The bike is good project began life in 2011 as a transcontinental bicycle adventure. As we pedalled from Seattle to Boston it grew into something even bigger. Life from the bike became life as we knew it, a way of engaging with the world that was much richer and honest than we had previously known. On our return to Australia we have tried to continue in the b.i.g. spirit, still happiest pedalling!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Day 104 Boonville to Inlet 75km

The hotel turns out to be an excellent idea after all, the rain is coming down heavily outside, while we are snug and warm, tucking into breakfast. By the time we are ready to roll, the heavy rain has turned into a light mist, and the clouds have insulated us against the cold of space. The wet weather seems to keep everyone off the roads, we enjoy a beautiful 18 miles along the deserted Moose River Road, well except for this little guy.


It seems that we have been plunged into the depths of autumn overnight, trees that I'm sure were yellow green yesterday, are now a deep red, for an Australian abroad this change of season is a constant source of delight, and the misty rain seems only to add to the atmosphere. (you will notice I have been working on my chipmunk impersonation)


In the true nature of autumn the weather clears as we pedal higher into the mountains, and we get the pleasure of seeing the effect of sunlight on this beautiful scenery. We are charmed into stopping in Old Forge for lunch, where a bowl of chilli AND a stack of three pancakes covered in syrup seemed like a great idea. Until I had to get my bloated self back on the bike for some strenuous hill climbing, not the best feeling in the world! We decide to take the chance that the state forest campground 5 miles out of Inlet will be open, and we are lucky! Riding into camp we are rewarded with yet another idyllic spot. With even more luck we find that the host is a bicyclist fan, and let's us stay for free! We meet a couple of canoeists who are heading out to an island on the lake to camp overnight, this prompts a stroll down to the lake, with the less than creative name of Eighth Lake, but despite it's less than inspirational name, it is a gorgeous spot.


We are back in bear country, to my relief we can only we eaten by the smaller black bears here, rather than the larger and more ferocious grizzly bear. But once again I insist on following all bear precautions and regardless still spend the time before sleep claims me worrying that every noise is an approaching hungry bear. Through the calm ears of reality all I hear are a pair of owls having a bit of a chat. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

1 comment:

  1. Jackie and LizSeptember 24, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Beautiful! Oh, and I forgot to comment on the homefries you seem to be enjoying. That word seemed to roll off your tongue...er...fingers...as natural as anything! A true convert!

    JD

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