Fact Check #4

Orange Lichen, Lake Louise
Elmo, Montana; On the shores of Flathead Lake
Lake Louise

May 23, 2006

Time it takes to break camp: one hour forty-five minutes; includes gourmet breakfast and Elmo walking.

Time it took the Australians camped next to us in the rental RV to break camp: fourteen minutes twenty-two seconds, but they had tea and left over barby for breakfast.

Time to set up camp: average, one hour depending on when we open the wine.

Coldest Camp: Still Trinidad Lake State Park first night out.

Most interesting bear protection: Lake Louise Campground had a six strand electric fence all the way around the campground.

Most rain: Rained all night until about 10:00 in the morning at Lake Louise; not hard, but steady. We were warm and dry.

New mammal sightings: big horn sheep and black bear, both in Kootenay National Park,B.C.; and ground hogs at Lake Louise, believe it or not.

New personal record: We have now crossed the continental divide six times on one trip.

Most interesting village name: Elmo, Mont. on the shore of Flathead Lake. Elmo was somewhat excited to learn that a town had been named after him.

New best bike ride: Bow River loop in Lake Louise. This trail runs in a loop along both sides of the Bow River, frequently close enough to dip your toe as you race along. It weaves and bends on a narrow packed trail through a spruce forest and can get interesting as you pick up speed. At either end, narrow wooden bridges cross the raging Bow River.

Least attractive camping spot: Grant Creek Inn, a motel in Missoula Mont. We needed internet access.

Mileage to date: 2,347miles.