An easy day, and it would have been even easier without the headwind. Can’t really complain, though, as it was flat for about 10 miles and then downhill all the way in to Riggins. The day did warm up nicely once we were on the bikes, and the scenery was lovely. Even the traffic wasn’t bad; much better than yesterday. It was really a pretty ride as we followed along the Little Salmon River (and crossed it 4 times). We gradually left the irrigated farming lands and as we rode down, the stark hills rose up around us.
First up - we crossed north across the 45th parallel.
Some scenery along the flat section.
Some pictures of the Little Salmon River.
The third crossing.
More downhill........
And into Riggins.
Despite our best efforts st dawdling, we were still in to Riggins by about 1. Riggins appears to be at the confluence of the Salmon (apparently the longest free-flowing river in one state) and the Little Salmon. It’s a very pretty location. They didn’t have room for all of us at the Riggins Motel, so 4 of us were dispatched to the Salmon Rapids Lodge across the street. Jackpot!! I think it was a birthday present. We usually call the secondary lodging the Bates Motel, but this one is the Waldorf. We have a riverside room. The patio outside the main lobby is beautiful!
A bunch of us went for lunch at the Cattlemen’s Restaurant, run by the amazing Kate who happens to be a vegetarian. A bit of irony there? She was a constant stream of stories and a whirlwind of a woman. Barbara bought me lunch and Kate served me homemade cake and ice cream. A walk through town, contemplation time by the river, and dinner at the trailer complete with a chocolate birthday cake. A very lovely birthday, indeed.
Stats for the day:
55 km / 34 miles from New Meadows ID to Riggins ID
347 feet up, 2421 feet down
Temps: 8C to 20C. Mostly sunny. Mostly headwinds.
We’ve finished 11 of our scheduled 21 days of cycling so we’re about halfway. Stats to date:
1012 km and 30,534 feet of climbing.
Happy birthday Sue! That's one to remember.
ReplyDelete