Ferndale to Seeley to Lincoln via Ovando, to Marysville via wrong turn, to Helena PHEW!

Checkin' the map

Missed fireworks but got an early start out of Ferndale (Base Camp) and started some long climbs through some snow crossings at the top at gorgeous Red Meadow Lake. Rigorous climbing was FINALLY rewarded with screamin' downhill fun. Of course, it didn't last long enough and we were forced to grunt our way uphill on the way to Cold Creek. I wouldn't say we make a lot of noise getting uphill but at the crest there were 3 couples in their rhinos waiting for us - "You'll never see any bears making that much noise!" one of the guys hollers. "That's the point!" I holler back. We all had a laugh - nice running into friendly people to chat it up and take a breather. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has been uber friendly.

Lorne hiding from the mosquitos!

 Found a perfect campsite complete with pre-built bear hang, to call home for the night...apparently the world's largest colony of mosquitos liked the location too! We've been planning our days around the steepest climbs happening early in the day; not sure if that's a great idea yet, but it's working so far. "Little" climb before we rolled into the one and only gas station/market/post office in Condon. Again, we meet the coolest people -- this time we met a couple of fellow "Dividers", Jeff & Cameron, from New Brunswick. They're traveling light and fast (and 1/2 our age LOL). We all ate some snacks on the porch of the mini-mart and joked about trying to find the right foods to keep our bodies happy under the new pressures of cycling all day.

Seeley Lake tent cabin

Took the road to Seeley Lake where we enjoyed the luxurious tent cabin and showers at the RV Park. We thought that the fireworks were over and we were in for a quiet night sleep -- NOT! Apparently Montanans LOVE their fireworks. The first batch started at about 10:00 (just after sunset) and set off what seemed like the Great Seeley Lake Firework Wars. One side of town put on a 7 minute show, then the other side of town answered with 10 minutes. The North Side followed with another 10 then South with another 10. Each time the pyrotechnics seemed bigger and louder; we were too tired to get out of the tent to watch, but lay silently watching the colors displayed on the side of the tent.

Creekside for lunch

Ginormous Fungi (?) who can tell what this is?

Made it to Ovando for a late lunch then rolled into Lincoln (think Lincoln logs) - another quaint Montana town with a main strip about a mile long. The plan was to be in Helena by Wednesday, crossing the Divide twice with strategically timed camping in between. What ACTUALLY happened was this: we climbed the first pass (FOUR HOURS of pedaling uphill). Stopped for lunch with the mosquitos by a creek and filtered MORE water - then tried to go as far as we could toward the next pass before camping for the night. HOWEVER, we kept going further (CLIMBING) thinking that there would be a better spot ahead. At about 5:30pm we decided the safest/best place to camp was near the entrance to a huge property where we could secure our food from the beasties. BUT NO...that was not in the cards (remember, Montana allows gambling). So we pushed. Um literally. I pushed, while Lorne hammered away at his pedals. Still climbing and ever closer to our second Divide crossing we decided to go for it. 

Between Divide crossings - views of forever

Second Divide crossing in ONE DAY = VICTORY!

Loving the LOADED Carbon wheels!

FINALLY, at about 8:45pm we made the crest of the Divide for the SECOND TIME IN ONE DAY. We took our victory pictures, scanned the map then agreed on the wrong turn. It was too much fun flying downhill for miles - should have known it was too good to be true. Finally, approaching a turn at Ottowa Gulch Road, we realized our mistake. Now nearing dusk, we look back up at the mountain we just conquered and consider riding back up to get on route. NOT! NO WAY, I'm not going back up. We agree to roll down into Marysville -- I mean, it has to be a town -- it's on the map, right? 

Elevation profile

Passing the cool cabins with endless yards of green, we come to the sign indicating Main Street. Better not take any more chances so we turn. There are literally eight buildings, six still standing and two actual businesses (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, of course). It's so late now everything is closed, but we hear the banging of a hammer on the rooftop of the Mason Lodge. Lorne shouts up to the workmen and inquires about setting up our tent in the vacant lot next door. "Come on round back here. There's a better spot for a tent, and you can even use the outhouse," came the reply. Pat and Paul gave us a couple bottle of cold water as they ended their work day. They assured us we wouldn't have trouble with bears, but we set our bear containers aside to be sure.

Masonic Lodge

Masonic Lodge (outhouse!)

Our earliest start this morning found us in Helena a day ahead of schedule and at Big Sky Cyclery by 10:30am. The parts for Lorne's fork were overnighted by DT Swiss (no charge, and no charge for the seals! -- thank you!) and the bike shop is ready to go to work. We'll be here in Helena until Thursday morning. Resting, recuperating, jacuzziing (is that a word?), swimming, walking, laundering, evaluating our map and schedule. 

Every climb, every mosquito bite, every time I feel frustrated or tired - I remember all of you who are following our journey. I imagine you cheering us on, enjoying the adventure vicariously - and I don't want to stop. Thank you for the love, prayers, well wishes. Thank you Dennis - every time we get a tail wind!

Happy Trails!

Melani & Lorne