Day 57: Out to Lunch

August 1, 2022 in Kamiah, Idaho

One of the most unexpected (but good to know!) things I've learned about myself during this trip is that I sleep wonderfully in hammocks.

I woke up feeling refreshed and comfortable, and almost entirely over my crippling fear of being eaten by a bear.

After packing the truck and having a quick breakfast, Caroline and I set off in the truck to scope out the next host site. We didn't have any service on the ride, but I had downloaded the new Maggie Rogers album for us to listen to in advance.

Our favorite songs were Horses, Shatter, Begging for Rain, and That's Where I Am. Not for nothing, it was a really gorgeous album to be listening to while driving through the Idaho forest.

Once we got to the host, we were finally able to take showers. After biking and camping, it was one of the best showers of my life.

After stopping for some coffee on the way back to the riders, we arrived at lunch (which was on the banks of a river).

We weren't hungry yet, but we were able to walk along the river and enjoy the views while Corbett pranked everyone by convincing them his shoe was floating down the river when it was really just in Zoe's backpack.

A couple hours later, Corbett tricked everyone again and said he'd caught up to it and jumped in the river to get it. Most people still think that's what actually happened!

There was a huge hill at the end of the ride, so we had plenty of time to kill while the riders were on the road.

We'd passed a thrift store on the way to lunch, so we stopped in on the way back. We both tried on some Levi's we'd found, and Caroline found a pair that fit perfectly!

We also met a couple and their daughter buying a wedding dress and suit so they could elope today. They were so giddy and sweet, and their daughter was just as excited as they were. They were all going to jump into the river in their fancy thrifted clothes after they went to the courthouse.

After that, we came across a Nez Perce burial hill site, and did the short walk to check it out. The burial hill is called the Heart of the Monster, and it is the birthplace of the Nez Perce people. It is so wild to me that something so important could just be just off the highway.

The riders who were still on the road stopped for milkshakes, so we stopped at a delicious local bakery. I had a strawberry milkshake, a strawberry pecan salad, and some potato wedges, and it was the best meal I've had in weeks.

After even more circling the riders, we finally got back to the host. I fit in a thirty-minute nap before I had to head out to do laundry, which is one of my chores this week.

By the time we got back, a potluck community dinner was being served, and I stuffed my face once again.

After a quick bike clean, I was ready for bed and another day on the road.