Day 5: Happy at Holland Lake

Bike Distance	Avg Speed	Total Ascent	Saddle Time	Calories
39.12 miles	14.4 mph	907 ft	00:02:42	2398 cal

Day 4 continued:

The lady who was working the desk when I first arrived said to pitch my tent anywhere I liked. So, I found a nice shady area and setup camp. Several hours later as I was walking out of the trading post Jocelyn, one of the owners, mentioned that my tent was in a common area. I guess every August a large group of Canadians come down and pretty much take over the campground with their RVs. Every night they get together around the campfire and drink beer. Jocelyn said I could stay put and join them or if I preferred I could move my tent. I figured the noise will likely keep me up no matter where I setup so I might as well be friendly and join them. John and Jocelyn (owners) also came out! I had a great time! The gathering started to thin out around 1:30am so I decided it was time for some shut eye. I guess my lucky streak continues.... :)

Early morning:

Despite the late night I was still awake by 7:30am. I actually felt pretty good but know I will like be tired later. Some of my sink washed clothes were still wet from the night before so I tossed them in the drier and headed inside for breakfast. Joe made me this humongous ham, egg and cheese sandwich on toast. It was amazing! I finished up and headed out a little after 9am. As I was leaving a beer truck was delivering more beer for tonight's gathering. I said hello and rolled down highway 83.

The ride

Holland Lake sits about 1000 feet higher in elevation than Swan Lake which means I will be heading up. Highway 83 is actually a pleasant road to ride scenery wise as it is flanked by forest on either side. The ride consisted of sporadic head winds and rolling 2 to 3 percent hills with little relief on the back side. It was either rolling or 1 percent the whole way. The 0 percents I did experience felt like 1 percent downhills! Nothing too bad but my legs were not happy with the lack of rest they received. It took about 5 miles before they forgave me.

Around mile 20 a car was pulled off to the side of the road and two men were standing outside looking towards the mountains directly east. I said hello and they yelled back "look at the forest fire!" I pulled off and could see the smoke. I wasn't really sure what to do next. It seemed pretty far off in the distance and Holland Lake is 18 mikes south so I decided to press on not knowing if I made the right decision. That being said, I didn't really have any other option as this is the only north/south road in the area.

Second breakfast:

After 25 miles a gas station and grocery store appeared nestled within the forest. I stopped in and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of fruit they had. All said I grabbed a peach, banana, donut, some Gatorade knockoff and tea bags. The instant coffee was to big and heavy so tea will have to do! As I was reaching for the Gatorade knockoff I saw the beer guy stocking the cooler. I said "didn't I see you at Swan Lake?". He laughed and said "yup". "Damn he must be a slow driver" I thought to myself.

At the checkout counter I mentioned the fire to the cashier and she said they thought the authorities extinguished it yesterday but apparently it has flared up again. I asked if these are common occurrences and she said usually once every few years. She handed me a flier which explained the days fire extinguishing tactics. I guess they drop new ones off every morning. I paid up and went outside to enjoy my bounty.

Outside on the porch of the establishment were a group of 4 guys just sitting around hanging out. I smiled but didn't get much of a response. Must not be the friendly type. I sat down and was amused at their conversation. First they were talking about my bike. "man I could never ride my 270lbs body up and down these hills!". They then talked about the motorized bicycle. They then unanimously agreed a Harley was the way to go. A motorcycle touring couple pulled up wearing full protective clothes and these guys were like "man it isn't that cold outside for that! Hell, I'd wear my tang top on a hot day like today!". At that point I thought "definitely not the sharpest knives in the drawer.". I finished up my donut, stashed the remaining goods in my pannier and off I went.

Holland Lake:

Around 12:00 I made the turn onto the gravel washboard filled road towards Holland Lake campground. A buddy of mine has stayed at the campground several times over the years and recommended that I try to stay in the lodge if possible. He said it includes breakfast, lunch and a 4 course dinner. Every time he is in the area he tries to make reservations but it never works out. So, I figured what the he'll I will ride the 3.5 miles to the lodge and check to see if they have any vacancies. If not, I'll double back a half mile to the campground. No biggie.

The 3.5 miles really sucked as it was mostly uphill. I started to question my choice of location as 6 round trip crappy miles off my route seemed like a waste of time. As I navigated the "road" I noticed a sign saying "you must be bear aware. Bring your own food protection as they have none.". I wasn't sure if hanging my food and toiletries counted as "bear protection" so my mind was racing to come up with a backup plan. I could go another 20 to Seeley lake and try my luck there? Should I just turn around now as this road sucks? I convinced myself to stick with the plan as I have plenty of time to adjust once I find out my fate.

I rolled up to the quaint lodge and was pleasantly surprised. I could see why my buddy wanted to stay here. It is exactly like a lodge you would envision in a movie. It has several cabins situated along the beach adjacent to the lodge itself. I parked my bike and strolled inside. The receptionist seemed rather surprised to see a smelly cyclist at her counter. I don't think that is the type of clientele they are used to. She said in a are you lost kind of voice "can I help you?". I said "perhaps. Do you have any rooms available?". She said "actually we do" and immediately indicated the cost of the room as if I would run out the door with sticker shock. I smiled and said "I'll take it". I thought "Just because I choose to ride my bicycle doesn't mean I'm broke. Bitch.". Okay, a little harsh I know but that is how I felt. :)

Side note: about a minute after I entered the reception area a few ladies walked in and said they saw a bear running up the road as they drove in. I must have just missed it! Bummer! Not sure what I would have done had it darted out next to me! Yikes! I guess I won't have to worry about that tonight. ;)

Lunch:

I brought my bags to my room, showered and headed down for my "included" lunch as that expires at 2pm. I know I ate like an hour ago but this was the only time I could get it as I am leaving after breakfast. I ordered fish and chips with an ice tea. I consumed the entire meal without skipping a beat. I guess my body wants the calories as my stomach didn't even feel full. :) The temperature this afternoon was in the 90s so I decided to postpone my trail hike til later.

Waterfall trail:

After lounging around the lodge for a few hours I decide to start my 3 mile round trip hike around 4:45. I was sure to keep the bear spray handy just in case. The trail was busy with people leaving but I pretty much was the only one going up to the falls. The hike itself was rather scenic as it hugs the banks of Holland Lake with dense forest on the other side. As you ascended the views of the lake and the mountains off in the distance was magnificent. After about a half hour I reached the falls. It soared 50 feel above me and the cold mist from the water crashing into the rocks felt amazing. The air temperature was The least 20 degrees cooler near the falls which naturally cooled my sweaty brow. I climbed up a bit further to the pool, scooped up the chilly water and poured it onto my overheated head. Ahhhh. Just what I needed! The load roar of the rushing water was actually quite tranquil. After relaxing a bit I decided I better head back as I have a 7pm dinner appointment back at the lodge.

I reached the lodge a little after 6. As I entered a lady and her husband whom I passed on the way up said "did you see the bear?" I said "no". I guess 100 feet after they passed me a black bear scurried onto the trail. The husband took several photos before the bear got scared and ran off. That is twice in one day that I just missed seeing a bear. I missed it by literally seconds! Sigh... I showered and headed downstairs to wait for my reservation and use the free wifi.

Dinner:

Dinner was delicious. I started with fried artichoke hearts for course 1. A fancy tomato soup for course 2. Filet for the third course. Apple pie for dessert! The couple near me over heard my tour conversation with the server. The lady approached and asked where I've been and where I'm from. When I told her I was from Oak Park she couldn't believe it. They are from River Forest which is directly next store! My Illinois peeps are invading Montana!

Relaxing:

After dinner I decided to go and sit in the lounge room area and write this post. From across the room I hear "hey biker". I look up and 2 woman invite me to play scrabble. I kindly decline as I really want to finish this post and catch up on my sleep. Besides I am not very good at that game. I guess they were at the same grocery store I was in earlier this afternoon when they first noticed me. They were coming to stay at the campground but I guess it was full so they took a chance at the lodge and scored a room. I'm pretty sure the campground would not have turned me away but it is nice not having to worry about it!

Just as I finish talking with them the River Forest couple stopped over to invite me and the Scrabble girls to sit by their fire at their cabin. I now feel awkward as I just declined the Scrabble girls so I politely say "thank you. I will try to stop over". What to do? Looks like my luck is continuing! :)

Update: I wound up sitting at the fire until 11:30 before retiring for the evening. :)