The End of the Trail....For Now

From July 30 to August 2 we were welcomed into the home of Mike and Lori in Sagle, ID, just south of Sandpoint and across Lake Pend Oreille.  Mike and Lori took great care of us with fantastic meals, vehicle use, and great company.  And....what great names they both have.

We spent our weekend with a half day swimming at Lake Pend Oreille and a full day at Silverwood Park, mainly in the water area........but with a few roller coasters thrown in.  Note Graham in the fourth seat from the front with his hands straight up in the air.  Anybody surprised?

While at Silverwood, the adults had a pow-wow to discuss the realities of the increasing wildfires and smoke throughout Idaho and Washington, and what it might look like if we attempted to cross Washington State.  We were unable to come up with any good cycling options.  The path through Washington was simply unsafe.  So, we concluded that Sandpoint, ID would be the end of this summer's cross country bike trip.

Once a decision was made, we met with the boys and let them know of the safety issues moving forward, and our plans to end the trip for now.  We discussed just how amazing they were in their accomplishments all summer long, and that we would likely try to complete the final leg of the trip in the future.  They all indicated that they wanted to finish the Washington leg of the trip, possibly next year.

So, Silverwood was not just a stop on the trail, but a celebration of our long summer cycling adventure from Bar Harbor, Maine to Sandpoint, ID.

The following day, Greg's mother, Sharon, drove out to Sandpoint to help transport the moms and boys back to Camano Island, while Greg and I drove yet another moving truck with all of the bikes and gear.

 

Thanks all.  What an exceptional adventure we have had this summer.  We look forward to riding the Washington section sometime in the future!

Mike