DAY 51
Wilderness Gateway Campground, ID to Grangeville, ID
We spend the first 50 miles of the day following first the Lochsa River and then the West Fork of the Clearwater River downstream. The morning is cold as the sun can't break the depth of the deep canyon walls until well into the noon hour. With no headwind to battle our pace is an easy 17 mph. The canyon River scenery rivals the previous days indescribable rugged beauty. Today's scenery is slightly different as we have dropped in elevation. The canyon has widened, the lush forest has become more sparsely vegetated, and the ancient basalt lava flows now dominate the arid walls of the gorge.
Wilderness Gateway Campground, ID to Grangeville, ID
We spend the first 50 miles of the day following first the Lochsa River and then the West Fork of the Clearwater River downstream. The morning is cold as the sun can't break the depth of the deep canyon walls until well into the noon hour. With no headwind to battle our pace is an easy 17 mph. The canyon River scenery rivals the previous days indescribable rugged beauty. Today's scenery is slightly different as we have dropped in elevation. The canyon has widened, the lush forest has become more sparsely vegetated, and the ancient basalt lava flows now dominate the arid walls of the gorge.
 |  Too spectacular for words |
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We stop in the town of Kooskia for lunch. On the southern end of the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, I didn't expect much. I suppose it's wrong to stereotype and expect the worst out of Indian Reservations. However, every reservation I've ever passed through (excluding the casino rich reservations in Washington) have been ramshackled with poverty, a type of poverty and despair that spills into the streets. Usually run down and dirty with an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness mixed with danger. That being said, Kooskia was very charming. A vibrant Main Street with restaurants, shops, and bars. Everyone we spoke with seemed genuinely happy and exceedingly nice to us.
Idaho is killin' it scenery wise!
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Becky and I disagree on the elevation profile of the afternoon climb. I'll admit it did appear to be a steady steep climb, but not an extreme ascent. She forecast death by vertical exhaustion. I'm not saying I was wrong, because the profile wasn't overly extreme. But wow, the climb turned out to be intense. Relentless switchback after relentless switchback. The heat of the afternoon sun added to the misery. By misery, I mean breathtaking scenery as we rose above the Clearwater River onto the high fertile fields of the plateau. Once atop the plateau, snow capped peaks could again be seen in the far distant horizon.
 And the switchbacks start |  At least Keith is still smiling |
 Becky walks... |  ...while Keith speeds off |
The beautiful view from the top
Entering Grangeville we enjoy a shower at the city pool, free camping at the Lions Club Park, and pizza and local beer at a restaurant downtown.
Stats:
Miles: 77.10
Average speed: 12.2 mph
Max speed: 37.4 mph
Odometer: 3593 miles
Miles: 77.10
Average speed: 12.2 mph
Max speed: 37.4 mph
Odometer: 3593 miles
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