July 22, Pioneer Campground to Beaver Lodge

Wet, cold bicycling today.  Woke up to overcast and impending storms that did not let loose until I was on the road.  Beautiful ride along the North side of what the locals call Pondoray on LeClere road for 30 miles.  Traveled through the Kalispell Indian Reservation where there was an abundance of deer, wild turkeys, and even a herd of buffalo. Smooth sailing and I crossed the bridge at Usk just long enough for breakfast and huckleberry turnovers...wild huckleberries are abundant in the area and where there are huckleberries there are bear.  They kept a low profile...as did I.  

Best Huckleberry Turnovers Ever!

Marie Eldridge (Boo Boo) owner/operator of Boo Boo's Bakery can sure lay out a great meal.  Stop and ask for the Huckleberry Turnovers.  

In Usk, Washington.  Home of the Kalispell Indians as well as an impressive buffalo herd.
Back across the river until reaching the bridge that crossed over to Ione where I hooked up to Hwy 31 and then 20 that took me over the first of four passes that I must navigate.  

LeClere Road near Ione, Wash.

I do not care how good of shape I am in or how many miles I have under my belt... passes are a KILLER!  Stayed at Beaver Lodge for the night and then it is off to Colville where I will see if my road is still closed due to forest fires.  If all is well it will be off to Kettle Falls where I must face two HUGE passes to arrive at Republic.

Yesterday's pass was a baby compared to those I face over the next couple of days.  Hope I run into other campers as I do not relish solo camping in bear country.