Chasing over the Hills - 307 miles

Another great riding day today. We crossed several ranges so the runs through the passes are the best parts. Not too much traffic in these northern parts of the USA so we had a pretty free reign.

Day17 began bright and clear in our little KOA campsite on the Methow River. A small but fast flowing stream. Somebody began ballooning early and we could hear the whoosh of the gas burner. Jack, being from Albuquerque, the hot air balloon capital of the world, is a balloon chaser in that he is part of the ground crew, so we had to hold him back.

Packed up and underway, we were looking for fuel, an electrical store and breakfast. We found them in that order in Okanogan. Wal-mart really does have a lot of stuff. Brekky was interesting in that it was in Australian themed restaurant. The food was all-American though. So we had our pancakes with egg and bacon whilst reading signs saying Fosters, G'Day and Tinny. They even had a list of Australian terms and their meanings. Anyone know what hooley dooley is? You can answer in the comments section below.

Back on the road we followed a valley of farmlands until Tonasket where we turned east and headed for the hills. We led a merry chase until we came to a town called Republic. I wonder how they vote there...

Then it was over another range to Colville. This appears to be another lumber town and we saw a large gantry crane pick up at least 50 logs to be loaded on to a train. Huge operation.

We headed north again up towards Canada and we recieved our daily dose of rain. I literally nearly came unstuck on the freshly-wet roads when the bike took a wide line on a corner. Caught it but when I gently throttled on, the back tyre spun up. I'm thinking it was only the extra mass of the trailer that kept us in line. The next few miles were ridden very gingerly indeed.

It dried out again, but when we went through the last town before the border, the sky ahead looked ominous. Don the wets and down it came. The road was better this time and we had no troubles.

The Canadian border guard was quite pleasant in this little town. There wasn't even a line-up. The usual questions and we were through.

Up into hills again and over a mountain pass, only to turn right and travel east for a few miles then south again and over another really high pass. Over 4000ft. Cold too, with snow still lying around. Down the other side was a long almost featureless downhill run and into USA once again. This time we had to wait for about four vehicles but the guard lady was exceptionally nice.

Then it was only a few miles to Bonners Ferry, our digs for the night. No campgrounds in the town and the weather is a bit iffy anyhow so we got a motel. An older establishment but with a full kitchen in a separate room and ample beds - all for only $64. Bargain.

Just a few photos today:-

Colourful - glad they don't drop stuff

Running beside the Methow River

Town of Republic. That silver caravan is an AirStream - they seem popular.

A wild rose - we've seen these everywhere the last few days.

And these

Our daily dose of rain

Loose cattle slowed us up a bit

Metaline Chamber of Commerce building - complete with picnic table. It's a small town.

blasted out rocks on a mountain pass

Bonners Ferry Visitor Centre. The lady was very helpful - as a lot of locals are wherever we go.