Helena to Three Forks, MT

First a special thanks to those who have hosted us along the way. To Dennis and Sue, to Jane (and Bonnie), to the Marlatt's. Each of our hosts have been a blessing to us and a safe refuge from the storms. Thanks for the amazing food, the hot showers and entertaining stories. It meant the world to us. (And Annie, hope you enjoyed the addition to your hair book.)

Yesterday we enjoyed our time in Seeley Lake. This morning we woke later than planned and thus our day continued. We reached Canyon Ferry Lake at 1pm and after Amanda chewed out her bike pump, we started biking up some pretty serious hills. Brittany and Amanda feared that the entire way would consist of such hills, however, after about five miles the terrain flattened out and a strong tail wind sent us on our way to Townsend. Our top speed was around 38 miles per hour down a major hill, but we averaged about 15-17 mph. Along the way we encountered elk crossing the road, white tail deer, a ferocious farm dog that nipped at our heels, and prancing mule deer (two crossed right in front of us and another pranced alongside us for a while first). The last two miles to Townsend the wind changed and we fought a strong headwind. We were thankful that it was only two miles, but the next leg of our journey did not prove to be much easier. After lunch we headed South towards Three Forks and struggled. At one point we laid our bikes down and laid in the ditch to enjoy being still in the sun. Needless to say, we averaged a whopping 9 mph. That's for you Steve and Emily... In fact, this whole day is for you. Congratulations on your marriage.

Anna set out from Canyon Ferry Lake and made her way towards Townsend. We all agreed before the trip began, that we would never drive over 55 mph to save on gas. So far, there haven't been too many angry drivers and the view of the road has been beautiful (like the Land Before Time.) In Townsend Anna set out to find cooking pots and a grill top. A guy named Ernie suggested that she dumpster dive at the end of town, and she did, but with no success. In the end, she spent a good while at a glass blowing store watching the artists make soap dishes and found one pot for $5. Later she drove on into Three Forks to find a place to stay. A kind lady in an orange caboose (Welcome Center) helped her find a cute cabin near the Lewis & Clark cabins.

Currently we are sitting in Wheat Montana drinking hot chocolate, eating cookies much deserved. We are tired and we think it is time for dinner.