The Map is a LIE

Hikers hut - again, pano fun

Well, the map and descriptions are actually spot on. The "Elevation Profile" is deceiving. It makes the ride from Mt. Sarrail to Elkford look like 45 miles of downhill. NOT the case. Not even close. My screaming quads are laughing at me for believing the saying, "What goes up, must come down." That is a fallacy. It is incomplete. Here's the complete version, and the truth: "What goes down, must pedal back up, coast down a bit, then pedal twice as far up again." THAT's why we were ambitious and decided to put in 50+ miles on day 4. Thank goodness for a tiny hotel (Elkford Motor Inn), laundry facilities, hot shower and lasagna/pizza! (We're sure Paul R. is choking if he's reading this...yes, we put that in our bodies, but we NEEDED it!)

Horse/mule herd grazing by trail

Made our first Divide crossing today: endless views of majestic, towering peaks tickling the clouds. Lucious green valleys cut by the river below. Our first view of life was our ride through a herd of horses/mules in the middle of nowhere - a few of them even had bear bells on! Not much to write, just hellacious climbing in between our little downhill coasting. Lots of mud from yesterday's rain, but more beauty than can be described so I'll just post photos. (and enjoy the afterglow of that hot shower!)

Stopped for lunch: who put this picnic table way out here?

Horses, breath-taking views

Look So Cal - running water!