east glacier, montana

We got over it!

 Today was my favorite riding day of our thirteen days of pedaling. It was almost perfect even though we climbed around 3,600 feet to go over the Continental Divide at Marias Pass. The day included lots of sunshine, wind blowing both directions, beautiful views, courteous drivers which meant a whole lot where the shoulders were narrow, snack stops and lunch at the SnackWagon, nice people, trains, wildlife, and about sixty two miles connecting Coram to East Glacier.

Now . . . we are east of the Rocky Mountains and shouldn't see much of anything close to a mountain until we get to New York State. I'm happy with that, According to WAZE, we have 447 miles to North Dakota and should be there next Sunday. We will also leave the Mountain Time Zone and be in the Central Time Zone, one time zone closer to home.

The roads ahead for many miles will be everything from plains to farmlands with ranches, barns, plowed and planted fields, cattle, tractors, and wildlife. We've pedaled for thirteen days, 726.53 miles, through mostly mountainous terrain so the flat roads will be welcomed with gladness. Today's last real climb, over the Continental Divide was probably the easiest climb we've done, mainly because of the weather which was warm and dry. As we move from the mountains to the plains we'll miss all the photo opportunities but may make better time because of that. I think we must have at least 3,492 photos of waterfalls, 649 photos of rivers and streams, 4 shots of bald eagles, 4 pictures of black bears, 19 photos of creative junk, and one or two accidental pictures of our shoes in parking areas. That is, of course, a slight exaggeration, but may be closer than I'm thinking. I am so glad we are now in the age of digital photography. Film would break the bank!

Thank you, again, for all of the notes, cards, and texts. I read two of the notes and cards each morning before I pedal. What encouragement! I plan to do a blog with the names of all the encouragers in the days ahead just to say Thank You. The notes are like fuel in the tank.

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." (Proverbs 27:9)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."                   (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)

 "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." (Philippians 1:3)

Above is our comfy, little home at Jacobson's Cottages in East Glacier, Montana. I'm about ready to hit that comfy little bed. I think we've got around seventy-two miles tomorrow. Good night.

Goodbye mountains.

Encourage one another!