Sunday, May 30 It's now rained every day for seven days. Today's challenge was headwinds, five rainstorms and - unbelievably, a hail storm that had me biking towards some woods for cover so the hail wouldn't rip my Goretex jacket. It was a day of many clothing changes.
I did stop and talk to Larry, from the Kalispel reservation, who was biking in my direction. He moved from town (pop 900) to the reservation to help mom in the last three years of her life. He stayed, finding life in the countryside beauty more appealing. The annual meeting of area tribes each summer is a big festival, and the grounds next to the Pend Oreille River are spectacular.
Last night in Priest River, finishing my healthfood dinner (hot wings and pizza) in the only open restaurant on a Sunday night, I heard a guitarist doing Bon Jovi down the street. It was almost dark, it had rained again, but I was drawn. Ken used to play at Pike's Market for many years, but left after three guitars were stolen. He specialized in 70's hits, and played ELP 'What a lucky man' for me. As dark approached, I felt pressed to find the campgrounds and pitch the tent.
The Priest River Recreation Area camping deserves special mention. While some camping sites put bikes next to RVs, some put them in a corner, this one has a special area, set apart from RVs. Surrounded by woods and amidst old growth conifers are five bicycle campsites. A wood and steel post at each is designed to lock two bikes; there is a fire pit in the middle, picnic tables, each tent site is on a level sand base and has privacy. There is a bicycle repair station that holds two bikes. The fee for bicyclists is $3, and showers are 25 cents for 5 minutes. Alas, I've still only run into only one long distance cyclist.
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