Even to my color blind eyes, from a distance I thought I was approaching a beautiful, blue lake! As I got closer I realized it was yet another mystery crop. (I think it is clover, but Diana, Jack’s 1st grade teacher, will hopefully give us the correct answer.)
Same field, but I tried to zoom in for a close up.
Some of you may remember my post about the St. John’s Motel that Jeremy and I “enjoyed” back in Michigan. Well The Bunkhouse Inn in Augusta, MT was the exact opposite. The hotel was built in 1912 and has served as the only “hotel” in Augusta ever since. The current owner transformed the dated hotel into a modern day establishment, while maintaining an Old West atmosphere. My room was comfortable, charming and next door to the shared bathroom. Yes, a shared bathroom in 2019. There were 10 rooms and three shared bathrooms, so no big deal, just quite unusual. The top photo was the “parlor” of the hotel and later in the evening two couples were playing a wild game of hearts since there was not one television in the entire hotel! 
Notice the “claw foot” bathtub and old time looking tile! Truly a find that will not erase the memory of the St. John’s Motel, but add yet another memorable experience to our Journey.
About 2,300 miles ago I posted a photo of a long straight highway as I descended the Adirondack Mountains. I added the following, “When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a long, straight highway and NO mountains to climb!” Well, “When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but the majestic Rocky Mountains and climb them I must!”
I just couldn’t resist stopping to capture a few more photos of the fast approaching Rocky Mountains, but with a gorgeous wheat field in the fore ground. My traveling buddy, Snowstorm, just could not stay out of the wheat field. Snowstorm wanted to show OMJSN what wheat looks like up close.
America the Beautiful: “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple Mountains majesties, above the fruited plain…” Montana certainly has all of the above!
Hooray! Since neither Snowstorm nor I consume alcoholic beverages, and I certainly was not about to carry a bottle of champagne up this extremely steep pass, we settled for a silent prayer of thanks and this photo. I can’t believe we have crossed the Continental Divide on this Journey! “We did it!” I say We because even though I am doing the physical part of pedaling each day, I would not be where I am without ALL of you! (I remember way back in my Whittier Port Ops career, we always celebrated the last ship of the season with a “We did it” cake.) So tomorrow, please go to your favorite “sweet treat” establishment, select the richest, most decadent treat available, and then consume it, without guilt, to celebrate OUR success in crossing the Continental Divide!
On Friday I should be in Missoula and meeting up with long time friends, John and Barb Alonzo. John was my Principal when I taught at Jefferson Elementary, but for the past 40 years we have been close friends. We explored Glacier National Park, climbed St. Mary’s Peak, ran 5K races, rode countless miles together on our bicycles and met for $.99 breakfasts with my son Jeremy. John and Barb are like grandparents to Michelle and Jeremy, flew to Alaska for both their weddings, and we consider them great-grand parents to OMJSN. As you can probably see, I am extremely excited to be in Missoula to share a brief visit with John and Barb. They are truly special people in our lives.
Cheers, thanks for your support and motivation.
Greg
There is a small café called the Pie Place in St. Mary’s, absolutely delightful pie! Congrats on the crossing of the divide, stay safe!
Thanks for the gorgeous pictures! I’ve always been intrigued by Montana – it must be genetic. Guess I need to spend more time there! I thought of you often as Jackson and I passed cyclists in the Colorado Rockies and said little prayers for you. One man was obviously on some sort of long-distance trek as he had the full gear strapped to his bike. I started to give him a honk of encouragement, but since we were on a winding road above 10,000 feet I didn’t want to startle him! I settled for sending positive thoughts his way in your honor. Good luck with those mountains. I’m glad your bike is all tuned up, and you and Snowstorm will get a refresher visiting with dear friends.
I’m a MT boy myself, having grown up in the Bozeman and Manhattan area. Fabulous country! I once bought a cap at Big Sky with the Montana initials MT on it. Now, think about it—a head cover that proudly proclaims that the head of the wearer is MT!!! Thanks so much for the wonderful posts and photos.
I kind of dread the end of your journey! Your blog is like a good book that you don’t want to finish! I really enjoy reading your observations and reflections!
Now I am wondering about Anita’s Kansas wheat farm experience! We farmed and raised wheat in western Kansas for 20 yrs! The wheat harvest is winding up here in north Kansas. From your picture, harvest will be starting in Montana in a couple of weeks.
Sending prayers for a continuing safe journey .
Thanks so much for your kind words regarding our Journey. Hopefully I will be able to figure out how to get a hard copy of my blog! I would love for my kids, grandkids and even great-grand to someday read about their Poppy’s grand bicycle Journey!
Lenora, Kansas is where Anita grew up lived until 6th grade I think. Summers were spent cutting wheat with her family!
Cheers and thanks again for following along.
Greg, I have so enjoyed going on this life journey with you and can’t thank you enough for the being such an inspiration. I am once again “in training” and God willing and the creeks don’t rise (as my grandmother, Mama Gann, would say) I am going to repeat my special journey in 2020! AND, it is only because of you, your positive attitude, your faith, and can do it attitude that makes me think I am not too old to once again take MY journey. Prayers, hugs, God bless and keep you safe through the rest of your peddling days.
Thank you so much for the heart warming comment! I needed that today as I had wind/rain most of the 27 miles today! Took me five hours, but it wasn’t hot and I am safe and sound! Thrilled you are ready to repeat your Dream Journey! As Mom would say, “Dream it, then do it!”
Hugs and love headed your way!
Greg
Oh Greg, another inspiring blog! You are amazing!! So enjoyed reading about ND, the fields of wheat, and the awesome sky that seems to stretch forever! And, with your enthusiastic permission, I will certainly celebrate with a delicious treat😉
Just wondering, what will we all read in the AM with our cup of coffee when your adventures reach the West Coast?? Be safe!!
I guess I will have to plan some new adventure, but not this long! I miss my family and friends too much to do another 60 day Journey! Hope you enjoyed the decadent dessert, but bummer I couldn’t pay for it like the EOS cake in Whittier!
Take care and please accept a virtual HUG from your enlightened friend and x-boss!
Greg
snowstorm sure must have loved the wheat cus she sure looked stuffed. legs of steel and an iron tush nestled on a brooks saddle super dad vailently peddles onward! I am so glad to be an armchair participant in your dream. Wow such a daunting journy. The Rockys on a bike oh the views you are blessed to see but at such a cost, be safe my friend. Im sure your breaks are about to be tasked on the other side. I look forward to the picture from the top and the one of you safe on the otherside.
You are amazing! Love the wheat field pictures!
Another great post. Love the pictures that you have taken along this journey. YOU are so amazing!!
Awesome! Hard to believe you have already crossed the Continental divide! I’m so very proud of you, brother!!
I love the little inn. They are what I would most like to stay at if we ever traveled.
Gayle will love that Snowstorm got to play in the what field.
I will miss getting to read about your adventures when you are done
As always, stay safe and don’t argue with any dogs or semis!