Last night I ate dinner with Bill and Tory, two former Phoenix Police Officers, at Trixi’s Antler Saloon and it was super delicious. We ate and left before the band showed up at 8 pm, but saw many eager locals in sensible shoes showing up to listen to the music and watch the planned 4th of July firework show at 1030 pm. By that time I was asleep on the floor downstairs at the church that offers cyclists a place to stay while in town. Bill, Tory and a couple from England that showed up later were in the same boat I was in by this time of night as all of us were out like a light.

I was the first one of us to depart this morning and it was the best morning I have had riding on this adventure. The moon appeared full and large as it was setting gloriously over the mountains as I pedaled away from Ovando. The first six miles this morning were absolutely exactly why I ride in the early morning. Dozens of white-tailed deer seen throughout this time along with other four-legged beauties and birds singing their morning songs. As I rode down by a stream, it was the first time I got to smell sage on this trip. I was simply in my happiest of happy places this morning.

Huckleberry Pass would be the first significant climb this morning. I enjoyed the switchbacks and the views of the valley below. The road was only unrideable towards the tippy top and that would just be a taste of what would be coming later in the day.

As I was entering the town of Lincoln this morning, I saw Bill and Tory as they were making their turn to leave the town. They decided to ride down the main highway to Lincoln versus following the trail up Huckleberry Pass. I rode with them about a mile before continuing on solo.

Stemple Pass would prove to be a more challenging effort today than Huckleberry Pass. The four wheeler posse that passed me when I was filling up my water at a stream after making the final turn onto South Fork Poorman Road probably thought I had made a wrong turn. It was not soon after that the hike-a-bike began.

I definitely pushed War Dog more today than I have the other eight days combined. 10-15% grade with road conditions rated as “Are you kidding me?” creates the perfect opportunity to work on walking beside your partner versus riding on top of him.

I enjoyed the push and made sure to pause often and soak in the scenery of this remote area. I am so fortunate to be able to experience these challenges while being surrounded by so much natural beauty.

After slowly descending down the pass, I finally get a glimpse of Lost Llama Ranch, my destination for the night. Lost Llama Ranch is one of the places I have looked forward to staying at the most.

Barbara Nye has created a cycling oasis for those passing by on the GDMBR. She offers food, drinks, cabins and the list goes on and on. She does not take any payment or donations. She believes one hundred percent in the pay it forward payment method. She just wants us to remember the experience and perhaps take care of somebody else in need in the future.

The last two days surrounded by Americans like Kathy and Barbara makes this 4th of July holiday damn near perfect. The only way it could be better is if I was able to teleport tonight to Randy and Susan’s back porch overlooking the Columbia River and watch the magnificent firework show with my family. Happy 4th of July!