Hi!

We stopped in missoula for a night and had a really great time thanks to some new friends.  We had had a second 80 mile day and were pooped.  Having a futon to sleep on was simply maaaaarvelous.  Thanks, Roe and co.! 

Then we proceeded east on 200 out of missoula and camped at the Russell Gates campground.  RG is one of Montana's many fishing campgrounds. Note: MT charges you more to visit, camp, and fish if you are not a resident. 

Then we headed to Helena, which promised a campsite on the state map but did not deliver. We were pooooped again, and in asking a family at the park if they knew of a campground close, Will secured us a place to sleep on the family's new lot.  Way to go, W!  Conversation can be so productive!  Also, we cleared the continental divide at McDonald Pass, which was much easier than Washington Pass, possibly because we were already much higher.

Will got a voice recorder and a small radio in Helena, and the radio has been super sweet.  Classic rock has re-entered my life and it is indeed a pleasure.  Also, it keeps the extrovert AND the introvert happy on this trip.

Yesterday we made it to Skidway campground in Helena National Forest. We saw a moose!

Most of hwy 200, 12, and 294 have been incredibly beautiful. I saw one of the most beautiful places I've seen in through rolling hills out here. The photo is on my camera, though, so it will have to wait until August.

Will is pounding back the trailmix and encouraging me to eat more. I'm trying. I learned that a cinnamon roll is not good for a ride snack. Calorically it's fine, but it sits heeeeavy. Will knew this. I did not. So riding yesterday was tough for me. Will says I did not train right for the trip. That is, not enough junk food.

We are aiming for 90 miles today, so I better jet!

Also! I left some shorts and a jersey somewhere. Maybe missoula. So, I'm down to two shorts and oneish jersey. .:)