Great Divide Day 13: Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Our camp along the Big Horn River was excellent! Got an early 7:00 a.m. start toward the town of Wise River. Ten miles of travel along the beautiful Big Horn. Guys were already fly fishing in the middle of the river despite the cold -- highs in the 30s. Had a powerful breakfast in Wise River served up by the proprietor who had emigrated from Scotland in 1967, married the "love of his life," and established a bar restaurant and motel (all one building) in Wise River. Meeting folks along the route has been a tremendous experience. The afternoon ride was along State Highway 43 and included more beautiful trout streams: Bolder Creek, Cold Creek, Little Joe. 

We planned to stay at a place 30 miles up the highway, but couldn't find it. This required riding more miles which can usually be mentally adapted to, but of course it began to rain and blow. Fortunately, we had a long downhill. The rain was cold and hard, but the wind was flat dangerous -- nearly blew us off the bikes. Found our next option for lodging at Elkhorn Hot Springs. A half mile off route, on gravel, and in a cold down pour, we rode up to this restaurant/bar affair. Got a $55 room above the bar, complete with free breakfast in the morning and a trip to the natural hot springs swimming pool!! Wow! Was it nice. One hundred degree water. Our luck on this adventure has been supernatural. Had a great meal at the bar which closes at 8:00 p.m. but has an honor system which allows guests to get a beer from behind the bar after hours. You simply write your name on a bar tab and settle up in the morning. Western Montana! 

Kay picks us up in Bannack State Park tomorrow 24 miles down the road. We will finish the Montana section of the Great Divide trail, alleged to be the most difficult section. What a trip! An awesome piece of America. We did 43 miles today -- cold, rainy, but spectacular beauty and wonderful people. Take care.