July 4, 2003 BITTER ROOTS We were descending the Big Hole at a very fast pace, Our bike taking good care of us. Out in front, a range of mountains came strongly into sight - They were awe-inspiring in their size, snow crowned their towering peaks. These were the Bitter Root Mountains, the westernmost range of the Rockies, And a wall in the way of our journey. That happen once before in history, They were a surprise to Lewis and Clark. They had seen nothing like them in scope and size, The mountains shook them to the core. Their hope of a waterway dashed they thought, How do they get over these walls! As was the case with many things, the Indians came to help - They showed the way, provided some food, And the Corps passed on to Idaho. We will try to do the same, albeit much, much easier, But the thrill will be there for us as well, As we pass through that snowy wall. Ron