Day 56

Sunrise through the pines.

Ten more miles down the old TR road. Utterly quiet this morning.

Finally came upon the cause of all this lake business: the libby dam.

A fairly impressive structure, but what struck me more was the eerie observation decks posted about the area. Concrete structures of early 70's modern architrcture with an industrial touch, paired with the silence of the morning and the signs of neglect made it an odd scene.

The incandescent lights hummed even in daylight. An unattended bathroom was tucked in a bunker. Yellow tiling. The lights were on and the vintage fan hummed away though I was sure I was the first person there in days.

After the dam I crossed over the river, looking much more lively and free in its unimpounded state.

From there to Libby I enjoyed a quiet road running alongside the railroad tracks with hardly a soul to be seen.

Approaching libby, I could see the peaks of the cabinet mounains rising above the town's bordering ridges. I've heard of these mointains, and was curious to find out what they held.

Libby was nice. Stopped at the public library but didn't stay long as some folks began setting up for an outdoor play on the lawn. Didn't stay but I'm sure it was a smashing performance.

Dropped by the ranger station I  the way out of town and asked about some hiking. Got some tips and had some things to mull over while I rode the next leg. Ranger told me if I wqs taking highway 200 west I should absolutely stop by Kootenai falls. I was, and I'm glad I did. Funny how exciting rushing water can be.

Now this is how a river should look! Walked across a teetering rope bridge to the other side where I had lunch on a rocky beach. After a soothing vreak by the riverside, I exited and passed by a large family of Mennonites, speaking thier language. 2 women in bonnets and full dresses, and young men all in suspenders. Thay must be darn hot on a day like today.

The rest of the way was plain, but hot. It wasn't without achievement however:

Camped on Bull lake. Had a short swim, but this lake is full of millfoil, that incredibly pervasive stowaway found on the hull of motorboats. A damn shame.

Gave Breezey a deep clean. That thing deserved it. It's the real Mr. 3000, not me.