Flathead County

“The real treasure is the friends we make along the way” (Stand By Me, 1985), Setting off from Eureka I headed into the Akamina Kishinena National Park for a planned three days, totally off grid. I have a satellite link so that my nearest and dearest can track me, also in case I do run into some serious trouble with a bear, at least someone knows where to come and collect my body from, leave no trace (only kidding mum!). The climbs were totally insane, indescribable and extremely tough in parts. No one ever tells you about the parts of this trail where the “paths” are just rocks and boulders up hill for 35+miles. However the scenery was breathtaking and well worth it. With my amigos Chris and Jamie we climbed, and we climbed. As the midday sun hits my camel bag, my drinking water becomes the same temperature as warm tea, so stopping to filter clean fresh cold water from streams is a true delight. We spent the night pitched at Wurtz Cabin, and set off to do the same thing the day after, reaching the town of Whitefish, a full day ahead of my planned schedule. It is becoming apparent that the journey and the people you meet along the way is far more important than the destination, how far I get each day is a bonus. Each day brings its own surprises, and hellish moments. After 7 days on the bike I decided to take a zero day. (A day with no miles) As I woke up, a myriad of emotions washed over me, 300+ miles, 17k+ foot of climbing, and only a week into my marathon solo trip. I had a video call with my mum, who, as always, put my hat back on straight. So I pulled up my big girl pants and headed to the army supply store to get stocked up on dried food. I then had to change up my front plastic pannier bag straps for more secure hose clips. The old ones were slipping round into the wheel spokes on the descents with all of the bouncing. In June, I cycled the Camino de Santiago and on route met Americans, Lauri Ann & Andy, today I was blown away when they paid me a surprise visit, driving nearly 3 hours out of their way to meet me in Whitefish for a late lunch. I have been so lucky in my life to meet some wonderful people, friends who have been with me through thick and thin, new friends who surprise me with their support and kindness and my long suffering family, all there when I need them. This journey so far has really proven to me that there are good people in this world, kindness is shared and all around us. Give it generously and without expecting anything in return. This year has been a hard year for me, but it has been a growth year, I have stopped fixating on what has gone wrong and started to appreciate the journey, learn it’s lessons, and love the people it presents in my path.
Tomorrow I’ll be heading into the Flathead National Forest for three or four days, again off grid and one of the longest sections without towns or resupply. The daily pre ride anxiety is already kicking in.Read more