Posts
06-11-11
Goin’ from Montana Soon,
Gonna be a dental floss tycoon.
12.5 miles
Train and sun wake us at 4:55am
Mischa & I take our own sweet time waking up.
Several yawns and stretches are exchanged between us as we milk this routine until just after 6am.
We keep eyeing each other to seee which will make the first overt move to “get up”.
It’s a Cat Steven’s kinda morning - a road to nowhere. Oh, yeah, guess we’ll take our time…to get there.
Mischa wins. I finally kick off the covers and roust the both of us.
Mischa looks relieved and can’t wait to go outside to really be
relieved. ( Damn… I knew I had her in just a few more seconds…)
Albertsons and
Holiday Oil
Swelled Yellowstone river - no one seems concerned.
Writing my back pages
Jami - I went back to the Holiday gas station for another soda refill
and see Jami again, whom I met in the morning. I’d made a mental note
of her earlier because of her attentive eyes and great presence…and her
name caught my attention. I’m always appreciative of alternate name
spellings (ofr obvious reasons) and at first I read Jami (as in Jam -ee)
and then realized it must be Long A sound as in JAY-Me. I confirmed
this as I paid for the refill.. It had been on my mind that I had not
as yet found anyone that seemed open enough to ask for an interview from
this state. As I went to the car I though…maybe Jami would be open to
this idea. I went back inside and her reply was “really?!” She agreed
but the only problem was her replacement hadn’t arrived yet and she
asked if I wouldn’t mind waiting a few minutes until the other girl
arrived.
I had no problem with that as I was able to write in the car and had a few back pages I was already finishing up.
The replacement never showed up to work and Jami was worried about
losing her other job because of this. If someone didn’t come to replace
her she wouldn’t be able to get to her other job (which paid better) and
lose that because this isn’t the first time this situation has happened
and she got left holding the bag and getting the short end of the
stick..
Interview - I propose doing the interview in
between customers in little snippets. She agrees and , of course, a
flood of people arrive just after we begin. I wade thru , with my having
to tell each person approaching the counter “I’m not in line - go
ahead”. I get about 4-5 little segments and then someone finally comes
to help - not the scheduled person who flaked, but another person who
has limitations for work because she’s 1recently had surgery. It’s not
clear if anyone else will come to relieve Jami so she can get to her
second job on time. W ego out side briefly but the sound pollution is
rather bad as is the lighting. We go into the stores back room and
compressors and refrigeration units conspire to drown out her words. We
go back to the store floor and she goes back to work stacking and
replenishing stock and I continue to interview her as she does. I learn
that she is studying to be a Vet and that she participated in the Miss
Montana Pageant a year ago and that Glendive (of all places in Montana)
is the location of the Pageant! At a point the interview ends. I start
to go but realize Jami had only met half the Journey. I ask if she’d
like to see my dog, I could hold her up to the window outside. She asks
how bigh the dog is and I discribe her and she says she can come in.
They meet and both jami and Mischa are happy with the experience as is
Jan the rescue helper. Mischa was very enthusiastic about getting out
of the car and getting petted and lavished with attention .
I find a quarter in the men’s bathroom. Is there any portent to this
find, other than I’m now a quarter richer than a moment ago. I hope it
does…I need all the help to finish this I can muster.
Prep
for departure. More mental notes than anything else. Only things I
remove from the tent in advance are the space heater, power cables and
lantern. The rest is just mental rehersal for tomorrows pack out.
Re-read Steinbeck about Montana and north Dakota
Tomorrow I’ll be going where he once was.
Thoughts about his view of Montana vs. mine.
Steinbeck said he was in love with the state, but that his view may
have been thru the lens of infatuation with “the new”. I was ill
received from the beginning and with few..perhaps only one, given the
cold shoulder. And for that reason I give it the same in return (with
that one singular exception.) We traveled a few of the same pathways but
in reverse direction. I think my Montana may have been a bit more lush
than his and the years may have populated the open spaces a bit more,
the political and therefor philosophical outlook of the state seems to
be a bit more closed off than in his journey
Thursday, October 2, 2014
06-10-11 - Show me which road I'm on
06-10-11
Dazzling, dancing
Half enchanted
In my Merlin sleep
So where to now St. Peter
Show me which road I'm on
12.8 miles
Getting up it was overcast and clammy.
Rain had puddled inside the tent from the nights rain before. The air mattress had deflated (again) and I was feeling…a little better than the day before.
Shows how good yesterday was.
The brake down of the night before had been cathartic. A pressure valve released.
I have gotten support emotionally and financially from a few staunch friends and journey followers. I have a way to continue and a new focus.
A turning point has been reached.
