the woods on the mountainsides defined the border, into the U.S., but Border Patrol boat zipped past reminding us that we were crossing into the US,. Bbut we did not need any passports for this excursion. We landed in Montana at Goat Haunt for a 30-minute stroll amid wildflowers. Before we could get off the boat to stretch our legs, however, we had to wait for two black bears to leave the shore and go back into the woods. The captain spotted another black bear on our return trip and then the Prince of Wales Hotel appeared in the distance, perched on a bluff in radiant glory. What a beautiful ride this had been. Joseph Branch Rail Riders, Oregon In between the tiny village of Joseph, Oregon (pop. 1,000) and next-door neighbor Enterprise (pop. 2,000), the Joseph Branch Rail Riders is a fabulous bike ride atop antique narrow gauge railway tracks. The brainchild of Kim Melten, back in 2014, guests pedal unique railcars that roll along train tracks winding through a valley with stunning mountain views. After a career in the bicycle industry, Kim had a vision for a unique use of these historic tracks since their original purpose of transporting lumber, grain, and livestock had long since faded away.
More fun on the water with a Waterton Shoreline Cruise.
The railcars are built from standard bicycle parts,
and they come in solo, side-by-side tandem, and four-seater configurations. Each car is pedaled independently of the others, so it is a “go-at-your-own pace” kind of ride, although you can’t pass the railcar in front of you. My husband, Mark, and I hopped into a side-by-side tandem and were delighted by the ease of pedaling and relative flatness of this route. Either one of us could stop pedaling at any time to snap photos or just take a break and let the other do the work. It was a two-hour out-and-back ride filled with views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. We passed many red barns in the distance and saw a deer bound past. At the turnaround point we all picked up our bikes and placed them back on the tracks facing the opposite direction for the return trip home. Founder Kim Melten eventually sold the company, and the new owners have expanded the operation to the delight of visitors and locals alike. Our ride was just one of several that are offered from two different starting points, ranging from one hour to four hours long. The railcars have electric assist, just in case your legs get tired, and they even offer pet boarding at the starting point so guests with a pooch can do the ride too.
The Beal & Bunker Mail Boat Ferry is the only way some Maine islanders can get provisions.
LET’S GO FOR A RIDE
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SPRING 2025 | 18
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker