Bull Lake, MT

Today we were back on the road for 95 miles after a rejuvenating rest day in Sandpoint, ID (where we got to meet Jennifer, Parker's nanny, who thought he was quite a "stud"). Our bodies were very appreciative, proven by the fact that we were able to survive 60 miles without support, meaning we had no extra food or water. Our lack of luck continued, as we had a thunder storm come down on us just as we passed the Montana border. Shelter was found at a campground right off our route, as we enjoyed some snacks which we stored in our jersey pockets.

Last night we spent the night at the same campground as another group of cross country cyclists, except they were in their late fifties and carrying all of their own gear. They all had their own causes, one of which was for battered women. If you would like to find out more on them, please visit her blog at www.starjumpsforjoy.com.

Just as we passed the border into Montana, we ran across a group of Elk in a beautiful field of wildflowers in front of a mind blowing backdrop of snow covered mountains. The states just seem to get more and more beautiful. As we were enjoying this Montana scenery, the support parents were fretting as they couldn't find us anywhere on what they thought was the route. It turned out that we took a master map, leaving them no real map to follow, meaning we were on a thirteen mile side road that they did not know about. OOOPS!!! Looking on the bright side we didn't have any wrong turns, any spills, and we kept the pace lines up for almost the entire day, staying as a group.

I don't know about the rest of the group, but I feel like I am already stronger, as today when I arrived to camp I had energy to help out, as opposed to just collapsing and forcing food into my mouth. The post dinner conversation was quite lively as we gathered around the soapy tubs and cleaned off the dinnerware. The topics varied from future careers to intervis. I think tomorrow morning we'll all measure our thighs just to see how JACKED we really are at the end. (Ellie's tan line is already smokin', along with her rhymes). She made up this song on our last day in Washington.

To the tune of "California" by Phantom Planet:

We've been having fun
Cyclin in the sun
Ridin' for the Jimmy Fund
Portland, Maine here we come
Really far from where we started from

Get me straight to Maine
Pedal through the pain
RIding through the wind and rain
Portland, Maine here we come
Really far from where we started from.

As we leave the west
Cascades were a test
Washington You've been the best
Portland, Maine here we come
Really far from where we started from.

Next was Idaho
Tan lines start to show
Man my thighs have really grown!
(more to come)

Our first parent switch is tomorrow, which means the kids now have more knowledge of the intricate trailer organization than the chaperones (but not for long knowing the Stoners). Two states down!!!