Back in the U.S.A.

I should have been more insistent about getting a picture of Jan and Zack.  This morning they graciously made me a cup of French pressed coffee because they said what I'd find along my route in the first 20 miles or so just wouldn't do for someone from coffee country.  But they were in their bathrobes, so...no pictures.

Highway 21 heading south is very nice riding.  It becomes Highway 1 when you enter Idaho.  I had an easy entrance back into the United States and realized the fields of hay were surrounded by hills now, not mountains.  Unless you're from Ohio, and then they're probably still mountains.  I came upon a wild turkey hen in a patch of alfalfa.  I stopped and she ducked down.  "Not gonna work," I told her, "I want a picture."  I laid my bike down and was prepared to walk towards her, but a car came up from behind me and she walked out anyway...with 6 or 7 little chicks all scrambling for a new hiding place as well!

About 10 miles south of the border, two gentlemen crossed the highway on loaded bikes.  Dan and Rick are from Vancouver and are riding the Selkirk Loop, heading to Creston today.  They asked me if I was nervous about riding alone.  I actually get that question quite often and the answer is always the same...I like riding with friends, but I don't mind riding by myself.  It gives me a chance to think about how I am doing in this great big thing called Life.  Rick and Don told me Highway 95 has shoulders that come and go, but that there is a cutoff road south of Bonners Ferry that is very nice.  I will try to find it.  Daniel and Helen had also warned me of Highway 95 and they were right...not unsafe, just unpleasant.  With the exception of a downhill into Bonner's Ferry and a matching climb back out of it (the pavement through this section is pretty torn up) the route along Highway 95 is pretty flat.

I do recommend a stop north of Bonner's Ferry at a place called the Bread Basket Bakery.  Those women know their way around a kitchen and their cinnamon rolls "did not pass Go" but went directly to the top of my favorite bakery item list.  Too much yum for a reasonable price!

The road the fellas from Vancouver were talking about is called Deep Creek Loop.  Excellent cycling road and a wonderful respite from Highway 95.  I pedaled into Sandpoint around 2 pm and stopped at the visitor center but they did not have wifi.  The resourceful lady at the counter gave me a list of hotspots in town.  I also had her show me where the bike path is that will get me over Long Bridge.  I ended up going to the library in town, but I had to ask 2 people for directions, and y'all know how much I like doing that.

My Warm Showers host is Aubrey, who suggested a stop at Evans Coffee Roasters and it was a great suggestion.  An iced Americano with cream really hit the spot.  I rode to Aubrey's house and was waiting when HE came from the back of his house.  Aubrey is a man!  Haha...my body language was probably hilarious...I was expecting a woman...too funny.

Aubrey is in his mid 20's and one of the most articulate young individuals I have ever seen.  He was writing gaming software when he was 16 and financially supporting himself when he was 17.  He's a partner in a company called Kochava...watch them...this guy is innovative, intelligent, and creative...he's going to do some amazing things.  It is not a stretch to say he is Steve Jobsish.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him.

Tomorrow is my last full day of riding...likely over 70 miles.  I might...have to have one last burger.