6/25-The Speed Limit is Only 80

Well, I had the whole campground (all four sites) to myself last night. I was on the road by 7:40. I knew I would be stealth camping tonight, so I didn’t want to get too early of a start. 

Good morning Montana Big Sky!

Oh, and good morning to you too Miss Piggy!

Before long, I was back on gravel. Then the route became a double track. 

Nice gravel

See the bike route sign?

Still the bike route

Ah ha! That’s why there were the bike route signs. This is a small section of the Great American Rail Trail!

While I was on the trail, I met Jim. I should say I saw Jim because this is the third time, but I just got his name today. The first time I saw him was on the Nor Pac Trail at Lookout Pass. He was mountain biking a section of the Nor Pac Trail. Then, yesterday, he went by me on the road. I thought it might be the same guy, but I wasn’t sure. Today, he was coming toward me on the rail trail. He said, “We meet again!” He was heading back to his car, then heading home. I won’t see him again. 

I came out to another gravel road (still the bike route). That returned to pavement. Along the way I saw this.

What is a submarine doing in Montana?

My Garmin let me know I was coming up to a scenic bridge (thank you Garmin). It is closed to cars. There were actually three bridges (hence the area being called triple bridges).

Railroad bridge 

“Scenic” bridge

I-90 bridge

Soon I came to the Cyr Bridge. 

Rafting company puts in down there

This was the place where there was no option but to get on I-90. I donned my hi-vis vest. 

Here we go!

Speed limit is 80!

One mile to my exit.

I only had to ride the freeway for a little less than 5 miles. It was fine. The exit took me into Alberton, my only town/services for today. I went to the grocery store, got some chocolate milk, a banana, and some donuts. I took them over to the park.

Nice park for a small town

After the town, I was back on gravel. I was riding along when I could see some baby animals frolicking in someone’s yard. Another car was stopped watching them. When I got closer, I realized they were baby bighorn sheep, and the mamas. 

So many babies!

I guess that was my “deer” sighting for today (I didn’t see any deer today). I got a video too. I’ll post it on Facebook.

Pretty soon the multiple climbs started. I got up higher and higher. 

I-90 is way down there!

I was starting to wonder if I would be coming back down to the river where I wanted to camp. I was getting a little worried that I wouldn’t be by water. The road did a big U-turn, and there was a creek. 

I decided not to chance it, and filtered water. Now I could camp wherever. 

I really wanted to get to within 10 miles of Missoula. The road did come down to almost river level, but more importantly, there was another creek. I’ve tucked myself back up along the creek. I’m waiting a bit to set up my tent, as there are still quite a few people going by. It’s not going to be the best tent site, but it’ll do. 

A little rocky, but kinda flat. 

Oh, and there are tons of butterflies here!

Today was 41 miles. Tomorrow is going to be a long one as I want to get to Hamilton.