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!

Browning to Rising Sun

I went from the hotel to the local supermarket last night to get some Gatorade and replenish my chewy bar collection.  There were no pavements, so I had to walk across a grassed area. More of that later!

These Harley's were in the hotel car park.

I woke the next morning scratching my legs and ankles. It appears that my walk through the grass had resulted in bites.

Phew. 

What a first 25 miles that was. We started climbing shortly after we left and it continued like that for several hours. We hit over 2500ft in 25 miles which was quite punishing to say the least.

This one gives an idea of where we were going.

Going up!

 

Me taking a photo of Leo taking a photo of me!

 

Steady 6% gradients which went on and on and on.

And then the scenery began.

Eventually, we reached the park and were fairly close to our destination.

This was our accommodation which was perfectly comfortable.

Except for Leo that is!

We found the store and a couple of bottles of Columbia Cabernet hit the spot.

Here is a ground squirrel who lives nearby.

And here is the menu. I had the Caesar salad with chicken.