Day 7 Colville to Ione 42 Miles

Elevation Gain 3,000 Feet

Moral – Reflections

Now at the end of day 7, 6 Biking, 375 miles (better than 10% of the way). Elevation Gain 29K Feet

Day started rough - within 1st mile my gear shifter become disengaged. Quick call back to “TEAM AMLINGS” and Kevin helped me get it back together. Whew…

Again, the climb started at about mile 2. What is it about these early climbs? Are they testing me? Honestly I struggled - had to practice patience and keep my mind focused on the long haul not my immediate speed. Somewhere around mile 14 a local bicyclist came up on me and we started talking.

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Greg moved into the area 2.5 years ago. He hung around for a mile or so talking (me breathing heavy.) He is a pastor in the 7th Day Adventist Church and has two churches up here. It was pleasant to have company. Quickly he sped ahead as he had commitments and I lumbered on. At about mile 16 I was feeling okay, did a check and realized I had already done 80% of the climb. Boosted my spirits! So at mile 30 the downhill was going to start - stopped to take a picture of what is now my favorite sign.
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It was at this point when I heard the song from Mike and the Mechanics, In the Living Years, come on. I was blessed with great parents! As I started down the hill I was singing at the top of my lungs the lyrics - almost welling up with emotion as I know not everybody is so lucky. When I thought I about the lyrics, I felt I had to SHOUT OUT…..MOM I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR SETTING MY ETHICS, VALUES, CONFIDENCE, SPIRIT!!!!

​Got into the hotel - what a great spot. Town is about ¼ mile away.

Walked into town and had lunch/dinner at Block Bar and Grill - great burger. Met the silent partner Betty Joe.

Betty Jo, grew up here, married at 14 and she and her husband moved to Alaska and raised a family. She and her grandsons now run this place. Her spirit reminds of my mom's. She takes no BS and is straight forward and has some interesting tales. She is young at 87!!! Just like someone else I know.

After listening to her stories, she is also a Leo, and the woman barely into the picture is a Leo and expecting a Leo birth. 

Betty Jo tells me a joke with two pennies on the table - coins Face up.

"Do you see 2 cars?"

I say "No."

"2 Lincolns, she says."

She flips the coins.

"See any snakes?"

"No," I say.

"2 copper heads!!!!"

She then looks at me and says… "Do you see any sex?"

.....I say, "No…"

She replies, "For two cents - you never will!!!!!"

See? She has the same spirit as the Queen of Canton, Md.

Truly intersecting lines!!!!

The hotel - River View is exceptional - great place to stay! Owner is friendly, room great, wow!

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