Well, after an easy day before our day off, then a day off, then an easy 50 mile day, we were reintroduced to the "wacky world of wong distance bicycle touring" with a flat, no wind (there, now that the ride's over, I can say it) almost century ride- 97 miles for those who are counting.
The ride took us through Idaho farm country with some very scenic views (more on this). My recollection is of endless, irrigated (or nothing, but nothing, will grow) potato fields and then a brief, but violent olfactory assault by what must be the largest dairy operations on the planet. These dairies were udderly huge (rim shot, please), running on for miles and the methane gas they put off, was off putting- to say the least. As my Aunt Marge would say, "It woulda knocked a dog off a gut cart". But I digress.
One of the more entertaining chapters of today's ride included our stop at the West Point Restaurant at mile 70. The place was a disaster physically, but the owners were delightful and gave us all the ice we could carry and then began talking about the giant burgers that they serve. The biggest was a mess they called "The Sasquatch".
I don't remember what was in it, but here's a picture of someone eating one. The owner claimed that some guy ate 10 of them over a weeks period- talk about putting out some methane gas. Phew... I convinced the owner to create a new mess that I named the "Hogzilla". She got a pencil and paper and took notes as I suggested that the Hogzilla Burger would have bacon, sliced ham, a piece of pork tenderloin and then, she interjected, "a chopped sirloin burger". "Oh yes", she squealed, "it's just perfect and I'll put it on the menu at once. You'll see when you come back next year". Maybe, lady, but don't bet the franchise on it.We had some really spectacular views of the Snake River canyon in several spots
and even rode next to the place where Evil Knevil had his failed attempt at jet engine launching over the river. 
The ramp that was a part of his jump is still there, but too far for a Maria Sharapova Special to make any sense of it.The ride today was at times beautiful, as were we treated to the valleys
that cradled the Snake River- the giver of life around here. Without the river and the irrigation that it supports, 
this would be a lifeless stretch of sage brush or whatever the light green clumps are that grow in the non-irrigated areas. The issue of water rights has to be all important here, as the contrast between the irrigated and non-irrigated areas is stark.
We made a brief stop in the town of Bliss, Idaho and noticed that a peaceful, easy feeling overtook us. Blissful, you might say.
By the way, I haven't mentioned it, but I have had a bit of a problem with saddle sores. However, today, my sore burst (sounded like a gun went off). I captured a picture of it below for those who can't get enough gore watching the local evening news.
Tomorrow's ride is a box of Junior Mints- all of 38 miles. We expect we'll start late and finish early- it's the shortest ride of the trip and one of the flattest with under 400' of climbing. However, there's another century on the next day, so we'll get what's coming to us soon enough.
Thanks to Courtney, Mike, Brian, Joe E, Joe B, Tommy and Eric for sending comments- I do so enjoy hearing from you all.
