Day 8 Ione, WA to Sandpoint, ID 84 miles

3,000 Ft gain
 
Moral – Somebody is watching over me!!!!
 
The weather forecast had rain projected from about 9 - 11 a.m. and storms starting at 2:00 p.m.
 
I decided to hit the road at 6 a.m. to try to get to Newport - 50 miles by 9:30 a.m. & wait for rain to pass then heading Sandpoint, ID. Most of the start was flat - finally a flat start! Finally got a chance to see some wildlife. I saw a fox running across a pasture full of cows resting. Next was a skunk in a ditch a bit ahead. At about mile 30 I came up on a crest and down the road was bear about 200 yards up. I immediately hit the brakes and got the camera out.
 
“Wait….don’t be stupid….think…..photo or be breakfast????”
 
Decided to turn the music up to full blast and wait for the reaction. I am happy to say he responded by running into the woods. Whew!
 
I got into Newport and sat in McDonalds for about two and a half hours as the rain came. Inside were two retired guys, probably 70’s, who obviously meet regularly to chat. They asked a few questions and one gentleman left. The other guy, Bill, and I started talking about the trip, where we lived, and life experiences. Bill was born in Seattle and did a stint in a smelting plant in Pecos, TX.  When that plant closed he came back up to Everett and worked at Boeing for 20+ years. Bill learned how to be a diviner - a skill he utilized in building his house. Of course - where to dig the well?! I didn’t realize besides locating water it can also predict flow. As we were talking about the route ahead, Bill suggested I stay on the north side of the river even though the traffic will be heavier and faster speeds. The proposed route had a lot of tight curves and traffic could be challenging. He mentioned that a young woman who was visiting out here and jogging tragically was hit by a logging truck. I listened to Bill.
 
As I pulled out of McDonalds I threw on the rain jacket. Ten minutes later it poured for about 10 - 15 minutes. Again while traffic was heavy most were courteous. About two hours later I pulled into Sandpoint. I went to the hotel - took a quick shower and took the camping gear that I had shipped here to the post office & shipped it to Iowa. I think I can make to Iowa in mid-June without that gear - plus it saved me a couple hundred dollars for not getting the trailer!
 
Coming out of the post office I walked a few blocks over to the downtown area and discovered the gem. Check out the photos on instagram and FB! I went into a gallery and bought a gift for PIF. A surprise!

Well - like all the other days I was hungry and thirsty. I walked into microbrewery called MickDuffs and settled into a nice beer. I ordered fried calamari steaks that were fabulous and equal to the brew.   I started talking to Scott, who was raised here, spent time up in Alaska working in oil drilling and now is back here doing the same. He spends a lot of time traveling over to North Dakota doing rigging work.  He was very helpful with the route planning.  At some point I had to do my new favorite joke that Betty Jo taught me! It went over well. Then I had to share it with Julie, the manager. At first she was apprehensive but we got a smile out of her. Very nice place, food, brew and staffs were the best so far!

​Tomorrow is a light day - 36 mile, 2K feet, no town specifically, just a logistic space to stay as the next closest place is another 65 miles. There is forecasted rain early so I’ll rest and start around midday.
 
This blog finished the first section of the ACA (Adventure Cycle Association) section.  Their app is a great tool and resource!  Great organization that promotes trails and bicycle safety….Please join and donate!

I thank every person who decides to put a smooth road surface in. What a difference it makes!
 
And last THANKS TO PIF, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND SUPPORTERS.
 
If you have been following the story and haven’t donated please do so.  Next week the CAA students will be having their talent show in the QC.  Please go and support these talented students!