Day 12 - Another Finished Trip

It was another nice night. I think the temperature is just right with the type of sleeping bag I have and I have quite enjoyed the last two nights. We all kind of slept in a bit. I imagine that, knowing that this will be a short day, we are all not in that big of a hurry to get gone. We decided to have breakfast together since we all all be riding different routes to Sandpoint today and Kaitlin, Eli, Bill and I will take off to Spakane before the rest probably get in. I am taking Eli and Bill to the airport on our way home. It sure has been nice to enjoy this ride with everyone. I said last year as I finished up the Atlantic Coast trip that I doubted that we would ever see one another again. It has just been great to get back together and enjoy such a ride. I do thank Tim and Nancy for putting the trip together for us. It has turned out so well and I hope we have added to their vacation.

This has also been special for me having the opportunity to spend this time with Kaitlin. I know that Kaitlin has done this trip because she knows I love cycle touring, but it has just been a treat to get to know her better and to spend such time together. We had to endure some pretty tough riding time and also enjoyed some of the greatest beauty that I have ever seen. I will treasure this time with her for my entire life.

It was gain hard to say goodbye to everyone, but I am hoping that we will be able to do this again in the future. It does sound like many would like to find a time in the next few years to do it again.

Today's ride was rather short. We rode 35 miles from Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint. We had a pretty good hill getting out of Bonners Ferry, but other than that, things were pretty flat. It was pretty, but there was a lot of smoke which took much of the color from the ride. When we got into Sandpoint, we just loaded the bikes and ourselves and took off for Spokane. We dropped Boppy and Eli off and we are now in Baker City, OR on our way to spend the night at my son, Chris' home in Boise.

I am always thankful for the protection that our Heavenly Father has given us on riding. I am so thankful for the beautiful world He has created for us. I again thank Carey, my sweetheart, for letting me go out and do something that I love. I do have to figure a way to get her tone with me, but I do realize biking is my thing. I do appreciate all you good family and friends. You are what makes life worth living for me.