I woke up this morning to discover that a bird had landed on my water bottle cage and pooped on my bike. Shayne found that pretty funny. Within 1.5 miles of leaving Grangeville, we got to the other side of the hill that we had struggled to get up yesterday and enjoyed 8 or 9 miles of complete downhill. It was a lot of fun and we picked up quite a bit of speed. I am glad that we are heading in this direction since the descent on this side is much more gradual. It was absolutely beautiful as we followed the Middle Fork Clearwater River most of today.
We still had a little head wind today, but overall it was a fast day. I averaged almost 13 mph as we covered over 56 miles. We are camped at the Apgar Campground about seven miles beyond Lowell in the Clearwater National Forest. Most of the Forest Service campgrounds we have encountered are still closed for the winter. So while the services are turned off, we have the place to ourselves. (And we aren't paying to stay here!) Lowell was the last opportunity to refill 
our water until we make it to Powell (about 65 miles and 2,000 feet elevation gain away.) Powell is 13 miles from the Lolo Pass and the Montana border. We will make it there tomorrow, refill on water, and then decide whether we want to push it over the pass or spend the night there.
our water until we make it to Powell (about 65 miles and 2,000 feet elevation gain away.) Powell is 13 miles from the Lolo Pass and the Montana border. We will make it there tomorrow, refill on water, and then decide whether we want to push it over the pass or spend the night there.
