Day 8: Pomeroy, WA to Ferdinand, ID

Miles: 84.80
Total Elevation Gain (ft): 4158
Weather: Sunny, Hot
Hillbilly Insults: 0
Roadkill: 10 (4 Birds, 2 Snakes, 1 Chipmunk, 1 Mouse, 2 Unknown)
Bugs Swallowed: 0
Mean Dogs Chasing: 0

Tour Highlight: Ferdinand, Idaho. Population 145

Trust me, Ferdinand is a gem nestled in Northern Idaho, "above the Mexicans and Mormons," as my new friend Hooker, the 75 year old cowboy says.

Ferdinand was a pit stop that became an overnight stay. This place has it all; a squeaky clean bar and grill called Trestle Brewing at the Halfway Club; "Hooker," the aforementioned icon; nice dogs and the "chateau" that we were invited to stay in overnight, for free.

Mike and Kim, the proprietors of Trestle Brewing, are top shelf. Those of you that know me are familiar with my non-religious teetotaling ways, but tonight is a rare exception. There is a je ne sais quoi about this joint. So, as the night progresses and we all trade rounds, I know it's gonna be a late start tomorrow. I'll probably shout curses when the real climbing over the Lolo Pass commences.

The spartan territory of SE Washington gave way to the canola fields and foothill mountains of Lawyer Canyon, Idaho. The Rockies are looming and ready to kick my ass tomorrow. I got a taste of it today climbing out of the town Cul-de-Sac, where the townsfolk were celebrating Shebang Days, a festival of bluegrass, local food and rebel flag hats for women. I have no idea how the "War of Aggression" against the South had an impact way up here. Oh, well.

Its been great having Katy with me with the assist. Besides the company, it's been swell having my sexy beast of a mistress to ride: The 17 lb. Felt Z-25. It'll be hard climbing back on the old reliable 70 lb. Fargo after this. The Felt sounded and felt like a toy during today's grind.

Getting close to Missoula and the Mecca of touring cyclists--Adventure Cycling's headquarters.