Over The Cascades and Rockies 2112: Clark Fork, ID to Libby, MT, 66 miles

Today we had a very beautiful ride from Clark Fork to Libby. The weather forcast showed high temperatures later in the day. Ken W. encouraged us to hit the road early to avoid the heat of the afternoon.

Sean and I left the ranch with Vicki, Chris, and Tom until we got well to the state line of Montana. It was about 55 degrees when we started rolling.

Another early start, this time leaving east of Diamond T Ranch

Just east of the ranch we had to ride on some dirt roads as we crossed the state line. Once we crossed the Clark Fork River we reconnected with Hwy 2. We followed Hwy 2 east for 8 miles then we turned north onto Hwy 37 and there was hardly any traffic.

Crossing the Clark Fork River

Nearing the Montana state line with Sean, Vicki, Tom, and Chris

Elk on a dirt road in Montana east of Diamond T Ranch

Sean was moving quickly and both of us stayed ahead of the group for the rest of the ride. We arrived at the lunch stop somewhere near Bull Lake but it was all ready warm. I din't have much to eat so we just talked with Blaine and Thea till others arrived. Sean and I then rode north for another 20 miles.

We took a detour to stop at Kotanai Falls, The falls were flowing strong. It was then about 14 miles to a church in Libby. Once we found a room to set our stuff in at the church we headed over to Henry's Diner for some huckleberry shakes. We saw Nancy, Ken W., Portland John, Railroad John, Houston John, and Tom at the diner.

At the church the only cool spot was downstairs. Sean and I slept in the downstairs prayer room. Our shower was the cabana. Blaine and Thea cooked dinner.

Vicki from New Hampshire