Signage on roads is typically pretty generic, but once in awhile they can exhilarate, like noting the mountain pass elevation as you make it OVER the peak. However, when I entered Idaho after leaving Lolo Hot Springs, the sign said “WINDING ROAD NEXT 99 MILES”, what the?! On my rides Sunday (and Monday), I found out the sign wasn’t kidding. Lewis and Clark simply followed the rivers and valleys to avoid challenging landscape as much as possible. This translates to a flowing path of least resistance and awesome beauty while “running” the Lochsa River on canoes like the L&C Expedition (or riding the parallel road in my case). It was so peaceful in the early morning through these canyons despite the brisk temp descending Lolo Pass. I visited with super enjoyable volunteers Chris and Jerry at the Lochsa Historical Ranger Station. We talked Midwest (they are “Iowa nice”), how they landed there from Iowa, and sampled yummy ripe, yellow plums we picked off the trees. In the 20+ years volunteering at the Station, Chris and Jerry have hosted over 300 Iowa students during their summers. Their retirement goal was to give back to their home state and inspire young Iowans on the “Ranger life” and U.S. Forestry Service. The kids must love Chris. He was like a hippie-Santa with his braided hair, friendly baritone voice and fun storytelling. Like all older dudes, Chris and I compared joint replacements, his from football…he’s a big strong guy and certainly needs to be to deliver all those presents!
