Whitefish Update

Weird, we drove to Eureka on a rest day cause, ya know, any town that had the audacity to name itself "Eureka" just HAD to be worth a visit.  It was not.  There are dozens of casinos, all small operations, seems like in every town.

Driving back, we happened upon this scene.  Looks like a baby eagle escaped the nest while we could see others flapping within.

The day arrived to climb "Big Mountain" and what an appropriate name for it.  Unfortunately, had to stop once for this obstruction and then two more times when trucks, on a narrow section, weren't going to get by unless I stopped. Five miles, mostly very steep.  Within that climb, there was an almost 3 mile section that averaged 7.8%. Yeah....

....when I arrived at this point, the road turned down and I was relieved.

The ski lift is active, taking people and bikes higher so the mountain bikers can descend.  Looked like fun.

Most of the businesses were open so a year round attraction.  We're coming up soon to ride the gondola, rather than sit in the chairs.

As I descended, I saw a couple who warned me about the descent.  

A nice berm for most of the ride and trees are kept far from the road so snow plows can throw the snow off the road without obstruction.

Some of my route above, only 17 miles but 1600' of climbing.  This very much reminded me of climbs in VA, WV, GA and elsewhere in various events in which I participated.