Hello Idaho... Goodbye Idaho.... Hello Montana!

Sincere apologies for the lack of postings since Richland. Idaho had some lovely scenery but absolutely no internet access. One coffee shop owner actually laughed at Autumn when she asked if there was a place in town with wireless internet.
In any case, on June 12th we crossed the Oregon - Idaho border at the Brownlee Dam, cycling 68 miles to Cambridge, ID. We were permitted to camp in the town park under the pavilion, but not before exploring lovely little Cambridge... and attending our first RODEO! Unfortuantely you wont find any pictures in the slideshow as we all forgot our cameras, but picture this: each and every one of the 360 Cabridgeinians in attendance, each with a cowboy hat, boots, and/ or belt buckle the size of Idaho itself. Needless to say, we were pretty much beside ourselves.
From Cambridge we pedaled 82 miles (or farthest distance yet!) to Riggins, a relatively small town which is currently mobbed by salmon fishermen and whitewater rafting enthusiasts. There was not an empty square of grass to be had so we backtracked to the lovely Pine Hurst Resort and Cabins, located south of Riggins. There we met Mrs. Beverly Ford who offered us a great deal on a cute little cabin where we were able to cook in a real kitchen and eat at a real table... simply luxurious.
The following day was a "short" 28 miles into White Bird with viscous head winds--- we've taken to telling people we biked against a one-way tornado. Our camp site was on the Salmon River amongst sprawling, desert mountains and boisterous, early- rising fishermen who were not all that eager to share their space.
Our next stop was Lowell, 68 miles down the Lewis and Clark Trail, where the sign reported a population of 24, crossed out and replaced with 23. The roadway we will be following at least into North Dakota roughly follows Lewis and Clark's famous westward trek. There are periodic markers with information about what they did or saw at specific points, giving us new scope for how arduous their journey must have been. Also between White Bird and Lowell is the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. We stopped several times to read roadside signs and monuments about the Battle of White Bird. White Bird Mountain offered some amazing switchbacks that took us the better part of the morning to travel. They zig-zagged through lush mountain pastures with horses herding themselves right across the road.
The entire length of road between Powell and Lowell, (65 miles north east) runs along the powerful Lochsa River. We were passed by quite a few white water kyakers and rafters traveling in the opposite direction. Powell is not really a town at all, more of a ranger's station and lodge, the Lochsa Lodge to be exact. We spoiled ourselves with a feast of hamburgers and blackberry cobbler ala mode.
Yesterday (6/17) we did the 53 miles from Powell into Missoula where we have been hosted by Jen's family friend Keithi. Keithi has generously put up with three stinky cyclists and one slightly less stinky driver (at least until we got our showers) for not one but two nights... and she grilled us STEAK! Today was a rest day during which we visited WalMart, Target, the movie theatre, and the insides of our eyelids. It has been absolutely glorious to rest our muscles, feel clean, and human for the day. Thanks Keithi!!!!
Next stop: Lincoln, MT.

For those interested in sending us material encouragement, we have ok'ed a "drop point" to which mail can be sent and held for us. We will most likely be passing by this post office around June 24th... so take that into account in timing when you send. The address is:

General Delivery
Please Hold for East-Bound Cyclist: Autumn Bills
2nd and Main Streets
Brockway, MT 59214

There must be a return address so they can return anything that gets there after we do. We will have another drop point further out in North Dakota soon for those who might need more advanced warning.