We were sorry to leave Linda and Dave’s RV park this morning. They were both up early supply us with carafe after carafe of coffee. But soon we were on thee road. If you were not getting your coffee fix from Linda and Dave . . .this was the place to be in Ione!!! The sheriff was just leaving on his way to work and the USFS had just pulled in next. Ahhhh working . . . what a distance memory.!!!

Still rolling in Ione, WA!!!

We road across the bridge to the other side of the Orville River over an open expansion decked bridge. Sort of creepy looking down and seeing the water as you roll across . . .

. . .better to look downstream and the beautiful view that was awaiting us today. We would have a 52 mile ride down the River, and through the Kalispel Indian Reservation. We had heard they had a buffalo heard and were anxious to see it. We also heard the 8.5 mile of LeClerc Road that runs through their reservation is a famous ‘speed trap’. Shouldn’t be an issue for us.

But what about bicyclists!!!!

BEAUTIFFUL riding, no traffic, cool temps and great scenery. This is what bicycle touring is all about.

Soon I met Elaine who was out for a walk with her pup, Rags. I asked Elaine about the buffalo herd on the Kalispell Reservation but she had never heard of it. We’ll see!!!!

In the middle of nowhere was this Washington State version of Stonehedge. No sign or information . . . just out in the middle of a field!!!

Another unique mailbox. I guess the USPS must allow any kind of mailbox decoration as long as it is at the proper height. Wouldn’t work in our neighborhood!

Having been in the fire business I had to stop and check out the local fire station, where as most volunteer fire  departments, are looking for help.

Boy . . .to bad we missed tis community event. We would have made a dent in their food supply!

We entered the Kalispel Indian Reservations, checked our speed and were on the hunt for sighting the buffalo herd!

Soon we came upon the tribal headquarters building. Modern design  . . .

. . . and sure enough there were buffalo . . . a ‘herd of three’. We were expecting 50-60. Maybe the rest were scattered in the pasture. We would keep our eyes open as we biked on through the reservation.

We  came to the  Madreas Grotto and thought  it was a good time for a mini lunch stop.

David pulled out his iPad and checked out the grotto info online before he and Rod decided to climb up the bluff to see it. After 15 minutes of climbing the trail petered out and they never found it!

Seems like the garbage man had not been around to the grotto for a while . . . but no sign of bear activity.

Right next to our lunch spot was this little cave. We called it good and got back on the road . . .

FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) has a big dam spillway project on the Orville River and we rode by access points all day.

As we neared OldTown/Newport out home for the night the river widened. We had a slight headwind but it was VERY refreshing. Perfect end to a perfect biking day.

As we crossed over the bridge into Newport we passed through a small chunk of Idaho. Sort of a teaser. Tomorrow night we will be in Sandpoint, ID . . .

. . . but tonight we are staying in the Fire Science Building of the Newport High School Firefighter Academy. Evidently they start recruiting their volunteer/professional staff very early in life

Here is a shot from the loft of our home tonight .. .

. . . where Corvin may have found the most unique place to sleep!!!

Some are sleeping in the instructional room tonight and some are camping out on the athletic field. I will be camping next to the engine I am expected to respond with if they get a call . . .

. . . and as I work on today’s journal entry . . . I AM READY TO RESPOND!!!!