Biking with Bluebirds and Butterflies - 53 Miles

Wow, what a great first day. After camping near Warm River Monday night, we loaded the car and headed to Island Park. We had a good view of the Teton Mountains and stopped at the Lower and Upper Mesa falls. Kathy said having waterfall mist hit your face before 7am is a good way to start the day. Joel and I got on the bikes at 8:30 and Kathy ( Diane’s sister) drove the Prius. The logistics of this whole adventure became so much easier when Kathy offered to drop us off, resupply us a few times along the way and pick us up at the end. The morning was beautiful with busy Bluebirds flying in and out of their houses, loads of butterflies that would rise up and circle around us and fly alongside. The mountains, sagebrush, and abundant wildflowers added to the spectacular vistas. Red Rock Pass was my first mountain pass but not too much in elevation gain so it was easy. It is also the border between Idaho and Montana so it was time to do a happy dance.  Kathy’s timing was perfect and she arrived to take pictures. Lunch was at the campground at Red Rock Wildlife Refuge and Kathy met us there. The Trumpeter Swans were out on the lake and we biked past a nesting area. Kathy headed out on her own adventure and we continued biking under the hot sun. After 53 miles we stopped at a bridge to get water and make camp. We are in a valley of pasture land and the cows are mooing but there is not a tree around. The only shade was behind a large sign so that is our rest spot. The swallows and hawks are entertaining us tonight.