When I arrived at Mark and Joe’s trailer, Mark asked me how many burgers did I want.  I said one, but he made two for me and I ate both.  Despite eating constantly, I’ve been hungrier than I think I am.  

We talked about a lot of things, but where we connected best, was when Mark and Joe talked about the economic and social troubles that Montana faces.  Mining has been a key industry in the past, but environmental concerns have really hurt the industry.  Copper mining in particular has been horrible for the environment.  Mining companies have broken promises and left behind environmental disasters.  Joe told me about a place that is so toxic that if a swan lands on the water, it will die.  It is apparent the economy out here is not great, many run down ranches and structures along the roadside.

Mark and Joe said they invited me for diner because they have two friends that  have gone on similar bicycling adventures.    Those two friends tried a similar trans America ride, one made it and the other quit in Minneapolis due to boredom.

In the morning, after no encounters with any bears, I returned John’s unused bear spray.

 I finally crossed the continental divide and got clear of the Rocky Mountains.  I’m sure I’ll hit some big hills over the coming weeks, but I hope I’m done with mountain passes for a little while. The climb up to this pass was moderate in difficulty. 

Once over the pass, the terrain slowly leveled out and I had a very nice tailwind. It’s funny how cows watch me go by, sometimes the entire herd will be looking my way.

I’m camped in a Fishing Access Area a couple of miles west of Simms, MT.  This camping area is free.  The people here have been real friendly.  One fellow who is headed to Alaska, offered to charge the battery I am using to keep my phone charged. Keeping the phone charged is a constant challenge, I’m keeping it in airplane mode as much as I can.

828 prior plus 67 more miles today = 895 total miles.