Someone is looking out for me

     Yesterday, it was a 73 mile haul including conquerring Lolo Pass.  I found a national forest campsite just as my engine was starting to sputter.  Tired and grungy, I fumbled about, set up my sleeping apparatus , showered, dressed for dinner and feasted on cheese, bread, smoked mussels, fruit trail mix and an apple washed down with water laced with gator aid powder.  Hit the spot!  It is amazing how good even the most basic food can taste when you on the road. I have a mission which often boils my needs down to the absolute basics. Part of the challenge and fun of it all.

         I hauled out for Missoula before nine, down hill the whole way, the river going with me instead of against me (other side of the Divide).  After a tense highway stretch, I found a chez Mac (McDonalds),  clean bathrooms, no hassles.  Spent an hour searching for a crash pad.  Looking bleak, I headed out to check out a phantom hostel. Barely out of the lot, I see this guy riding a Bike Friday.  He stopped, "you look lost?", "No, just looking for a place to stay, I hate motels", " Hey, stay at my place".  Chuck Handsberry rode cross country in 1991.  He knew my situation.  Instant friendship, he took to his house, explained this wife and kids were vacationing out of town and set me up in his daughters room.  We cruised the town to do some of my need-to-do items including gourmet pizza and a few delicious IPAs, my treat.  This hospitality by complete strangers has happened three times now😳.  I am not at all accustomed to this type living.  People out here are friendly, trusting and willing to help out without a thought, amazing.  Tomorrow is an R&R day.