This is our third of four weeks in Polson, Montana.
On Monday, we were able to fulfill a bucket list dream of cycling on the Hiawatha Trail that runs fifteen miles from Montana into Idaho. Rails to Trails is an initiative in our country to make bicycle/walking paths out of former train routes throughout the United States. I first rode on one in the nineties when visiting my brother in Park City, Utah. Though trains have ceased to run on these tracks, communities throughout the country have converted them into paths that are ideal for mountain bikes. Most of the trails are unsuitable for road bikes because they have skinny tires and would flat (the tires) on the terrain. Mountain bikes with their nobbie, wide tires, can easily traverse the dirt and gravel paths.
Our day began by dropping off Bear at his favorite doggy day care and then driving 120 miles to exit 5, off of I - 90. We followed signs to the east portal of the beginning of the Hiawatha Trail. After checking in with the trail marshal, we began our fifteen mile ride to the west portal or end of the Hiawatha Trail for bicycles. This 15 mile trail included 5 tunnels and 6 trestle bridge crossings. The first tunnel was 1.7 miles long and was an adventure in itself. Bicycle lights are required for the Hiawatha Trail and we learned quickly about that necessity in the first tunnel. What a spectacular time we had viewing incredible scenery and learning a lot about the train that once ran on the Hiawatha Trail.
Route of the Hiawatha (East Portal Parking Lot)
Roger and I before we started cycling on the trail.
The entrance to the St. Paul Pass Tunnel (this tunnel is 1.7 miles long)
Bike lights are required because there is no lighting in the tunnel.
Trestle Crossing
This trestle curves
Roger taking a break in the middle of a trestle. The scenery is spectacular.
After riding down a 2 %, downhill path for 15 miles, we reached the end of the trail at the West Portal (located in Idaho). At this point we could have taken the shuttle back, but no, we wanted to ride the 15 miles back to the East Portal.
This is a picture of the 1.7 mile tunnel from the other end.
Roger has just come out of the tunnel.
Bikes are loaded and ready to drive the 120 miles back to Polson.
Riding the Hiawatha was not the most outstanding event that happened to us this week. On Wednesday morning we drove to Missoula, to pick up our granddaughter Abby at the airport. Abby flew with her mother, Suzanne, to Denver and then by herself to Missoula. Roger and I were able to meet her at the gate. We feel so lucky to have Abby for a little over two weeks.
The next morning, it is a belly rub for Bear!
Bear, Roger and Abby working on a new toy.
Friday morning, it is breakfast in bed.
It was a rainy day so we drove up to Kalispell to see "Monsters University.
Shopping in Kalispell
Waiting for the movie to start.
On Saturday morning (with the sun shining), Abby decided to try out the pool. The pool is heated to 80 degrees, but the outside air temperature is only in the mid-fifties.
Not too cold for this Texas!
Skyla and Abby playing in the pool.
We look forward to another week in Polson with Abby. Thank you for checking in with us this week.
