Being an off day I was able to sleep in. Spent most of the day relaxing and working on the last blog entry. I did do a little biking along the Selway River which was very pretty. While taking a break on a rock on the river I was approached by several river otters. Pretty noisy animals but entertaining as well. It was another hot day around 100 so I took a trip across the street to the cafe to sit in some air conditioning for a little while. The huckleberry shake was delicious!
Foggy morning
Where the Selway River meets the Lochsa River
One of my new favorite forests
Taking a river break
July 28th - 35.37 / 2,558.35 - Lowell - Kamiah
After breakfast I was back on dangerous hwy 12. I made several picnic area breaks and stopped in the ton of Kooskia for some supplies. I was amazed by the size of the salmon in the pictures at the gas station. The rivers in Idaho have some gigantic fish! I passed several houses across the river which are only accessible by private tram cars that go over the river on cables. ( pictured below ) I arrived to Kamiah nice and early and set up camp. After having some salad and pizza in town I did my laundry and took a dip in the pool. There was a cafe at the campground where I had a pretty good dinner. I was even able to rent a movie to watch on my laptop but shortly after starting it very strong winds came through that were so loud I couldn't here the movie. There were large branches breaking off trees and falling all over the campground. I eventually fell asleep hoping that I wouldn't get crushed.
Private tram cars for houses across river where there are no roads
On the road again
Rest area
Forest fire
Bikers welcome, woohoo!
The campground host
July 29th - 67.96 / 2,626.31 - Kamiah - Lewiston
I woke up to my tent surrounded by large downed branches. The winds last night were incredible! After breakfast at the campground cafe I got back on the road. I was still on hwy 12 which got even more dangerous with nowhere to move over when cars and trucks passed. The ride was very beautiful though following the Clearwater river the entire way. I saw eagles, osprey, hawks, and cranes. Midway through the ride I got a flat. Luckily there was some shade nearby off the road where I could change the tube. It was really hot out again. After a long but easy ride I made it to the city of Lewiston. Had some really good Chinese food and checked into a motel. So nice to be out of the sun and in some air conditioning.
Clearwater River
So clean and refreshing
The very tight shoulder with no room to move over for traffic
Many white sand beaches
So peaceful along the river
Picnic area - always a welcome break from hwy 12
Heading into Lewiston
No joke!
July 30th - 12.10 / 2,638.41 - Lewiston - Hells Gate State Park
Woke up nice and slow today since I only had to go to the other end of town to get to my campsite. I found a nice bike path that followed the Clearwater River to the Snake River and then the Snake River to the state park. I made a stop at the very informative Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and then set up camp. There was a really good 30 minute film on the Lewis and Clark expeditions trip through Idaho. Idaho was a very tough state for them to pass through and there is so much history in the area. I called my friends Gwen and Doug who I had met a week back at Wendover Campground and we made plans to meet up for dinner. They picked me up from my campsite and took me on scenic drive up a very large hill overlooking the cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. The view was incredible!! After that we headed into Clarkston to the Riverport Brewery. I had the sampler platter of beers and they were all very good! So fresh and delicious! I even got to meet the owner/brewer Marv who gave me a nice hat. After the brewery Doug and Gwen treated me to a very good dinner at Roosters Waterfront restaurant. I had the bite size steak, gouda mashed potatoes, soup, and tried steamed clams. Everything was delicious! Thanks again so much Gwen and Doug!!!
Clearwater River
Clearwater River
A replica of the Lewis and Clark expedition canoes
Hells Gate State Park
High up view of Lewiston and Clarkston
Where the Clearwater meets the Snake
July 31st - 21.87 / 2,705.28 - Day off at Hells Gate State Park
Today was a day off at Hells Gate State Park. I packed up my stuff and moved about 500 feet to the Ponderosa Cabin, which has air conditioning! It was really hot, 109 degrees in the afternoon. After a nap in the cabin I biked into Lewiston for a late lunch and then back to the park. Spent most of the afternoon checking out the park and doing some hiking and biking. At night I started working on the Quest West dvd which will be released in early 2010.
Snake River / bike path
Very dry and hot at Hells Gate
The cabin
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