Getting back on the bike this morning felt really good. After some great down time in the redwoods, along Pacific Coast highway, and ultimately with our kids and grandchild, it was good to get moving again. This morning there was no smoke, just some low fog in the valley. Today started along the bitterroot trail. The path mirrored highway 93 which travels North between Hamilton and Missoula Montana. Highway 93 is heavily traveled, so the cycle path was a nice easy option for the 35 miles. The early part of the Bitterroot trail crisscrossed the highway several times but it was nice and smooth. About 20 miles in, there were many cracks creating a constant bumpy ride. Annoying, but sure better than being on the road.
Lisa Marie and I took a small break at a junction where I was able to get some food and water. Turning West I continued following the TransAm cycle route down a small two-lane road for the next 15 miles. Here the traffic slowed way down and I could finally get back to some peace and quiet. This was a nice change of pace from the busy hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles. At my next turn I found myself on an old dirt road heading through the valley. I had about eight and a half miles of dirt which started out smooth but ultimately became quite wash boarded and rough. As I meandered up this road and ultimately down the back side of the climb, the cell service disappeared. I was alone with only my thoughts, the views, and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. Awesome! Some of the sections of the canyon trees had been scorched by a fire some time ago, and others sections filled with majestic, full grown pines. Descending the snaky, steep dirt road was a challenge because of how rough it was. I had to take extreme caution so I did not end up on the ground underneath my bike. Eventually the pavement returned and the valley of ranches filled the view.
I arrived at what I thought was our campsite ready for a rest. (Yes, Lisa Marie agreed to camp). This was right along the river’s edge. Earlier in the day I had asked God if there was any opportunity for a canceled room I’d sure like to have it. When we arrived, there was nothing available but the campsite. So we set up camp, showered and went to sit in the lodge. While we were sitting eating dinner, I overheard the owner say he thought he had an extra room. Waving him over, we asked about any room cancellations. He said he thought he might, but we would need to wait. Sure enough, 1 hour later we were in the room.
As I went back to tear down the tent, I met a couple, Scott and Beth. They had brought in a massive camper and parked across from me. What caught my eye was the slide out on their trailer wasn’t a bed which is what I’ve always seen. Their camper had a slide out deck with chairs on it. How cool is that? Anyways Beth and Scott just dropped their son off for army boot camp. They were on a journey to figure out where they wanted to build a house. This trailer was their new home until they figured it out where they wanted to be. Who knows where they will end up. It was great to meet them. You could tell they could relate to the whole one day at a time journey.
Sometimes it’s little things that remind us that God is aware of our thoughts and our simple asks. He hears them all. One thing I’ve learned on this journey is I made to be bold about asking for all the little things . My job is to ask, and allow God to answer however He chooses . Sometimes it’s answered as a yes, other times no. I don’t necessarily hear the answer as I ask, I figure that out during the day. We enjoyed the cabin (not the tent) along the rivers edge.
Insights from Lisa Marie
We are back in biking mode😁. Skies are clear so we left Hamilton to travel to endpoint Alberton, Montana. Beautiful little road after the highway with Norm on a bike trail. Most of the morning was this road through the forest and stream meandering alongside. All was going well and my book is getting better even😂. Then my big debacle. Stopped looking at the Komoot app which we use when there is no service. After a stop with Norm I sent him on and read another few minutes. As I started driving again it was so beautiful and the moose crossing signs distracted me. After about 10 minutes I had expected to catch up to Norm. But no….just forest. I thought I guess he is at a good clip with no climbs and must be way farther ahead than I thought. Another 10 minutes go by and I hit this Lolo Hot Springs resort. I remembered seeing this on the route when we looking at motels to stay. Darn! It was past where I knew I was supposed to turn off! So I turned around and looking at the app again I now realized how far off route I was😳. Driving back almost 30 minutes I found the dirt road Norm had decided on, Graves Creek, great name. Anyway about a mile in there were cabins and a saloon but no bike in sight. I kept going and this road was definitely in the “off roading” category. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I wasn’t concerned where Norm was. After several miles of curvy turns and hills I finally hit pavement. This led me into what I would describe as the valley of ranches. Beautiful horses and large green pastures as far as you could see. And the best sight was the bright yellow vest Norm wears that you can see easily. Yes I had caught up and all was well! Enjoyed the rest of the scenic drive into our riverside Alberton stop. The plan was Norm sleeping in the tent and me in the car. We both had prayed not saying anything to each other about a room being canceled. Tent was set up and we went to dinner. After a few hours hanging there because of WiFi and air, the owner came over to ask how we were doing. Norm asked did you have a room cancellation and his answer we might! Yet again God came through with a room in a short 40 minutes. We both slept well and were so thankful.