1st day's ride

Met the Backroad's group Sunday AM for the start of our tour (http://backroads.com/trips/BGLQ). Have been without Internet access and mobile service ever since...until today. First day's ride was about 40 miles. We didn't start riding until 2:30; very hot. My rear derailer stopped functioning properly a few miles into the ride. Ended up riding with only 3 gears...made for a good workout.

Stayed the night at the Lake McDonald Lodge, which was probably a wonderful lodge when it opened nearly a century ago. 80+ degrees in the room and no AC. No operable windows either, though the walls were so thin I'm not sure opening the windows would have made much of a difference. Slept soundly nonetheless, despite the best efforts of the Park Service.

Oh. Had a lovely walk along the lake after sunset. Peaceful, silent, still night. Beautiful moment. Put things in perspective...which is part of the reason I'm loving this trip, despite a few minor glitches.

Gotta go to dinner now...