Cycling and Hiking the Palouse

Sunday was Father's Day in the USA. 

Open roads of the Palouse

With expectations for a family activity later in the day, I set off on the bike to get the road work in before the day truly began.  Having the luxury of early morning temperatures around 70F, I set out on the 30 mile loop.  Roads were free of traffic on this holiday morning. 

More open roads of the Palouse

Still more open roads

While I typically ride mid-afternoon after the workday has ended and ideal daytime temperatures are present, an early morning Sunday ride presented much more company than usually seen.  The roads are nearly devoid of cyclists during midday especially when the heat begins to rise in mid-summer.  This morning I came upon several small group of riders.  In this part of the country, I never pass a fellow cyclist without receiving a wave and/or a salutation.  Sometimes these greetings are in French or Italian.  I think they are being funny.

Traffic! Buongiorno!

More traffic! Bonjour!

After returning home no worse for the wear, I cleaned up and prepared for the next item on the day's itinerary.  Next up?  A trip to Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for lunch and a hike.

Lake Coeur d'Alene from Mineral Ridge 

The planned hike was a trek up to the summit of Mineral Ridge overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene.  The lake is one of many beautiful lakes situated in North Idaho within an easy commute from Spokane. 

Beautiful blue water of Coeur d'Alene

The hike consisted of a three-and-a-half mile loop with much of the dirt path winding up among the many switchbacks leading to the summit.  Views from the top are spectacular.  Well worth the discomfort of plodding up a steep incline on an 85F, mid-June afternoon. 

Nancy still smiling after the hike to the top

This was a very enjoyable way to spend Father's Day outdoors on the Palouse.