Libby, Montana to McGuire Creek, Montana - July 26, 2021

Haul Road (Traffic-Free)

I had a good sleep at the Libby campground. Before leaving, I spoke with two bicycle tourists, Matt and Czarina, who were two weeks into a year-long tour of the states. They had folding bikes, making transport easier. I admired their courage; that’s an incredible amount of time planned on the road.

As I mentioned before, the grocery store was adjacent to the campground. I found everything that I needed for the day, and enough to get me by the following morning. I asked the cashier for a breakfast recommendation. She mentioned Henry’s, only two minutes away.

Henry’s Restaurant turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, a greasy spoon. The waiters were pleasant, refilling my coffee several times and asking to top off water bottles.

Henry’s

I headed out of town on Haul Road, enjoying almost zero cars. A little over ten miles in, I encountered another cyclist, Steve. He was headed to Seattle, then on to Eugene to visit friends. He was an older gentleman, prompting me to think about what people are capable of as they age.

Haul Road Block

Note: Steve pedals a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

After joining Route 37, I stopped to check out Libby Dam, which creates Lake Koocanusa.

Libby Dam with Bicycle

Riding further up the route, a couple in a car stopped and offered water and two cheese packages. The man had finished a section of the Great Divide Trail (bikepacking). He carried a gallon of water in a frame bag. I can see why this would make sense on rough terrain.

Route 37

There were countless ups and downs today as I worked my way north up the eastern side of the lake. My head’s in a good space - enjoying the moment.

I found a freecamp spot, just off Route 37, on McGuire Creek. I set up my tent and cleaned up in the water. I didn’t have cell service for any calls or texts, so I kicked off at around 9:30, pretty tired.

McGuire Creek (Setting)

McGuire Creek (Old Camp Remains)