26 July 2012

Missoula MT to Lochsa Lodge ID 59 miles (TransAm 3,379)

Welcome home to the great Pacific Northwest! To some, Idaho is known as the Gem State. I generally think of it as the Potato State. And pink. Idaho was always pink on the maps hanging on our elementary school walls. Washington was burnt orange, Oregon was leprechaun green, and Idaho was puppy-belly pink. That is how I picture Idaho.

To get to Idaho, Team TransAm had to first get out of Montana. The start of their ride was on the “horrible, loud, and fast-moving” Highway 93. I guess Gina didn’t like that part of the route. Probably why she soothed her nerves ten miles later with a hot tea and muffin from the Lolo Conoco station. I wonder, though, if she told a white lie there and actually medicated with something stronger, for next thing she’s telling me, she’s getting directions to Idaho from the Lewis and Clark mannequins. I suppose they do know the way, having crossed the same pass over 200 years ago. But then again, they aren’t real. And why do they look all male-model-pouty? Lewis and Clark were old-school explorers who probably didn’t bathe for weeks on end, not pretty boys with plucked eyebrows nor the slightest hint of a five’o’clock shadow. Something is amiss with these mannequins.