Tuesday, Augusts 11, 2009 New Meadows, ID

Another cool, lovely morning - today along the Salmon River which is as beautiful as the other rivers with lots of white water currents. In fact, near Riggins we saw lots of rafts of young people, perhaps church groups enjoying the rafting. The Salmon River is the longest free flowing river in the U.S. (no dams). The entire route today was along Hwy. 95 and a slow climb for most of the way. Grades were 1-2% for 15 miles then increased to 3-4%. Traffic was fairly heavy since this is a major N-S hwy thru Idaho. Somewhere along the way, I passed a strange cult encampment called the 666 Yahweh Warning Assembly; also crossed the 45th Parallel whicih marks the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. Only 63 miles today but the slow, gradual climb and headwind beat us to death, making an exhausting day. Virginia and I headed straight for ice cream at the Chevron Station across the street from our hotel. For several days now we've been in a very rural territory - few services, towns or billboards - just gorgeous mountains and grain fields. The drawback is that we also haven't had cell phone service or internet until getting to New Meadows. I've felt really cut off from friends and family. . . At Riggins, we crossed into Mountain Time, so set our watches up one hour. Our hotel tonight, the Hartland, was built in 1911. It sits right at the cross roads of Hwy 55 and Hwy 95. The main house is furnished with lovely antiques. Karina and I are in the separate guest house. . . Pat Riceci arrived tonight and had dinner with us. Pat lived several years in Memphis and biked with MHBC before moving to Nashville where he was also an active cyclist and knew Ramsey D. who's on this tour. Some of my blog readers will remember Pat. He and I had fun reminiscing about bike friends and trips from the "old days". He and Alice now live in Boise but also have a home near New Meadows in McCall. Pat recognized my name on the WT list of blogs for this tour. Small world. . . Thanks, Pat, for driving down the mountain to have dinner with us.