Ugh.....

Last night was interesting.  I had a difficult time coming to peace with the sound of the river and our neighbors.  So many spaces to choose from and they camp right next to us.  Of course they had to yell to be heard over the river so we also got the benefit of their ‘late night’ conversation.  I do understand that ‘late night’ is relative and might be different for bikers who get up a 5:00 a.m. and most everyone else.

I crawled out from under the sleeping bag about 7:00 this morning, broke camp and took a shower.  Hit the road about 8:00.  This is a crazy road.  Yesterday afternoon it was truly life endangering.  It is a road that is used by logging trucks-sometimes doubled, RVs, semis, boats (on trailers of course) and everyone else.  Speed limit 65.  This is in no way a straight road.  This morning when I got back on to head north I was greeted by a road sign that indicated it was a road shapes like a snake.  Very shortly beyond that the speed limit of 65 was posted.  A few feet beyond that was a Watch for Rocks signed.  Followed by a Watch for Game sign.  Again the speed limit was 65.  Unlike yesterday the traffic was fairly light.  Believe me God heard a Thank You from me.

So I headed for Kooskia – found some camping at the City Park.  It was free. The only catch was the automatic sprinkler system that turns on at midnight.  Not feeling very comfortable with that choice I waited until the men pulled in.  After a little discussion Jerry and I rode off in search of another campsite which we found across the river.  It was not the Ritz (whatever that is).  We found a campsite, the woman told us the rate was $10.  Her husband gave it to us for $20.  The toilets were flush but that is about all I can say for them.  When I checked out the women’s I could have written my name in the dirt and dust on the seat – which, I’m happy to say, I didn’t.  There were spider webs and spiders in the bowl.  I tried flushing but they just moved out of the way and then back again.   Thought I could use the men’s if I had too but happy to say she cleaned it up and it worked just fine.  The shower is another story but you’ll have to check with the guys on that one because I didn’t need a shower that bad….

It started to rain around midnight and continued on to the present moment – 6:00 p.m..  The guys, not wanting to ride in the heavy rain with logging trucks going up and over the pass, piled in to the car with all our wet gear and we headed for Missoula, MT.  We made it.  Stopped at the Adventure Cycling home and talked with some of the staff there.  We are presently following their maps –the concern was over the traffic the Coaster had been encountering and if it would get better or not.  This has become a real issue, a safety issue and a comfort issue.  It could very well effect the outcome of the trip.  There is rumblings among the troops.  We’ll have to wait and see what plays out.

So tonight we have wimped out and are in a motel for the night.  T-storms are predicted and our tents are still wet from last night, our Coleman stove has a major flaw and our new Kelty tent is leaking.  That being said – tonight we will be warm and dry.  Ahhh....(almost).