Some time after lunch yesterday while leaving the town of Riggins I went back to Pacific Time. I had jumped to Mountain time when I crossed in Idaho a couple days earlier and now for some bizarre reason I was back in Pacific time. Time zone gerrymandering.
As previously mentioned in yesterday's posting, I wanted to get up earlier then normal and tackle the long climb up Whitebird Mountain. I woke up and looked at my iPhone and saw that it was 5 am. Perfect. I got my stuff packed, took care of some other details and found myself slipping out of town around 5:40 am. It was darker out then I though it should be but cruised down the street out of town and onto the beginning of the climb.
I looked down at my phone a few minutes later to get a time for the start of the climb and it said the time was 4:45 am! The smartest phone on earth couldn't figure out what time zone it was in and gave me Mountain time a few minute earlier. I released a few expletives and then starting laughing. Well I wanted an early start!
The climb up Whitehead was long but the grade was consistent and reasonable. Two hours later I hit the summit and enjoyed an 8 mile free fall down to the valley floor and after a few more miles I was in the town of Grangeville having coffee and a plate of everything. The ponies felt surprisingly responsive during the climb and I can only surmise that I might be getting whipped into pretty good shape by accident.
I picked up some road food for the bike at a grocery store and looked around for a bike shop. I got my first flat the day before. I saw the first Wells Fargo Bank since leaving the Eugene in Oregon and hit the ATM. Many places in these parts take only cash so it is vital to be liquid at all times.
The next 46 miles were as pleasant a ride as I have had so far. No wind, flat scenic roads following impressive rivers and all with food in my belly. For the first time in the last couple of days I could take the time to sit up and really enjoy my surroundings. If I ever get a cell signal again you might even see some pictures. I plan to replace the deceased digital camera in Missoula Montana in a couple days if all goes as planned.
I checked into the Three Rivers Lodge in Lowell and got a small room right on the rivers edge. The TV in Whitebird the night before didn't work and the one here only picked up three channels. Who needs it. I haven't been able follow any news for quite some time.....
You may get this and the next posting or two a little delayed, I have been off the grid for the last day and half in remote locations with no cell service or WiFi. I'll be back though! And the pictures should be also! I have also taken some great GoPro video the last couple days.
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