Day 6::Salmon, ID - Lewiston, ID

 Today we rode 347 miles.

We started bright and early from Salmon.  We were both awake at 5 a.m. and decided that was too early so slept til 6 a.m.  The ONLY bad thing about the Sacajawea Inn...no coffee until 7 a.m.  There were two convenience stores close by and Dave walked to both of the and they weren't even open yet.  Needless to say, I was afraid our day was going to be ruined by no coffee but he did get a cup or two at 7 and then we were on our way.

One thing I have to say about Dave is he is accommodating.  And thoughtful.  When we got to the Sacajawea Inn he came out of the bathroom and said, "I have bad news but I think I can fix it.  There is no shampoo and no conditioner."  I had decided to just use hotel shampoo/conditioner while we were gone rather than pack it and worry about it leaking or spilling.  So off he went to the grocery store to buy me shampoo and conditioner.  And he also came back with a travel hairdryer!  I had decided not to pack mine and use hotel blowdryers.  So now I have everything I need.

Yesterday our day was brutal due to the twists and turns, low speed limit and high wind.  Today we started out pretty chilly but it was very pretty.  We knew there was rain in the forecast but have you ever watched the news in a town you're not familiar with?  NO idea on the forecast and exactly where the rain was going to be.  A little rain never stopped us before...it started out cloudy and the sun finally peeked out of the clouds around 9 a.m.

We could tell rain was ahead so stopped to put our rain gear on and, of course, Dave made friends with a Canadian.  Everyone we talk to says our route will be absolutely beautiful.  They are right and every day seems to be more breathtaking than the last. 

Just south of Hamilton the storm clouds rolled in.

We pushed on and finally stopped in Lolo, MT for breakfast so Harley got to sit out with his rain hat on.

  When we got done eating, it was looking like it was going to clear off.  

No such luck!  We pretty much got drenched.  But by the end of our ride, we were dry and it was hot so we stopped and took off four layers!

The ride was breathtaking.  The next two photos are of the gazillion pine trees along The Crags and Clearwater Mountains.

The pine scent was very heavy in the air.  It was like Christmas in July!

We pulled over in this spot to take a picture of the Lochsa River.  Every single curve looked like this.  The river wound back and forth our entire ride.

The distance between Lolo, MT and Lewiston, ID is 205 miles.  Once we got just past Lolo Pass, it was downhill all the way to Lewiston.   The sign at Lolo Pass said, 'winding road next 99 miles.'  It was winding and we never stopped once.  

We got into Lewiston around 3 p.m. having gained an hour going into Mountain time.  Harley was having a little issue with a noise so we stopped by the Harley dealership and the mechanic rode Harley and didn't think it was anything serious.  He tightened up a couple things and we were on our way to the hotel.  We ordered Italian in and Dave went to the store for beer and wine.  And now I'm doing a couple loads of laundry.  

I could seriously get used to this.  Retirement is looking might good about now.

Tomorrow:  Cranbrook, British Columbia

{Dave just informed me the last town we go through in the U.S. before crossing into Canada is GOOD GRIEF!}

Dave also wants to have a quote of the day. Today his quote is:  "When the sign says 'Winding Road next 99 miles, you know it's going to be a good day."  {Rick R.}