June 12 – June 18, 2023

Today is day four reunited with Rob and I look forward to our continued adventure through Sunday when I will leave to meet up with Sue Thayer in Bozeman. I have lost track on how long I have been in Montana – not a bad state of mind to be in for sure.

After leaving Bozeman on Monday morning, I stayed at Salmon Lake State Park off of Rt 83 and got an early start on Tuesday. I had reservations at another state park outside of Whitefish for Tuesday night.

In Whitefish, I decided to go for it and try and find Rob south of Eureka. I swallowed my charge anxiety – and yes – it is real and most EV owners will attest to having to struggle with a bout or two of charge anxiety.

Seeing the smile on his face was worth every uncertain mile along the winding Route 37 which follows along the sheer cliffs that drop down to the Koocanusa River which is dam controlled by the Libby Dam.

Libby Dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1972 and there are several recreation sites managed by the US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture. The reservoir created Lake Koocanusa – a 90 mile long reservoir held back by the 422’ tall Libby Dam.

North Dickey Lake Campground was our next stop after a cool riding day for Rob. He is a trooper and dove into the lake for his evening “shower”.

Peaceful spot above Lake Dickey

A few more adjustments before tomorrow’s ride.

Rob started early today along the dreaded Rt 93 with it’s inconsistent shoulder, high speed traffic and tight turns. The Adventure Cycling maps did include an alternate route following Farm to Market Rd [great name for a roadway that wound its way along endless pastures and around horse ranches].

I caught up with him just before he returned to Rt 93 on his final approach into Whitefish, where we met for a quick lunch before he headed off to find a better signal and set up his “office” across the street from a cell tower on the outskirts of Whitefish.

We each headed east along Rt 2 to the small town of Coram. Rob is taking the alternate route around Glacier due to the chewed up road conditions of the Going to the Sun Road. Regardless, he will climb over the Continental Divide through Marias Pass.

So far Rob has pushed the cranks around to accumulate over 782 miles! He is pleased with his efforts and continues to feel confident on the bike. I am in awe of his positive persistence.

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob