There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
   There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
   There is society where none intrudes,
   By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
   I love not Man the less, but Nature more,
   From these our interviews, in which I steal
   From all I may be, or have been before,
   To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.

Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, Lord Byron

It’s Julian here!

The day began in Cranbrook, BC, with the promise of adventure hanging in the cool morning air. A hearty breakfast set the tone, though the lack of espresso left a craving for the caffeine-fueled kick we knew I’d need later. Nevertheless, we mounted our bikes and set off around 10 AM, later than planned, but with spirits high.

As we cruised through Creston, BC, the sun was showing signs of being elusive. A quick pit stop to fill the tanks was all the time we spared before pushing onward. The border crossing into the USA was smooth, and just like that, we were in the land of wide-open spaces and endless roads. It was noon, and the journey had only just begun.

Sasa took the lead as we veered west of Bonners Ferry, the mountains beckoning us with their rugged, off-road paths. The track began as a tame forest road, but with every turn, it grew steeper and more challenging. The sky darkened, a stark contrast to the bright morning we had left behind. I couldn’t help but wonder if Sasha knew where he was leading us, but his confident pace kept doubts at bay.

The climb seemed endless, the temperature dropping with every hundred feet of elevation. The biting cold and 8°C weather at the 6000 ft summit was a far cry from the warmth we’d felt in Fernie the day before. The road was a mix of fast forestry track and sections that had seen better days, broken and rough, testing our spirits and machines.

Reaching the summit was the highlight of the day, but there was no time to linger. The descent was quick, almost too fast, the thrill of the ride carrying us back down the mountain. By 4 PM, we rolled into Bonners Ferry, just as the sky started to threateningwith rain. Fortune had favored us—we had escaped the rain.

A simple lunch and a wash for the motorcycles marked our brief stop in Bonners Ferry. The day wasn’t done with us yet. Sandpoint was calling, and we weren’t about to ignore it.

As we set off for Sandpoint, I couldn’t help but replay the events of the day before.  We were so lucky to escape that terrible storm. I still don’t believe how lucky we were when that truck driver decided to stop that full-size semi just to warn us about a nasty hailstorm ahead of us. Thank you, our unknown friend.

Sasa booked a great hotel in Sandpoint, and we were impressed by how nice place the whole town is. If you, dear reader, have never been to Idaho, you’re missing out. All these towns in states like Idaho and Montana are not only beautiful but also clean and neatly maintained. Our hats are off to you, Idaho.

We found an amazing brewery in town called MickDuffs, and the beer is so good that I’m not sure how many more coherent sentences I’ll be able to write down. 

After a good dinner and a couple of beers, we explored the town. What a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere has this place.  Then we were attracted by the music to a fantastic live music bar called ‘The Hive’ where we witnessed a fantastic rock-country performance by a local band who has been playing at the same place for 40 years.