I heard from kind of disappointed readers that they would like to read more about the political impressions I get on my journey. Well, this is a mostly non-political trip – besides the fact that riding a bicycle in the U.S. is kind of a political statement itself.

But I am glad to be able to report that during the last few couple of hundred miles I had many chances to do an extensive leftlaning. As I rode on I-90 for most of western Montana I could take advantage of the many construction-sites that often cause a closing of the left lane for drivers. This gave me a whole lane for me and my bike 🙂

It seems like this was an omen for what should come. After a very lovely day (1!) of crossing Idaho and leaving the Rocky Mountains on a convenient rail-trail we arrived in Spokane.

Alana – she crosses the country from NYC to Astoria, OR – is my very likeable bike-comrade from Missoula to Spokane and over some corners she made a contact for a stay there. Since we entered the city – and especially since we entered our host’s condo – the political climate could not be more unlike than in rural Montana. It feels like a cool shower after a hot day.

Besides the Spokane Falls the city has an enjoyable downtown with many old brick-buildings. I was hungry for a movie, so I visited the big amc movie theater and watched “Don’t worry, he won’t get far on foot” – very deep. Today is a rest-day with homecooking and charging up for the last few days towards the shining sea.