I couldn’t find a cafe so started my day with a can of cold raviolis and a banana from a little store…It was 52 F and partly cloudy when I left Ione. I had a relaxing day pedalling through beautiful landscapes and no mountains! My route was going South along the East side of the Pend Orielle River. About a mile out of Ione I came upon a big flock of wild turkeys in a field. It looked to me like the hens were teaching the chicks how to forage- a hen would freeze with her head down and then a chick would run over and eat something off the ground. I saw two more flocks along the ride and I enjoyed watching them. Then about 5 miles further along, a deer darn near ran into me and I almost crashed trying to avoid her. I have had three near misses now- I think I confuse them because I am going so much slower than the cars and motorcycles. The road I was on had little traffic- 5 cars passed me in the first 25 miles. I pedalled through the Kalispel indian reservation and had a marginal lunch in a decrepit cafe. I rolled into Newport around 2:00, checked into the hotel, did laundry at a laundromat then had a margarita (ok, two) and dinner at the best mexican food restaurant in Newport. Daily mileage 57, total miles: 461. Tomorrow I will pedal into Idaho, my second state!
Ione is in a beautiful setting on the wide Pend Oreille river:
Turkeys in the field (look closely):
The deer that almost hit me:
Another view of the river- the big pilings in the river were to direct logs downstream to the mills:
My spartan hotel room at the Newport Antler Motel. It really doesn’t matter how nice the rooms are- as long as they have a bed and a shower:
Dave Bikes America 
I love the pictures that accompany your notes – almost as good as being there, but lots more comfortable… Smooth roads tomorrow – happy New State!
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Thanks!
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Hey, how bad can a hotel room be with a fantastic deer antler light hanging from the ceiling?
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I wonder if I was in a suite?
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Glad it was an easier day. The MS people will be in Sandpoint, ID Monday and Tuesday nights, Tuesday is one of their days off from riding. They know you may text them (see email for phone numbers).
MS cross-country rider Chandler told me the first week is the most difficult, and you are past that now! Watch out for those vehicles, including ones that make a right turn turn after passing you! Keep your wheels down!
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Fred, I just passed them about 6 or 7 miles W of Clark Fork, ID. We waved at each other as we passed- I saw perhaps 6 – 8 riders?
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I don’t know if you’ll be going through Michigan, but I hear if you hit a dear you have to take it with you – no leaving roadkill on the shoulder! Be sure to get a pic of the dear strapped to your bike if that happens! 😀
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I think if I hit a deer, the deer is going to be carrying me away…
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You have been more successful in your challenging ride than me figuring out how to leave a message. Don and I have been toasting a few Lagavulin’s and some fine Irish whiskey to your logins. Stay safe.
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I think Jim & Peggy are meeting me for dinner tonight. Perhaps we can toast you back tonight!
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Thanks Cliff- safety, staying hydrated, eating enough and Lagavulin are all foremost in my mind.
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