Dreux's Great Divide Adventure

 Another hard day of peddling the Great Divide. My first peek at this Tetons this morning. Please note the UFO I identified. Riding the Tetons Add the beer Swim in Lake Jackson ..... and laundry.  And the sunset 

All the Divide riders say you feel odd taking a zero .... it feels great. The body and mind are enjoying being in neutral. We’re enjoying Hervey’s favorite pastime, fishing and being outdoors. Pam and Hervey are the best host. I’ve been helping cleaning out the refrigerator of leftovers. Wow, what a dinner tonight, steak and all the summertime fixings. They really have their slice of heaven here in Montana. Hervey preparing smoked trout! Sunset at the ranch. Hervey giving the weather one last check.  Time to say goodbye to Hervey and Pam... you guys are the best. 

I’ve really enjoyed Montana for the people, scenery and vastness, but I’m ready for a new state. Today I touched into Idaho but right back into Montana for at least one more day.  Lunch today was at the Red Rock Lakes Wildlife refuge. A very large preserve for the Trumpet Swan.  Very motivated to ride today because I’m visiting with my Guilford friend Hervey and his wife Pam. My ride brings me within miles of his Montana ranch. Their ranch sits on top of a mountain with sweeping views of several mountain ranges. You can observe several weather storms from different directions from the front of the ranch, dramatic. So glad to see a familiar face. Pam and Hervey have been so welcoming. Their objective is to fatten me up before I leave. The smoked trout, (Hervey caught)spread is killer. Feels good to rest my bum! Huckleberry ice cream sandwich!

Big climb up Bannack Road. Close to 8000 feet. The landscape is changing as we head south.  Camping at 8000’ is very cool. Sun bouncing off the 10k’ at sunset, sweet. 

Thought I would share the third time map of the ride, second map  for Montana.  Met up with Olin and Mark, father and son. Started in Helena and they are going to Colorado. Note that they are hammock users.  Lots of rain at suppertime. The group is discussing the big day tomorrow, climbing and crossing Fleecier Pass. A reputation of being very difficult. 

Picture is now on the walls of the bike hostel with hundreds of other Great Divide rider’s picture. High up in the mountains are blooming flowers. Silence except the birds singing and the bees buzzing.  Cross the CDT several times today, this means your climbing. 

for a town of 50 residents, they sure know how to cater to the trail riders and make it fun. The town has access to showers, laundry, good food, beer, bike stand, supplies etc. it’s a fun little town that makes you want to stay. Did I mention huckleberry ice cream. Also some unusual sleeping accommodations including a jail and Tee Pee Looking west from Ovando