Nitty-gritty

Ahh, some much has happened over the past week, less this become another lovable but boring travel blog we shale try to cover only the humorous and epic elements for the time being.

Milestones and Pain-
Though the crossing of the North Cascades was surely trying, our assent of Marais Pass, elevation 5220 ft, proved to top it. Apparently northwestern Montana has decided to bypass autumn entirely and proceed directly to frozen wasteland. Lets just say heavy headwinds, homicidal truckers and snow, yuck!

On a lighter note, as we approach the fabled millennium, I am contemplating an appropriate celebration to follow up our warm fizzy Fat Tire beers at 500 miles.


Eating America-
Ahhh the food report; dinners have quickly become a mainstay of the trip, as has the legendary chiliburger.

Fact: over the past 5 meals Iain has consumed chili-based products 4 times…
So, as not to turn out tent into a gas chamber, we have proposed eating healthy…I'll let you know.

Local color-
What’s the best part about eating in dinner and gas stations all the time?...The people of course!
Here’s the honor roll so far:
The Oliver family, of Twist Washington, who took us strangers into the comfort their home. The husband, a local pastor, who’s life long dream has been to peddle across America even gave us a sincere prayer to send us on our way. Thanks to these wonderful individuals.

Mysterious crazy woman of Grand Coulee Washington-
A first we thought you were mute and actually in trouble when you cornered us at our diner table, but alas you were too high/crazy and you momentarily forgot how to talk. Thanks Heidi Hoff for handling this situation so compassionately.

Cowboy cyclist outside cute bank Montana-
I talked bikes with this friendly middle-aged man with a big cowboy hat for a few minutes at a Louis and Clark roadside monument as his wife immortalized the moment on her video camera. And then they drove their Oldsmobile with South Carolina plates off into the distance a yellow Lance era Nike team baseball cap proudly displayed in the back windshield.

Overheard in…Shelby, Montana!
Me: “Oh, ah I actually don’t need a bag”
Clerk Lady: “Well at least you didn’t say ‘I’ve already got one at home,’ I hate that one.”
Me: “Ahh, ha ha”

Me: “I have the feeling that this shamey is about to become an adult diaper.”