Sorry for not posting this earlier, but we were tired, plus there was no phone reception at Lochsa Lodge and you could only get Wi-Fi if you stood between the dining room and bar, on one foot, while singing. So we waited for today. The lack of connectivity for about 36 hours was a slight nuisance but mostly delightful.
We continued up Route 12 on the Clearview River then the Lochsa River, which was even more picturesque. The Lochsa has world class white water rafting. The season is already over, but you can easily see how wild a ride it can be when the snowmelt is going full tilt.
For the record, we’re seeing wildLIFE too, not just roadkill. Today we saw ten of this year’s goslings swimming together in the fast moving river, a mother duck doing the same with four new ducklings, a bald eagle in flight, and a great blue heron in flight. We’d like to emphasize one of the benefits of doing this by bike – we would have seen NONE of the above if we were driving. All sightings were a function of going slowly enough and close enough to the river that we could peer into it or easily stop on the shoulder to just look and listen to the rapids without causing a traffic problem.
Later, we met Eric coming the other way on the road. He was bike-packing with lots of gear on a mountain bike, five days from being finished with his ride from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Solo adventure travel is his third career after being a software developer then getting his law degree and making partner. He likes his third career best. Duh!!!
The highlight of the day was easily our stop at the Weir Creek hot spring 70 miles into our ride. If you aren’t local, or haven’t been told by your hotel where to look, you won’t find it. There was no signage. It was a 15 minute hike into the woods from where we parked, a perfect 105 degrees, and very rugged. We soaked for 15 minutes, put our bike clothing back on and the last 25 miles felt great!
We are now into huckleberry territory, delicious in baked goods and ice cream.
Tammy and Eric lovin’ the adventure bike life
Your are in great country. Highway 12 is the most beatiful stretch of paved road along a river. I have kayaked the Lochsa and it’s one on the great white water rivers in America with outstanding scenery. Also have stayed at the Lochsa Lodge a couple of times.
This is awesome! You guys!!!!!
Beautiful country out there. Loved visiting and hiking the Northwestern part of the US. Keep on rolling.🚵🚵
That Weir Creek hot spring looks divine! Surely felt restorative for the legs and soul…