Darkest hour is right before the dawn or God blessed our ass at least 3 times today

8/28: 91.5 miles from Eureka, MT to West Glacier National Park, MT.  8/28
Pre-dawn departure fueled by yogurt and granola bars. We witnessed a slow sunrise over Glacier National Park.  
The animals were active in the early morning. Several deer, Osprey, Blue Heron. We are still debating the identity of four moose-elk-caribou-deer. They were up the road 200 yards and loped off before we could ask for identification.  
Montana appears to be for sale. Not many homes but whenever we pass a cluster two or three are on the market. 
The early start brought on the need for fuel around 9:30. We passed Latté da one of the dozens of shed size espresso vendors we have seen in large and small towns in the North West. Passed on a C-store and the closed Supper Club. Finally stumbling on a nice Cafe in Flathead County. 
Maureen at the Dog Creek Lodge served up bagels w/ cream cheese, strong coffee, juice and water.   
Due to the early start we had 55 miles in before noon, when we rolled into Whitefish. Found a bike shop for minor repairs and supplies. Had a nice lunch and continued our ascent of the Continental Divide.  

A nice touch after lunch, we saw a Yak. We were on a back road and a crummy looking Toyota pulled over and a guy opened the door and Yaked. I guess he didn’t see us bikers but we sure smelled him.

Our route included plenty of views of Glacier National Park, gentle climbs, descents, some gravel. Found some of the climbs to be optical illusions. At one point asked Kevin, why am I peddling with so much effort on this descent? He responded dryly, because you are climbing. 
Shout Out or God Blessed our Ass 3 times +

– Joe LaRiche, Glacier Cyclery for his work on the Appleman bottom bracket

– Matt Appleman for his advice/support and recommendation (e.g. Schwalbe tires)

– Weather “Gods” for late afternoon clouds. 

– Sun coming back out to dry cycling clothes

ITOTD ( interning thing of the day)

Cougars on stage in Montana. I guess instead of stuffing money in G-Strings they just use the mouth 
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