First Rain

Hi,
We're waiting out a rainstorm in Grangeville, ID, but hope to head out soon and get to Kooskia, ID down the hill. It's been two epic days.

We spent the evening with Paul and Vicki Wares and Adie Mille at the Double Diamond Ranch outside Baker City on Saturday night. We had some awesome tacos and talked about the West, ranching, water, our plans for when we get to Montrose, and various other things.

They are doing all organic beef/lamb and we wish them the best as they continue to care for their land and animals. See their site at www.doublediamondranch.us....They'd be happy to ship you some of their beef (and ask for Vicki's taco seasoning recipe too : ) Also, we saw a family of foxes while we were out feeding the horses. Thanks to the Wares and Adie for their hospitality....come see us in Montrose sometime!

After some pancakes, we had a big day to the bottom of Hells Canyon. Had a huge climb outside Richland, but it was a downhill ride most of the way. Slept at the bottom of the canyon and got an early start on Monday morning. As you can imagine, it was a big climb out of Hells Canyon, but it was cloudy and great riding weather. We just kept going and going...got to Council, ID (our planned stopped) and wanted to keep going. I told Jenny that if we got to Riggins, we'd get a hotel room and that did the trick. We rolled into Riggins after an awesome descent along the Little Salmon River. It was a 110 mile day! We were encouraged by a woman standing by the roadside looking at her truck's engine. She looked up with a pretty surprised expression and said bluntly to her friends "They're gonna get where they're goin." I guess we looked pretty determined : )

We felt those miles this morning. Started with an espresso stop in White Bird, ID and had a huge climb with about 7 or 8 switchbacks from 2,000 feet to over 5,000! Clouds were rolling in and the wind was moist, cold, and fast. We got to the summit about 30 seconds before it started raining and ducked under a overhang at the White Bird Summit Lodge. It's this ranch/B&B/outfitter that does guided hunts. We talked to some relatives and they invited us in the lodge. Jenny went to the bathroom and I walked into the "mount" room. Bewildering! This guy was an international hunter and had everything imaginable hanging from the walls...Alligator, Musk Ox, Bear, about 15 deer, Elk, Cougar, and a freakin Giraffe! We did not pass judgement and said thanks for letting us get out of the rain.

After a wet descent we are now in Grangeville. Weather looks wet for the next 2-3 days, but we're thinking we may get to Missolua a day early...we'll see.

Sorry no pictures. Library computers usually don't let you download stuff. I'll try to get some up in Missoula. The bike is riding really well! Thanks Dwan and all the guys at Co-Motion.

We've been telling a lot of people about the cause and they seem interested. So far we've raised $2,620.00...OVER HALF WAY to the goal!!! It is so exciting to know that even this craziness can be used to help others. I got an encouraging note from the Financial Officer at Thirst Relief and wanted to share it..."Your adventure has already funded 52 biosand filters which will provide health and life to over 500 people in need." Thanks for all your encouragement and support.

Back to the bike...

Love,
Scott and Jenny