It's finally cooled off, and the high meadow I'm camped in is buzzing with various insects and flutter-byes, gophers, bird, and tons of different wildflowers. Well, the wildflowers don't buzz without help, but they have it.
I'm camped at McDonald Pass at 6,320 ft, on the continental divide, about 18 miles downhill to Helena. Today started off warm and overcast, the afternoon was hella hot, and the late afternoon had been cooler as thunderheads formed and began to block the sun. I will likely get whalloped up here tonight. Today was 63 pretty much all uphill miles for 5:10 on the bike. It goes without saying, I figure, that the scenery had been amazing.
Last night in Ovando continued to develop. I joined some locals in my very first game of horseshoes, which it turns out I am good at. 4 bikers ended up staying in the town, two divide riders, one of the L&C riders I met in Powell, and me.
Divide riders are intense! I was sleeping in the jail when Michelle from Rochester, NY arrived at 11pm. They ride all hours. She had great stories to tell, and being a sponsored rider has great gear and a full titanium 29er (mountain bike). Her loaded bike weighs less than mine unloaded! She also is carrying barely anything, which is also intense considering what she is doing is much more difficult than my trip.
Needless to say, I will be slowly acquiring gear and my extended next tour will be the great divide trail. Also, think my future tours will have no stove and only 2 slightly larger rear panniers. It's time to lighten up.
For now, bed, I only got 5 hours of sleep last night.
ILYI
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