July 4. After an 8 mile return to pavement, it was only an hour drive to Missoula to Katie and Brian's home. We hadn't seen Katie since she came to Jennifer's graduation, but hadn't met Brian or their two year old Norman. Sharon also met Julie, Katie's Mom.
We parked Ernie in the back yard, and we went with Julie into Missoula for a big lunch at the Iron Horse before heading to Julie's, and then we continued on to Rattlesnake Recreation Area, where all but Brian went for a hike. At Norman's pace, not the fastest, but certainly entertaining. Then back to Julie's for a pleasant evening meal and music, courtesy of Brian and Jenny.
Day 2, July 5.
The forecast was for Hot, a high of 97. So we all got out for a hike before it got too warm. Julie prepared a wonderful lunch for us after the hike, and then the shopping began.
Sharon and I drove Ernie to REI, with hopes of spending a bunch on a new watch for me, new boots for Sharon, a chair to replace the one that broke, and a few miscellaneous items as we saw. Alas! Our luck didn't hold. No inventory for watches or boots or any better chairs than what we had, but at least we could replace the chair. And Sharon found a new pack to replace the old torn one.
Then we went across the street to Costco for some food supplies. We also broke down and bought a pair of bear spray cannisters, with holsters. We've been hiking in bear country so much it seems like a worthwhile investment. Also, Black Box was only $13.49, so we bought 3 (I was tempted to go for 4), and rotisserie chickens for dinner, along with cereal, juice, and whatever staple we were low on.
While we were shopping, Katy and Jenny went off in search of a mountain bike for Jenny to rent. Ultimately successful, we put the bike on our rack for a trip to the Hiawatha Trail tomorrow.
After some chicken and potatoes and good conversation, we all retired for a full day tomorrow.
Day 3, July 6.
The plan was to pick up Jen at 7 for the two hour drive to the Hiawatha Trail. We got started a few minutes before, and arrived before the ticket office opened. When it did, I got our tickets and then the woman asked if I knew where the trailhead was. I said no, and she told me to get back on the highway to exit 5, and follow the signs. I told her I thought we'd drive to the bottom since we're riding it round trip, and figured it made more sense to ride uphill for 15 miles in the cool morning, and then coast back in the heat of the day, did that make sense?. She said okay, and said the directions were the same.
Since the Hiawatha Trail is in Idaho, I got back on the interstate into Idaho (the ticket booth is at Exit 0, at the Welcome to Idaho sign), pass Exit 1, and then Exit 67, and I had a bad feeling. We exited at Exit 65, then drove back to Montana Exit 5, and started off on a dirt road with signs for the Hiawatha Trail.
After a couple of miles we reached the "top" trailhead. We continued on, thinking driving to the far trailhead will just be a few minutes. Dumb! Shortly after the western trailhead turnoff, the road devolved from two lane drivable hard pack to one lane washboard with random rocks and a plethora of potholes wide enough to absorb either of Ernie's dualies, and seeing around the endless blind corners of the twisty road just made it more fun.
It ended up being a 45 minute drive, and coincidentally, another 45 coming back. And while I was expecting a 4% grade, it's was significantly shallower, maybe only 2% or less. So we rode sedately up against everyone else coming down. When we started we had the trail to ourselves, with the number of downhillers slowly increasing as we rode.
After a nice bite at the top, we headed back, an Jenny and I made excellent time, with Sharon not far behind.
Returning to Missoula we got a ride downtown with Julie for a pizza party at Biga Pizza with Brian and Katy and Norm, and Ron and Malea! I haven't seen Ron and Malea since Jennifer's high school graduation, and it was nice to catch up with them. A good time had by all, stopping for ice cream by the waterfront and watching standing wave surfers, and then watching Jenny hold Norm in a chariot while Brian is riding the adjoining horse on the carousel.
Heading home to Brian and Katy's, we all caught up around Brian's bug chasing campfire, sipping his homebrewed ale, and listening to he and Jenny play lovely music. Bliss.
Pictures are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/oSfRQ9FguzB7QyjW9
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