To Sandpoint

Saturday 5/5 Day 15

Emo Breakfast

Loud screeches. That is what I woke up to at 3:10 in the morning. I was fine until I realized where I was and the poop that I had found the day before. Immediately my heart started racing and my adrenaline went through the roof. I imagened a whol flock of bears around my tent ;). I ended up calming my self down through some breathing techniques and convincing myself I had done everything I could to keep myself safe. Like I said yesterday I survived the night so it turned out ok. The noise I heard came from the direction of where my food was so I was imagining my panniers torn to shreds by the animal. Lol then I was imagining going to REI and exchanging the torn up panniers for new ones and having to explain to them that the old ones just didn't work out. After talking to Larry, the guy who put me up in Sandpoint, I think it could have been a mountain lion. Oh baby. Didn't see any foot prints so no confirmation.
I slept a bit late in the morning but once I was ready for breakfast I rode my bike deeper into the park and had it by the lake. I watched several boats launch into the lake to go fishing or to go for a cruse. Again the view was almost the same as a Norwegian fjord with little snow caps on the top of the peeks. Oh another thing I picked up yesterday when I was at the store was sunflower seeds!! A way to keep the salts in me and at the same time a way to encourage me to drink more water :). At about ten thirty or eleven I started my ride north. Only a out thirty miles today super mellow. Went on a few back roads until I hit highway 95. Oh I had another dog chase me down the road today! Makes Idaho the least dog friendly state so far. But on a good note it seems like the dogs are chasing in fun, not because they are pissed off.

Bridge into Sandpoint

I got into town, Sandpoint, on a bike path that started a out five miles to the south. It crossed the lake with its own bridge and it's own spectacular view of the area. As I road through the downtown area it reminded me of an old town from the fifties with little shops and resteraunts down the main drag. As I approached the house I was staying at, I was flagged down by Larry, my friend Eric's good friend. Larry waved me in and set me up with a seat for the Kentucky derby. Yes I watched this amazing horse race. I only made it for about an hour of pre game so I missed a lot. But I was able to see for the first time the two minute race. It was pretty exciting and I did wish I had put some money on a horse. Next year, now that I know what it is all about.
After the race I had a quick shower and a quick tour of the city where I think I fell in love! A city on the water, tiny, near mountains, and has a tight community. I'm sold so far. I just need to find the instant tellaporter to Colorado for my mom :). Well I will have a more extensive tour tomorrow.


We went to dinner at La Rosa, Larry his wife and me, where the food was amazing and the live music was even better. It was some local blue grass and one of the players used a mandolin. Such a great combo. After dinner I called it a night. And I'll be in this city for at least two more nights, a great chance to experience life up here in the spring.