We left Missoula on the Fourth of July around 7am after a very restful day off on the University of Montana campus. Day 10 was a day of consistent elevation gain, starting at around 3100', and following the beautiful Blackfoot River upstream. We saw many people in rafts headed downstream. Commuters to Missoula, no doubt. Just out of town, the river winds through a canyon and, at about mile 40, opens up into a wide sweeping valley--cattle ranch country.
Once into the Big Valley, I thought I saw Barbara Stanwyck, Richard Long, Lorne Greene, and Hoss (what was his real name?) riding over a hill together--but soon realized I was just halucinating after my last PB&J sandwich. At this point of the ride, huge ranches are the name of the game...this will continue for many more miles and more states. I think the animal posing with me in the top photo was on the same steroids as Barry Bonds.
At about mile 90, we topped 5000' before rolling into camp at Avon, MT (elev. 4900'), wrapping up a 101.5 mile day. Dinner was unbelievable. The fine folks at the Avon Cafe (Linda, Sue, and Chuck) catered it at our campground, with a wide array of very tasty carbs and proteins, including at least five (5) different kinds of fresh baked pies for desert: Apple, Peach, Blueberry, Boston Creme, and Chocolate Creme! It was great for fueling up to tackle the Continental Divide, early the next morning.
More later,
Marty
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Dan Blocker
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