|
|
MENU
|
Day 19 - June 26 - Sula, MT to Jackson, MT - 58 miles Click on the thumbnails to view larger pictures.
|
|
|
|
| The Sula KOA was only halfway through the construction
area. We wanted an early start to assure being past the zone
before work started for the day. The KOA manager agreed to get up at
6:00 to make us breakfast. We arrived at the Country Store/Restaurant 10 minutes early to find her already cooking
our breakfast. The scrambled eggs, bacon, and 2 giant pancakes were just
what we needed.
With the early start and some hard riding we made it through the construction area just as the construction guys were moving heavy equipment into place. It felt good to finally be on a paved road again. Once through the construction area we concentrated on climbing another continental divide. At 7241 feet, Chief Joseph Pass was the highest one we crossed yet. The climb was a tough one especially near the top where the grade reached 6%. Actually the climb crossed 2 passes. The first took us within sight of the Idaho state line, and the second was the continental divide crossing We took a break at the summit and then enjoyed the short, fast downhill toward the Big Hole Valley. While on the descent we met transam riders Bob and Virginia. They warned us about the bad mosquitoes coming up in the valley, stating they were so fierce they could catch you while riding. Entering the Big Hole Valley we again saw the beautiful snow capped Rocky Mountains. It wasn't long before we discovered that Bob and Virginia were right about the bloodthirsty mosquitoes. We stopped once to take a picture and were instantly covered by a swarm of hungry bugs. We think they were biting even before they landed. Back on the bikes we could see them following us and occasionally land to make another strike. We had planned on camping in Jackson, but after experiencing these critters those plans changed in a hurry. It'll be a motel tonight! We had lunch at Fetty's Cafe in Wisdom and of course the main topic of conversation in the restaurant was the mosquito problem in the valley this year. We didn't call it a problem, we referred to it as a plague. Some of the pests even followed us into the restaurant. Time for their lunch, too, we guess. We have a room at the Jackson Hot Spring Resort. The rest of the day was spent drying out camping gear, fending off mosquitoes, and clearing the motel room of them so we can sleep tonight. |
|
