day 74 Darby, MT 77 MILES

another stellar day! A big ring gear " sprint" 18 miles to breakfast in Wisdom followed by another easy 10 to the Big Hole Battlefirld, where we learned all about the sorrowful plight of the Nez Perce indians.

By late morning we began climbing a relatively easy grade along beautifully wooded Trail Creek. The grade steepened for the last 2 miles up to the top of Chief Joseph Pass, where we crossed the continental divide for the 9th time. After one quick downhill mile we arrivedd at an intersection, and on our left to our surprise was a "welcome to idaho" sign. We rode the 100 yds. to the state line and then did a u-turn after a photo. We should enter Idaho again in a week, but much further north.

After finding Lost Trail Pass, we had a thrilling 7 mile downhill complete with switchbacks and hairpin curves! At Sula, the grade eased as we began riding along the Bitterroot River, enjoying views of the impressive Bitterroot Mts (especially Trapper Peak).

Finally caught up with Dave and Carole, taking a rest 6 miles from our evening's accomodations in Darby. We had planned on camping here, but for 4 dollars more we rented the "bunkhouse", very nice but no antlers on the walls. Stuffed our bellies at the"silver spoon" diner, where platefuls of food smoothered with gravy were washed down with milkshakes, ice water and coffee.