Dam Spillway (last Tuesday)

2011-06-10T15:38:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL09SS_KeIw

Judeth Mountains

2011-06-10T15:22:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIdrdxx1RsM

First view of snow- capped mountains

2011-06-10T12:57:00.001-05:00

Day 27

2011-06-09T20:07:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I'm in the Winnett Motel. It is nice and reasonable. No TV or Internet and ATT has no service here so this post will be delayed. Did not make sense to camp in the rain again. Saw some flooding today but no road problems. Hopefully the rain will be more spotty tomorrow. Should make it to Lewistown where there should be phone service. The water purifier has really come in handy. The rain and cold is the talk here. Saw beautiful country today but no sense stopping to take pictures in the cold and wet, with an iPhone. It was a hard faught 65 miles. The little town of Sand Springs was my oasis today. The only thing there is a Post Office/General Store but it came at just the right time. A local rancher offered to give me a ride to Lewistown but I reluctantly refused. As he guessed, I want to say I road the whole way. I fashioned some rain guards for my shoe using oversized ziplock bags and secures them with duct tap (meant to take a picture). Looked really classy but kept my foot warmer (might have kept them dry if they were not already soaked). I'll buy shoe covers next time and I WON'T buy the cheapest duct tape!

Miles: 65
Total: 1,844

Day 26

2011-06-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

First, a short explanation about last night; I was headed for a campground on the east side of Ft Peck Lake when I saw an alluring sign, "marina; food, camping, CABINS (emphasis added). Since I felt like a drowned rat I thought a cabin might be in order so I turned down the muddy gravel road (no phone signal). After 3 miles, another sign read "marina, 5 miles", so I turned off the road, planted the tent and called it a day. Turned out to be a very restful night.
This morning the weather cleared and I made good time to the next destination, Jordan. Jordan has the dubious distinction of being the location where, in 1996, the group called "Freemen" defied government authority and barricaded themselves in a nearby farm house. The group members were not native to Montana but found a sympathetic ear to some of their beliefs. My experience in Jordan was pleasant. On fact I met a lady at the grocery store who is from Kirksville and has eaten in Moberly many times.
Since it was still early I decided to put in a few more miles. I stopped short of Edwards when I spotted this camp spot on a roadside hill. Very peaceful up here. I might make it to Lewistown tomorrow, which interestingly is NOT named after Meriwether Lewis.

Miles: 75
Total: 1,779

Breakfast nook

2011-06-08T06:49:00.000-05:00

Day 25

2011-06-07T23:42:00.000-05:00

Too tired to say much. Wind and rain made for a long day. Finally left Ft Peck around 4:30. Safe in the tent now and hoping for dryer weather tomorrow.

Miles: 38
total: 1704

Goodby Abby

2011-06-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today we said goodby to Abby, our family pet of 17 years. Abby was full of energy from the moment we met her. The first time she entered our house she promptly jumped on the kitchen table. We'll miss you Abby.

Weather is nasty. Staying put till it clears.

2011-06-07T10:18:00.000-05:00

Day 24

2011-06-06T22:52:00.000-05:00

Today started out on an embarrassing note. I broke camp, but instead of retracing my steps down the hill in an orderly way, I decided to take my fully-loaded bike down a steep embankment, directly to the road. I'm sure it was good for laugh for more than one passing vehicle. One pickup even slowed and nearly stopped. They either were laughing too hard to drive or were preparing to pick up the pieces. I didn't even look up. Thankfully they moved on.

From there on the day went very smoothly. With the wind pushing me, I made it all the way to Ft. Peck. I wanted to take full advantage of the great weather so I did little sight seeing today. Thunder has already begun to clap so tonight should be interesting (camped at Ft. Peck Lake).

Miles: 111
Total: 1,666

Adventure Cycling image

2011-06-06T15:40:00.000-05:00

Good Morning, MT!

2011-06-06T05:45:00.000-05:00

Day 23

2011-06-05T23:30:00.001-05:00

I guess you could say I went to church today. I was walking in as the folks at Ray Lutheran Church were walking out. I did have a delightful conversation though, with Mr & Mrs Mellon. I learned a bit more about the oil boom from the local viewpoint. She explained that the wealth is more equally destributed than in the past because the drilling is lateral and involves more land owners than just those where the well is located. I found that interesting.

Then it was on to Williston, the hub of the boom. I picked up some essentials at Wally World and found a park to have a picnic. At the adjacent ball field a family of six were playing a rousing game of kickball. I enjoyed seeing a family being a family. Later the father and oldest boy asked about my biking and pretty soon I was filling my water bottles at their house. Thanks, John and Sonya, for your Christlike hospitality. I probably cut the conversation short since I was so intent on reaching the Montana line today. I did sneak a peek at the Montana stars before securely zipping up the tent to keep out the ravenous mosquitoes.

By Tuesday I'll need to decide whether to follow the southerly L&C route or veer north to Glaciar National Park and escape the flooding concern along the Missouri.

Miles: 75
Total: approx. 1555

Half Way!

2011-06-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

HW 2 West

2011-06-05T12:49:00.000-05:00