Back on the road

Tuesday 5/8 Day 17

Larry & I

Today started with the famous burritos of Sandpoint from Joles. The breakfast burrito was not as good as Rigoberto's in bend but here carne asada was pretty close. But in general they were as good as I had heard they were. I was able to get breakfast there with Eric before he went to work. Along with breakfast I got a lunch burrito. After I packed up and got pictures with Eileen and my bike I was able to get one more mocha with Larry before I headed out. I think that makes me almost five or six days with coffee in a row. One thing I notice about bikers, they always wish for me to stay safe when sending me off. It's always a great feeling that people remind me to be safe and remind me to use he tools to be safe on the road because to me it shows they care for my safety. My favorite reminder is, I'm told often not to forget that I can take up the entire car lane if I don't feel safe with cars passing. After hearing that again from Larry I practiced it more through out the next two days.
It was hard saying goodbye to Sandpoint I have really enjoyed my stay, but I will be back someday whether that is for a short time or a long time, the city had a great feel to it. Garrette is driving through when she goes to the east coast so she will see if the city is ok or not. I think she will give the approval. Finding locations to live at is always so hard to choose, there are always so many things to take into consideration. For instance, what sort of things can you do outdoors? Is there a climbing gym? Is there a job for me? Is the community strong or is there people my age? Does the city have resources do I can get things? Snow? Will I be able to see the next star wars movie there if it were to come out? Can I travel to different areas? I think that's about it... Well of course with everyone of those decisions are weighed with how close I am to home and my family. A lot of pressure goes into the decision and it usually takes a while to decide. I hope that someday I find a place that will have balance in all of those aspects. especially the one about star wars
Today's ride was great it was almost 100 miles just falling short at 96. Great way to get back in the groove of things since I will be cruising for a couple of days. I took the back roads up to Libby for lighter traffic and not distance because it added over ten miles to my journey. I went east on highway 200 then turned north on 56 and finally east on 2. I went through the area that used to be a huge ice dam about ten thousand years ago. It was the water that came out of this dam when it broke that came rushing out and carved the Columbia Gorge. Along my way through the area are little information boards that explain what happened to the landscape, it is pretty fun to stop at those for my breaks.
Lunch happened right across the boarder in Montana along the river, I found an old studabaker which was all rusted out. Got some sweet pics of it. The ride on 200 was great I was either overlooking a river or the lake and it had a milky blue look to it which probably means it was freezing cold from run off. Once I hit 56 I was going up a valley with huge mountains on either side of me. The road stayed relatively flat so the it was not to bad. It is important on these long days to stop for plenty of snacks and Gatorade and peanut butter! Which I did. I did a calorie calculator for how much I would burn in about eight hours and it turned out to be a out 3600 so on average when I do 90 - 100 mile days I'm probably burning close to 4500 - 5000 calories a day!! And another fact I learned was that 3500 calories equals one pound. So I lose and hopefully gain at least one pound a day and go through plenty of food! Thanks to all those who have in one way or another helped feed me on this trip, every little bit helps!! I hope to pay it forward or to return the favor in the future! Haha Garrette said there was only one condition in letting me go on his trip, I could not come back showing bones. Don't plan on it.
My final stretch of road was on highway two, where I stopped at some waterfalls. They were pretty cool I was interested in taking a raft over them. When I pulled into town I had Mexican food which I just realized I had a hat trick of mexican food for the day. Very hearty day. For some reason I don't think that is how you spell that word.
As I came into Libby, small logging town of 5000 ish I found my way to Keith's house where I was able to camp in his yard for the night and take a shower. We stayed up chatting where I found out that he is a math teacher at the local high school and is retiring this year. We then talked about the idea of the new generation and how they treat others and wondered if a society can function if every one is entitled to everything and is uncivil to everybody. Of course those are extremes but that was the idea. I say no it will never work that way but I may be proved wrong ;). When I laid down in my tent I was out quick. Getting closer to glacier ;) and good weather will be there when I arrive!!



Eureka in wed. White fish on thurs. road to the sun and back to Columbia falls on fri.