Entering Montana

Today's short 55 mile ride from Powell to Missoula was a challenge because of the climb to Lolo pass at 5,235 ft, combined with a surprising headwind on the opposite side of the pass. During the ascent, drivers were incredibly supportive, including one that gave me a round of applause as I neared the summit, which helped sustain me during the taxing climb. On much of the descent, the road was along the Lolo Creek which may have been less spectacular than the Columbia or Clearwater, but it featured great wildlife ranging from a moose, many deer, and one eagle's nest at the peak of a tree along the road (including plaintiff cries from the nest and an adult eagle who watched me carefully and did a few fly-bys until I moved on).

It's a thrill to hit my fifth state and watch the odometer roll over 1,500 miles. Mentally, entering the Mountain time zone makes me feel like I'm an hour closer to home!