Cruising Lolo Pass

Today I headed up Highway 12 to Lolo Pass and beyond. I visited with a friend who works at the Visitors Center on the Pass and then went in search of hotsprings. Unfortunately the two locations I was hoping to soak were packed with folks. A scene that I wasn't digging on so instead I brought Tischer down to the Lochsa River, which the highway follows, to play. I waded and she swam. The day was beautiful and warm. A little more driving than I would have prefered but worth it.

I actually took a nap in a pullout just after crossing back into Montana. When we got back to the highway 93 crossing I found the motivation to strap on my inline skates. There is a paved trail that I am used to riding. It is rarely interupted and smooth, and with the Northshore Inline Marathon only a couple of months away, a skate here and there is probably a good idea. I can see and hear the giggling from those of you who know who you are.

It took me 20 minutes to do a little under 7 miles one way, but on the way back I hit a wall. Plus, I had a head wind and a slight uphill climb nearly the whole way. It took me 40 minutes to get back. An hour skate over all. It was one of the toughest outings I've had, perhaps I was still taxed from the relay.

Tischer and I walked in the South Hills for a time in the evening and I met some folks for a tall beer afterwards. Very little is so refreshing.