Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Twin Bridges

We're staying at friends Cole and Marilyn's rustic cabin for most of this week. Rustic means no running water or electricity, but there's gas lighting and a view to die for. That's the Jefferson River in the background. 

Cole has written the book "Motorcycling Montana" which became the bible for the Montana segment of this adventure. If anyone is thinking of exploring Montana, this is the place to start. The regional histories are described, then the best motorcycling roads are discussed with clear maps, road conditions, best times to ride, traffic patterns, etc. I haven't seen as comprehensive riding guide to a region as this. 

But the better news? Cole is working on an Idaho book, then soon a Wyoming book. Wouldn't I like to be his research assistant??

Cole's talking us into rafting down the river tomorrow. If we live through it, there may be pix . . .


Our hosts Marilyn and Cole along with bro Paul

Paul just chillin' after a hot day's ride

Time for dinner?

The cabin branding iron


The cabin brand

Sunrise on the river


Update!

Cole and his brother-in-law Tim took us on a float down the Jefferson River. Nice and relaxing. With four motorcyclists in the same place, The validity of the stories was suspect. Nonetheless, the tales were lurid and fraught with adventure. In the end, no one drowned, and no one got wet above the knees. 

Thanks to Cole & Tim for a glorious send off to our stay!

The unrolling ceremony. 
It was thunder stormy morning, but soon cleared.

Ready to Launch

All pumped up and ready to float

On the river

Cole & Tim, Captain and Bosun

Drying out

The re-packing ceremony

Eagle's nest seen along the way. 
There were several chicks poking heads over before this shot.

Cactus flower on shore

An unfortunate update: Cole Boehler died in a drowning accident on April 30, 2016, less than a year after he let us stay at his cabin. I wish there were more like Cole in this world. The motorcycling world has lost an icon. He will live forever through his excellent Montana and Idaho touring books.






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