Day 11: To Panhandle campground south of Ione, WA

Sat, Jun 3, 2017
Stats:  Today - 54 miles; 505 miles to date
  Elevation climbed: 1729 ft; 20,615 feet to date
  Temp. Low: 50 High: mid 60's
  No wind, cloudy,

Bacon Bike Hostel to Panhandle Campground

Today's ride was once again on hwy 20, however this section of hwy 20 was quiet and scenic.  We felt we were riding through northern Minnesota with the tall pine trees and rich, green forests.

About ten miles into our ride we saw a couple of familiar faces, Mike and Jerry. Last night while staying at the bike hostel Barry and Shelley (bike hostel owners) invited us to dinner in their home.  We were part of a group of thirteen people for dinner.  Before we sat down for dinner, we met and visited with Mike and Jerry.  Mike told us about his experience in Vietnam during the war.  Today while riding Mike and Jerry drove past us, recognized us, pulled over to the side of the road and we chatted a bit more.  They told us they were going to Beaver Lodge for breakfast and that it was about seven miles up the road.  That was good news to us because we didn' t think there was any place to eat for another 25 miles.  We were just planning to eat our Clif Bars as needed until we found food.  About forty-five minutes later we arrived.  Another man, Bryce, whom we also met the night before, was with them and this time they started asking us questions. It was fun to visit with them and they must have thought so also, because Mike left a $20 bill with the cashier to help pay for our meal.  Once again, we have enjoyed the kindness of strangers.   God is good!!!

Back to the ride.  While the first thirty-five miles was on quiet, northern Minnesota-like hwy 20, the last 20 miles was on LeClerc Road, another quiet country road along the Pend Oreille River. Before we turned onto LeClerc road we stopped in the small town of Ione for groceries for supper and breakfast, then headed down LeClerc Road to our destination. Tonight it was a US Forest Service campground on the river, Panhandle Campground.

Crystal Falls along Hwy 20

Packing groceries in our panniers.

Jerry, Mary and Mike

Beaver Lake Lodge, where we had lunch.

Panhandle Campground

View from campsite