Columbia Falls to Bigfork

Today started before breakfast, with Dan discovering he had a flat tyre. He changed the tube and then found that was punctured as well. The next one worked and we set off in search of breakfast.

Success.

We worked out that the considerable breeze was going to be at our backs - for a change.

We were expecting a 38 mile run to Bigfork, so had planned breakfast at 7 to beat the heat. We discovered very quickly that Dan had miscalculated and we only had to travel 28 miles. Result!

We took our time on a very lovely flat route.

We met a friendly local. We were cycling through an area which was clearly prosperous. One property even had it's own owl!

I think it was a wood owl.

We passed a Llama ranch.

We were making good time and a quick stop was tempting.

I was very tempted to find this so I could sit on it.

We arrived at our hotel too early to check in but were allowed to use the facilities and store our bikes. I got changed and went walkabout.

Nice house.

Downtown Bigfork reminded me very much of a smaller version of Solvang.

Leo and I went back to town later to eat while the others stayed in the hotel. We had an excellent meal followed by some locally made ice cream which was exceptional. Tomorrow is. Nearly 50 miles, allegedly, so an early start beckons.

Lake McDonald Lodge to Columbia Falls.

Today was a relatively gentle affair after yesterday's exertions.

I didn't get the chance to taste this but I love the name!

We had an early stop for coffee and I made a new friend.  He said that if I didn't use the bear spray, how wouldn't bite me.

The scenic views just keep coming.,

We had a nice ride along a bike trail, though I kept ringing my bell to make a noise in case any bears were around.

Our motel which is really nice.

A rather tasty Corvette from the 50s.

During a post shower stroll, I found these nice murals.

This was my meal at the Three Forks Grill. A superb burger. The beer 

was excellent as well.

Rising Sun to Lake MacDonald Lodge

That was an interesting first 3 hours!

We climbed over 2300 ft in 12 miles to Logan Pass. To make matters worse, the first 9 miles were in the process of being resurfaced, so was compacted gravel.

It was slow going to say the least but the scenery was amazing. I hope these photos give an idea of what we experienced.

We got to the top eventually.

After that, we had 6 miles or so which were downhill

Beer time.

Dinner time.

Lake MacDonald.

What a day!