Lincoln to Lewistown, MT

[Note: see my YouTube playlist for the latest videos, starting with June 19th]

As I write this (on Friday, June 28th) I’m making the best use of my time as I wait indoors at the wonderful Lewistown Public Library. The rain and heavy wind from which I’m hiding should subside by late afternoon, so meanwhile I’m posting new videos and pictures/blog updates in the comfort of a warm, dry place.

The strength of the covid-like symptoms I’ve had for just over a week is waning and I’m gradually recovering some hiking Mojo. Combined with the challenge of too much recent highway walking, the past 1-2 weeks have been an extended challenge. While preparing for this hike I imagined that crossing Montana would be one of the biggest challenges I’d face, and so far that is holding true.

A recent bright spot was meeting up with Ashley and her boyfriend Frank. I’ve been blessed with some exceptional cousins, two of whom are Paul and his wife Nicole, Ashley’s parents. Ashley is a badass bicycle traveler on her way to start her own cross-country bike trip, riding from Vancouver, BC to the California/Mexico border, beginning on July 1st. She and Frank were en route from Minnesota to Seattle, WA, where she’s hopping the Amtrak to Vancouver to begin her journey. As it turns out, they stayed with Wendy last night in Spokane and she’ll be staying with Wendy’s twin sister Sophie and her husband Dave in North Van on the eve of her departure south.

Ashley has coordinated her trip as a suicide prevention effort, in memory of her kid brother Anthony, an EOD veteran and all around amazing guy who took his life in 2021 while serving overseas. In addition to the ride itself, she has a half-dozen or so speaking engagements at military bases along the west coast. I highly encourage you to check out her site and related stuff…here are the links: Website, Insta, Gofundme and FB. She and Frank were passing through Lewistown precisely while I was here, so we got to meet and catch up over coffee! I’m very excited for her trip and anticipate meeting up again in Minnesota later to compare trip notes!

Ok, I think that’s enough for now. The wind is still fierce but the rain is slowing down, so I’ll make my move soon. Love and best wishes to you all and I hope your summer has started well! Max (Michael)