To Pataha and Clarkston and Orofino
Day 11/May 12
We hadn’t done any extremely long days just because of how accommodations fell. We would rather do a shorter day than do over 70 miles, especially considering our luck with the wind. We were thrilled on this morning when we stopped for breakfast in Pomeroy to see a loaded cyclist pull-up. We invited him to sit with us and he told us that he was doing the Lewis and Clark Route in segments.
We forewarned him about the road ahead, which for us was mostly downhill. A storm was forecast, so he headed to where we had just come and we continued on to Pataha, a tiny outpost in the wilderness. And what an interesting place this was. A singing local bought an old mill that he had dreamed of owning for a very long time. Not only has he restored the mill, but he has also used the property as part of his ministry. What was very interesting about the restaurant at this mill is that all meals are offered on a donation basis, something that we hadn’t seen before.
We met some nice people who were helping with the onsite computers and networking. The were staying at the complex in a house next to ours. There are a few houses at the Pataha Mill, which basically function as hostels. It was a very convenient place for us to stay and spared us from having to cycle 70+ miles. We hope that we can return here again and spend some time.
Day 12/May 13
This was Mother’s Day last year. It started with the perfect gift for any mother, the climb up Alpowa Pass. Fortunately for us, there was little traffic to contend with. At the top of the pass, there was a nice flat and level rest stop. We seemed to be on top of a plain, but would go down for 5 miles after we left. This was a decent descent, which ended up hurting my hands as I seem to like using the death grip on steep downhills.
We should have made really good time into Clarkston, but our good friend, the headwind came up and held us back. Since we were only biking a short distance, it was more of an annoyance than a serious hindrance to our day. We arrived early enough for lunch and had time to wash some clothes and re-organize, something we seem to have to do on a daily basis.
Day 13/ May 14
Everyday we got closer and closer to what for me the most intimidating obstacle on this trip: Lolo Pass. We were getting into more desolate areas, with poor quality roads. We had heard much about the Swift trucks and that they were forbidden from traveling on Route 12 because they had caused so many accidents. We would be on Route 12 for a few more days and hoped that we could safely traverse these sections.
Orofino was a pleasant little town with a grocery store at the opposite end of town from where we were staying. We lucked out with accommodations because when we originally called, we were told that a golf team had taken up the entire motel. When we arrived we were pleased to hear that there had been a cancellation, so we did not have to worry about plan B. We have been lucky and have always arrived at our destination just after lunch time, so we never feel rushed like we did those first few days.
Tomorrow, we have to get an early start to get to Lowell. I had read so many journals about this stretch and imagined what the road ahead looks like. The scenery was always stunning although the riding may be a challenge as it is a long gradual climb just until Lolo Pass, where the climbing becomes more strenuous.