Sunday July 15, 2012

We woke up this morning to some light sprinkles. I went out to move the bike undercover to dry it off and pack up. There were 9 other riders who stayed at the hotel and a few of them were drying off their bikes also. As riders do, we talked about bikes, rides and weather. I eventually made it back into the hotel to get Myrna so we could have breakfast. You know, one of the best things about this retirement ride for me has been meeting people from all over the country and Canada. In fact Myrna has asked me several times "who are you and what have you done with Steve". You see Myrna is usually the social one! I guess the road, fresh air and retirement has changed me! Well, we put on our rain gear and finally got back on highway 2 under cloudy skies, 68 degree temperature and light sprinkles that lasted only a few minutes. After the sprinkles we ran into some pretty heavy fog that lasted a few miles. Our goal today was to ride through Glacier National Park and stay the night in Bonners Ferry Idaho. As we entered the Glacier Park the scent of pine was so amazing that it was almost intoxicating! I have been through countless forests and have never experienced the pine fragrance so intensely. It lasted for miles as we drove through the east park. Once we entered the west park we noticed the skies turning dark gray-almost black. Within the blink of an eye the skies opened up and we were hit with a thunderstorm and the craziest downpour of rain. The rain was so heavy it was puddling in my lap and knocked out the intercom system between Myrna and me. It was very difficult to see the road but we were eventually able to find shelter at a helicopter tour business. Poor Myrna was so terrified, but didn't want to scream out, for fear of startling me. Once we stopped she was able to relax a bit. She is such a trooper! I know many of you reading this had your doubts on whether or not Myrna would be able to do this ride. I think she has earned her co-rider badge. Once the thunderstorm moved on, we got back on the bike under rainy skies as we made our way through the Park. We continued to have off and on rain until we reached Idaho. We arrived in Bonners Ferry and checked into a bed & breakfast motel that I found on-line. After the kind of ride we had today, the room was a perfect reprieve for Myrna, cute and comfy! Since we did not stop in the mountains for lunch, after checking into the B&B we rode downtown to eat at a brew pub that the desk clerk at the B&B recommended. We were glad we went there the food was great and the service was awesome! Bonners Ferry is a quaint little town, since it was Sunday most businesses were closed. We hope to visit a few of the shops tomorrow before getting on the road. We travelled 317 miles today for a total of 8,972. Myrna has rode 3,617 miles so far!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.