Day 17: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 we leave Grangeville to ride to Lowell—a mostly downhill route and we did get a late start with a great breakfast at Oscars
Though the route was to be downhill there was a waker-upper just getting out of Grangeville!! Surprises like that get the heart working hard.
Each community we pass through is so unique and are inviting to visit again and explore at leisure. But off we go and looking back you can see that it is located on a high plateau
you can see the hills off in the distance
and it did not take long to get to them—then we were in for a beautiful descent into the Clearwater River Valley
The views were grand and we stopped often
You may think I should have avoided getting those barriers in the photos—truth is I really liked them a lot! I spent a lot of time with my whole being leaning to the left! That is Lyndsey talking! (I was not actually leaning just all the muscles wanted to do that) It was just a reaction I could not avoid and by the end of a long climb on the outer edge or a descent, I would almost hurt from the strain.
Awesome
another remote shot but it does not give the view too well
moving right along – this was the first sign guiding us to Missoula
once down in the valley it was one of our most pleasant rides
very peaceful
Could not tell if the teepee was inhabited or just there for the view
Unique name for a used equipment lot
getting closer
Kooskia was our half-way point today and we enjoyed a great lunch at the River Cafe
a beautiful river to ride along
a frequent sight
also a frequent sight
cable cars to get across the river
usually near trailheads
we did not get to stop and visit with them either
and closer
only the second time we have spotted rafters
easy day be as usual we were happy to see the sign
We found Steve already there and set up for the night
our spot was the red door on this end
The campers enjoying a visit before dinner. Steve on the right, Todd on the left and his mother, Ann in the blue in the center. We met Todd and Ann in Baker City and see them frequently. Ann is supporting Todd's cross country ride so he is able to ride light! His father and brother are joining him in Missoula and he and his brother will ride tandem part of the time. And friends they met in camp Sophia, Bruce and John.