Day 10 Heron, MT to Libby, MT 62 Miles

​Elevation Gain 3,000 feet
 
Moral – Grin and Bare It
 
I got a terrible night of sleep! The weather forecasted rain, heavy at times, wind gusts up to 40 mph with temps in the mid 50’s. That had me concerned. Mike was going to drive me out at 7:00 AM. I set the alarms because we were right on the time zone change - in mountain zone now. My watch changed and reflected correctly but both my iPhone and iPad kept bouncing between Pacific and Mountain. So that kept me up as well. Mike and Cookie had to make breakfast for their guest so I couldn’t be late!
 
7:00 AM came and Mike drove me out to SR 200 and politely waited in the rain to make sure I was okay. So nice! I had to adjust fender because of a rub and off I went for the next 62 miles up route 56, which I am sure is a beautiful road but this is all I saw:

​I wish I could have shot a few photos but it was miserable, wet & cold, headwinds, uphill and couldn’t see above a couple hundred feet….
 
If these rains represent baptismal water my soul must be cleansed of every sin I had ever and will ever commit. It just rained, rained, and rained. I didn’t stop anywhere because I knew once I stopped I would be chilled and even more miserable. My fingers were so cold and the iPhone was so damp that it was inconsistently functioning making the day even more frustrating. I got into Libby and spent five additional miles looking for the U-Haul place. Finally found it then changed into dry clothes but feet were so cold that they were stinging like needles hitting them from all directions. NOT A FUN DAY!!!  
 
Drove over to Columbia Falls as I couldn’t get a room in the local places.  Even the 100 mile drive was rain and no visibility. This area is so beautiful but the weather was hiding it. I checked in and immediately start the routine: charge the electronics, wash the clothes, and figure out a dinner plan. 
 
After some research I decided to walk over to Three Forks Grill. Very neat, small, and friendly place. I had cauliflower pakoras with lemon Tahini sauce - which was yummy - followed by an elk burger with pickled onions, cheese, and special sauce. My waitress grew up in Twisp where I was held up a week ago - intersecting lines. While eating at the bar I met a couple, Linda and Jon. They live in East Glacier and we started to share stories and learn more about the area.  They were very friendly people. As a matter of fact, when I go through East Glacier later in the week I will either stay with them or at least have dinner with them. I had to perform the Betty Jo penny joke which they and the staff enjoyed. Who wouldn’t?!?
 
Even though the ride was ugly, really ugly, I was rewarded with a great, great meal and new friends and delightful conversation. Nice day over all.