Mr. “Du-bwah”

The section of Idaho running from Pocatello to the Montana border, along the I15 corridor, is laden with model-like farms.  The gracefully contoured fields, farmhouses, barns and other out-buildings add to its appeal.  Rich dark soil and adequate rainfall, coupled with very long summer days, maximize the yield during a growing season that is shorter than what I’m used to.  Ancient volcanic remnants provide a clue to the source of the fertility of this seemingly endless acreage.

Knowing that my day could be completely absorbed by it, I elected to not visit…the Potato Museum.

However, I did stop in the very small town of Dubois ID after finding a friendly little local “everything” store.  When you happen upon one of these little cultural magnets, you can count on some colorful characters hanging out, ready to converse.  An elderly grandmother figure and I exchanged pleasantries before I asked, “is it Du-bwah” or “Du-boyce”.  She was quick to tell me that it is “Du-boyce” but then hastily added that it’s named after its founder, Mr. “Du-bwah”.  So see…that’s why first, I ask.

I crossed into Montana and the sky immediately became infinite.  They ain’t kiddin’ about that state nickname. I rode beneath this inverted translucent blue bowl dodging cotton-balls for the remainder of the day.  The ranches and high plains are endless.  The byways tracing along the path of the Missouri River are tempting diversions.  It’s easy to drift off imagining what Lewis & Clark must have thought when first exploring this region.

 

 

 

 

 

There was good rhythm in the riding today, so after a quick stop at the state capital building in Helena, I elected to extend the course to Great Falls MT.  These 409 miles went beyond the plan for today, but put me nearer to the border crossing into Canada, tomorrow.