Day-29 .. 'Cinco de LOLO'

I had said my goodbyes and given hugs to the girls and Ben and Christin last night so I could get an early start.   Ben had shown me a more direct route to I-90 and it worked well to make early progress on the road. 

Deer Lodge, Montana is a historic town.   Once a major railroad town, it served as the division headquarters for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St.Paul and Pacific Railroad.

Deer Lodge also has the Montana State Prison, a major employer.

Made good progress traveling to Missoula.   Took Hwy.12 West at the town of Lolo.   Signs indicated it was a winding 200-mile drive to Lewiston, Idaho.  Yikes!

Made it up to Lolo Pass.   Excellent visitor's center.   Quite a lot of snow left over from Winter.    Here's pic of the center and the view looking West.

Started down the Lochsa River which eventually merges with the Clearwater River.   At this time of year the river is boiling and surging and rushing down from the mountains for 200 miles.   As you can imagine the river and Hwy.12 twists and turns many times in a mile.   While breathtaking it's also a physical test of driving.   Hundreds of kayakers and rafters were enjoying this turbulent river on this beautiful 74-deg. day.

Another historical sign :

After about 5-hours I finally made it down to Lewiston, Idaho.   I found Hwy.195 and drove up a monster hill to get on top of the Palouse.  Here's the view looking down on Lewiston and the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers.

Drove through the small towns of Uniontown and Colton to get to Pullman.   Ruth Ann and David and Lizzy (black lab) excitedly greeted me.   We took some beers and wine out to the deck and enjoyed the weather and talked about my odyssey and adventures.      Roast beef dinner and lemon meringue pie made for a perfect ending to a delightful drive.    Should sleep well tonight.

start odometer  :  113014
5/5   odometer  :  113478

day miles  :    464
trip miles  :  6569