23 July 2012

Jackson to Darby MT 76 miles (TransAm 3,253)

Gina is focusing on her finances these days, perhaps because she is nearing the end of her trip and has budgets to carefully consider lest they run out before she reaches the Pacific. Yesterday it was shopping the 40 percent off sale at the Patagonia outlet, today it’s the breakfast of egg, ham, French toast, and tea that only cost her $5 at the local cafe, followed 10 miles later by the free historical movie at the Big Hole Battlefield National Monument. This latter event was not nearly as uplifting as the former two, being the site of the largest battle fought between the Nez Perce tribe and U.S. Cavalry forces, where the tribal casualties were at least three times those of our government and included women and children. Talk about not playing fair.

After this uplifting history lesson, Team TransAm continued on, cycling up and over Chief Joseph Pass (7,241 ft), taking them once more across the Continental Divide, and then down to Lost Trail Pass (7,014) and beyond to Sula and Darby. What’s awaiting Gina in Darby? First of all, cell service, leading to second of all, messages from her Aunt Verla. Apparently Aunt Verla and Uncle Duane packed up their car in Sioux Falls to drive 1,000 miles west to catch up with our little Gina in Missoula, tomorrow’s TransAm destination. Another family reunion to come.