Day 6 - The Perfect Biking Road

We followed the Kootenai River again today, and its reservoir (Koocanusa) for over 70 miles through northwest Montana.  We left the Kootenai & made a southeast turn towards Whitefish.  The first 17 miles were on "Old Haul" road.  We passed one truck, one train, 5 bikers, and probably scores of deer, elk or bear we couldn't see in the forest.  Such a peaceful, invigorating place to bike & think - and not about any traffic.  If you ever get the chance to bike near Libby, it is well worth the time,  Thoughts for the day:

1. It's cool to see big, long trains again, and hear their warning whistles shriek through the woods.  I prefer them to the ubiquitous 18 wheelers today.
2. Another swim in a beautiful mountain lake, again thanks to my sister's prompting.  Whitefish Lake was beautiful, warm, and empty thanks to an earlier crowd clearing rain shower.
3. It's fun to talk with my dad about the places we are seeing.  He traveled Montana a great deal for work in the 60s & 70s.  I remember the way he spoke of it then; that it is a special, beautiful place.