Day 72: Zootown

That’s what the locals call Missoula.

As suggested, we had “the heap” for breakfast at Catalyst. I love those iron skillet dishes. Steve packed up some stuff to send home and mount his new “anything bottle cages”. Brent and I cruised around town to check out the farmers market and the Trailhead outdoor store.

We made arrangements to stay with Emma (Adventure Cycling tour guide and WarmShowers host.

Brent and I decided to “seize the day” and go for a float down the Clark Fork river thru Missoula. For $25 they gave us a tube and frisbees as paddles and took us 5 miles up river in their vans they named “Vanna White” and “Reddy Van Halen” (red van). It was pretty mellow but we went for extra credit and went further so we could get the standing “wave” just past Higgins St. bridge. We got out at the beer festival at the park where, Bayern, a local brewery, was celebrating their 35 year anniversary with music and food.

We met up with Emma and Andreas (German cyclist) and had loaded fries and Pilsner for dinner. Emma convinced us to try the rival ice cream shop “Sweet Peaks” so we could compare with “Big Dipper”.

We did Rock Paper Scissors to see who got the bed and couch (or as Andreas calls it “Schnick Schnack Schnuck”).

We had fun in Zootown. Thanks Emma for showing us a good time and hosting us!