We packed up early in the morning and watched the local squirrel/ chipmunks dropping pinecones on our camp, thudding in the dirt sending up little plumes of dust. It was a dirty and expensive campsite, and the host was not very welcoming on our arrival. Old American Kampground it was called. Not cyclist friendly.
We had to wait until 9 for the post office to open to collect our maps for the rest of the journey. To kill time we visited the local gun store which boasted a large number of semi-automatic assault rifles and shotguns as well as pistols of all calibres. Although rather worryingly had a smaller selection of ammunition that the Walmart we passed through in Colville earlier!
Once we collected the maps we set out through Newport to Highway 2, leaving route 20 behind along with the State of Washington! We attracted a fair bit of attention all day today with a few people asking us as we cycled past where we were headed/ from. All friendly people so far on this trip.
Today was up and down all day following a large river the Pend Orielle then around the Lake Pend Orielle and up the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. We lunched just after Sandpoint, where Jake and Owen experienced their first Taco Bell, a kind of Mexican McDonalds.
Along the gorge we saw what looked like a bald eagle swooping over the road, reminding us of what a special place we were in.
On the way towards the campsite a kind man who passed us stopped ahead to tell us where the best campsites in the area were, which struck us as being very considerate of him.
This campsite was a world away from the dusty, dirty one of the night previous. With a secluded campsite area, a fire pit with complimentary wood, full amenities and at only $5 each it has been fantastic. The host of the site was warm and friendly too, offering us fresh towels as well! (I have been using a small hand towel. What a luxury a full sized bath towel has been!)
We are sat around the camp fire now, with Jake looking at the Montana state map of the route ahead and Owen filling in his journal. A few big climbs tomorrow.
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