Today started early, with a breakfast of mostly Goldfish crackers and almonds. Steve and I wanted to get a jump on White Bird Hill, so we skipped the hot breakfast and left before 7 a.m. It worked out well, as we made our way up 2,900 feet in 14 miles successfully. We were both at the top by 9:15 or so, and then decided, with Vicki, to descend into Riggins for an actual meal. We ate there and were soon joined by Wanda and Dad, who had ridden about half the hill before calling it good. Wanda shuttled him to the top, and he rode into town to join us.
I really wish I could adequately describe how relieved and surprised I was that we were able to get up that hill in such good time. Since the earlier hills had caused so much trouble, and since this looked a great deal more difficult, I really was expecting the worst. Instead, we managed a nice steady climb with virtually no traffic. Amazing.
We left Riggins and the mess that is Highway 95 for Highway 13, which meanders along the South Fork of the Clearwater until it hits Kooskia. We then switched to Highway 12, which brought us here, to Lowell, along the Lochsa River. (The folks from Kansas have seen so many different rivers in the last few days that they are having a hard time keeping them straight.) It was our longest day -- 71 miles. Tomorrow we have 66 miles over which we'll gain another 2,000 feet or so. Let's hope it goes as well as today did.
Nice job Davey!
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