Day 22 - Chuck's Last Day

Red Lodge to Billings today, certainly the easiest 56 miles we've done. It was a gradual downhill almost all the way, and we covered it in just over 3 1/2 miles, including breaks. Not only that, the weather was warm for the first time in a couple of weeks. Rich and I got to Billings in time to attend a program and potluck at the local Quaker Meeting. Kathy and Cindy had gotten there in time for worship as well. As always, it was a warm and friendly gathering. Also attending was Kristy Updegraff from Sacramento, who was there visiting family.

Today was Chuck's last day riding with us. Tomorrow he and Janet leave for their home in Spokane, probably with some stops for bike riding together en route. We will miss them greatly, as they really have been a part of this ride. Showing what generous people they are, they treated us to dinner at the local Olive Garden. (Left to right in the photo are Rich, Cindy, Janet, Chuck, and Kathy.) Those of you who know Rich's dietary regime will know that he was delighted with the bottomless salad bowl there!

Tomorrow is a layover day, and then Rich and I, with Kathy, Cindy, and Ginger in support, will continue eastward. We have now covered just shy of 1,500 miles of the 4,000 mile trip. That feels pretty amazing.

The end of the afternoon was spiced up by tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings. The local siren sounded, and we all evacuated the motor home and sought shelter in the main campground building. Fortunately, all we experienced directly were some very dramatic skies, lots of lightning and thunder, and some heavy rain. We now have experienced rain, hail, cold, snow, heat, and nearby tornadoes on this trip. Is anything else left?