39 miles, biking time 4:30, total time 6:30

We make a quick post and leave the KOA in Butte, starting with a steep climb on pavement and then we’re in cattle country the rest of the time. Rolling hills keep us pushing hard for a good coast over and over. We make our fifth divide crossing and then a thunder storm rolls in. We make the long, steep, roller-coaster descent on a dirt road with lightning hitting the ridges closer all the time. We get down just in time to roll under the I15 overpass and miss the worst of the downpour. It doesn’t last long, but it seems at least a couple inches of rain come down in that time. We’re glad for our rain gear and the overpass, and pass the time eating–something we’re doing more and more of all the time.

Then we cross a valley and head up a canyon toward Beaver Dam Campground, and for the first time since this morning we see a house, then another, and a couple more. This is rugged Montana backcountry and I wonder who lives in each house I pass. But all is quiet.

Until Dave comes to a skidding stop.

I look around to see what he’s spotted (a bear? another deer?) when I finally see her come trotting out to greet us…

Dave and Penelope

Her name is Penelope (because she is loyal, her owner says) and she’s the most friendly dog to greet us on this trip. We don’t catch her owner’s name, but he offers us water and advice for the road ahead, and asks Dave all about St. Bernards once he finds out Dave’s had two. After chatting a bit we head on to our campsite just a few miles further.