Missoula, MT

The morning temperature was 47 degrees Fahrenheit today! We all bundled up in arm and leg warmers. Some people stopped for coffee, but myself, Jeff, Katharine, Michael, and Wagley just went on. My fingers froze for the first few minutes, but it warmed up pretty quickly.

It’s funny what conversations people have on the bike. Today, Michael and Wagley compared stories about awkward hellos: what do you do when you kind of sort of know someone from say freshman orientation, but then don’t really see them for summer vacation, and then run into them again at the beginning of sophomore year? Difficult decision.

It was a fast morning, a short lunch by a river perfect for white river rafting, and a mostly downhill ride (after one climb right after lunch). The last few miles were a bit hairy because we got on I-90 (scary enough in a car) after forgetting a turn on to a local road. The shoulder was nice and wide though, and the exit got us on the correct road. I think it's funny that we rode on a road today that exists in Chicago as well. I'm so far from home.

Missoula must be a very bike friendly town. There are a lot of bike paths on the roads and a lot of cyclists in general.

It was incredibly tempting to take another 2 hour nap as soon as I got in, but I decided to explore town in stead. It’s a little more metropolitan than Chambana. There’s a lot of boutique-y stores selling expensive custom clothing, antiques, bookstores, and coffee shops. I suppose I could have tried something new, but I went for the safe Starbucks tall iced green tea latte; delicious. I’m excited about town. I just bought myself some new sketching pens (unfortunately Micron Pigma not Staedtler …) so I plan to spend most of tomorrow reacquainting myself with it.

Also, Julie’s coming back tomorrow! YAY!!!

Also, to Mr. Schorr, thanks for the suggestions :) Seattle Central Library is definitely first on the list because I did an extensive research project on it for the Rare Books Library I designed in my final architecture studio. I'm really excited to see the diagrid structural facade first hand, as well as the color design (especially carpet) by Petra Blaisse in the interior. And it's LEED Silver!