I haven’t reached the halfway point, but I have exceeded Steinbeck states and months ago. But several people have hit on the same theme. I’m not Steinbeck and this isn’t his journey, it’s mine.
The structure is there but I have the freedom to complete, alter or end at this point or any point further.
It’s up to me and all on me. My choice. Go the distance or quit where I am and find a place to live and a job to do and finish the book from where I end up.
And I’ve been given some options.
I guess I’ve always understood this. That it could be over at any time. But it keeps going on and the determination, the fire, the wonder to see and really get in touch with all the imagined places on the maps I’ve already poured over for the rest of this Journey - it is still in me. The exhaustion and the weather weariness aside, I want to see. To experience. To have more amazing experiences like those I’ve already had. To absorb into my skin and my soul, all the places I’ve been; all the places that have become me.
The day is still cold but I’ve determined to “Get busy Living” again and use the car as my electric power for my computer. I post several days worth and am in contact with many friends; researching places in North Dakota for my departure on Sunday.
I drive over the Bridge above the Yellowstone River to the Albertsons on the other side to get a few supplies. The river is going over the banks and flooding the lowlands. I take a video of it. It’s a powerful river and with all the caution that the state seems to have taken everywhere else, there seems to be no attention by anyone in the city to the flooding. Old hat perhaps. But it wouldn’t take much for the waters to get the 3 blocks to where I’m camped . And it could happen rapidly. For departure on Sunday, I’m at least on the side of the city that I can access the Highway out of state to North Dakota..
The city of Glendive is divided by the river, there is even a little island that supports the interstate bridge.
I already know my way around most of the city. It‘s a fairly simple town layout. About 5 main streets and maybe a hundread or less branching off of these.. There is a community college, a county High School a K-Mart; two competing Dinosaur museums mayby10 gas stations; 5 casinos (or what pass for them) and not a lot more. Pizza Hut, Subway and Taco Johns are the big fast food places. There used to be a McDonalds according to my Garmin…but it’s not here now.
I don’t know if it meets the Jimmy Buffet definition he gave to Ringland, Ringland “It’s a dying little town”. but it may be on life support. It’s a nice enough place. But I would go crazy in tow weeks, If I lived here. One movie theater, the Rose and it looks like the run down bar and motel next to it. Not even sure it’s in operation. And the thought of being here in winter. Gives me chills on multiple levels.
The day has moved on…it’s even gotten warm. And, the sun…has actually broken thru. It’s after 6pm, but it’s starting to be a good looking day. (See what the tide brings in - damn right.)
And Blue skies emerge as well.
It’s starting to get dark now approaching 8pm. A few rain clouds darken the sky…but THAT’s the way is should be…not a few seconds of blue sky being seen. I’ll take THAT any day!
The temperature is still chill and there is a damp feel in the tent and either a moldy smell…or my socks give an unpleasant smell to the tent. I’m hoping it’s the socks. I can do something about that tomorrow.
And tomorrow will come soon enough. I post a few last things on me laptop in the tent and fall asleep sitting up. I come to and the computer is off. Did I shut it down or did it run out of battery and hibernate?
I’ll find out tomorrow. I’m sleepy…finally. Don’t want to break this Merlin sleep spell. I don’t get those often enough.
Dazzling, dancing
Half enchanted
In my Merlin sleep
So where to now St. Peter
Show me which road I'm on
12.8 miles
Getting up it was overcast and clammy.
Rain had puddled inside the tent from the nights rain before. The air mattress had deflated (again) and I was feeling…a little better than the day before.
Shows how good yesterday was.
The brake down of the night before had been cathartic. A pressure valve released.
I have gotten support emotionally and financially from a few staunch friends and journey followers. I have a way to continue and a new focus.
A turning point has been reached.
I haven’t reached the halfway point, but I have exceeded Steinbeck states and months ago. But several people have hit on the same theme. I’m not Steinbeck and this isn’t his journey, it’s mine.
The structure is there but I have the freedom to complete, alter or end at this point or any point further.
It’s up to me and all on me. My choice. Go the distance or quit where I am and find a place to live and a job to do and finish the book from where I end up.
And I’ve been given some options.
I guess I’ve always understood this. That it could be over at any time. But it keeps going on and the determination, the fire, the wonder to see and really get in touch with all the imagined places on the maps I’ve already poured over for the rest of this Journey - it is still in me. The exhaustion and the weather weariness aside, I want to see. To experience. To have more amazing experiences like those I’ve already had. To absorb into my skin and my soul, all the places I’ve been; all the places that have become me.
The day is still cold but I’ve determined to “Get busy Living” again and use the car as my electric power for my computer. I post several days worth and am in contact with many friends; researching places in North Dakota for my departure on Sunday.
I drive over the Bridge above the Yellowstone River to the Albertsons on the other side to get a few supplies. The river is going over the banks and flooding the lowlands. I take a video of it. It’s a powerful river and with all the caution that the state seems to have taken everywhere else, there seems to be no attention by anyone in the city to the flooding. Old hat perhaps. But it wouldn’t take much for the waters to get the 3 blocks to where I’m camped . And it could happen rapidly. For departure on Sunday, I’m at least on the side of the city that I can access the Highway out of state to North Dakota..
The city of Glendive is divided by the river, there is even a little island that supports the interstate bridge.
I already know my way around most of the city. It‘s a fairly simple town layout. About 5 main streets and maybe a hundread or less branching off of these.. There is a community college, a county High School a K-Mart; two competing Dinosaur museums mayby10 gas stations; 5 casinos (or what pass for them) and not a lot more. Pizza Hut, Subway and Taco Johns are the big fast food places. There used to be a McDonalds according to my Garmin…but it’s not here now.
I don’t know if it meets the Jimmy Buffet definition he gave to Ringland, Ringland “It’s a dying little town”. but it may be on life support. It’s a nice enough place. But I would go crazy in tow weeks, If I lived here. One movie theater, the Rose and it looks like the run down bar and motel next to it. Not even sure it’s in operation. And the thought of being here in winter. Gives me chills on multiple levels.
The day has moved on…it’s even gotten warm. And, the sun…has actually broken thru. It’s after 6pm, but it’s starting to be a good looking day. (See what the tide brings in - damn right.)
And Blue skies emerge as well.
It’s starting to get dark now approaching 8pm. A few rain clouds darken the sky…but THAT’s the way is should be…not a few seconds of blue sky being seen. I’ll take THAT any day!
The temperature is still chill and there is a damp feel in the tent and either a moldy smell…or my socks give an unpleasant smell to the tent. I’m hoping it’s the socks. I can do something about that tomorrow.
And tomorrow will come soon enough. I post a few last things on me laptop in the tent and fall asleep sitting up. I come to and the computer is off. Did I shut it down or did it run out of battery and hibernate?
I’ll find out tomorrow. I’m sleepy…finally. Don’t want to break this Merlin sleep spell. I don’t get those often enough.
06-09-11 I can’t keep from crying Sometimes
06-09-11
Well, my momma, she’s dead and gone
And I’m left here on my own
I can’t keep from crying
Sometimes
0 miles
Not a lot happened but rain all day. I had been getting electricity from neighbors in the tent next to me but they cut me off twice…so I took that as a sign their hospitality had worn out.
I worked a bit more on things, but I was feeling miserable and questioning just what the hell I was doing and if it made any difference at all.
Being out of funds and being next to a major river overflowing it’s banks just two blocks away and of course the non-stop noise of the train yard 100 feet from me - day and night.
It wore on me and I broke. I depressed and typed…and dialed too.
I needed to talk to somebody. To get a since of my impact, if any, on the world at large…and if “Large” was even applicable as a description of my “readership” following.
I questioned what I was doing in the tent in the cold and the rain in Montana of all places. Was I being as stupid as that kid in “Into the Wild”
I was feeling raw and empty and alone and with just 12 minutes left of battery power last night I posted this:
Sending out an S.O.S.
by Rik Converse on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 6:07pm
When i was in Iowa, at me nieces, i saw the movie Julie & Julia (again) It reminded me of the journey I'm on. She cooked a meal a day for a year based on Julia Child's cookbook. I'm spending nearly a year out traveling Steinbeck with my dog Mischa. I've already surpassed his time on the road. It is lonely and arduous and at times unbearably challenging not to mention dangerous. I recall the moments in the movie when she wonders if anyone is "listening to her blog". I feel like that at times. I'm in a tent with pouring rain and cold and broke and wondering...wondering if i can go the distance. If i should go the distance. Is my writing worth a damn. Will I have what it takes to finish this or just cop to being another of the homeless and unemployed. I've taken inventory of the people who have supported me so far on this Journey. 13 benefactors - 7 patrons - 6 supporters and 2 subscribers. 28 great people have gotten me across 21 states, nearly 12K miles. And there are maybe a dozen people who have take the time to like or comment on my posts on a regular basis - you cannot believe how much that has meant to me. But 40 people...it just seems like I'm not making an impact. Like what I'm doing is less significant than making a recipe of Julia Childs in my home after work. This was a road trip for Steinbeck. It's my only place to go. It's all that's left of my life. And it seems...to effect few. I hope I'm wrong...but it doesn't feel like it. Not here in the tent, in the cold, in the rain.
I tried to call my niece - to voicemail.
I called my sister Cindy in Florida. - She answered.
And I couldn’t talk. Heaving choked sobs were the best I could manage. I haven’t cried like that since my mom died. I fought to talk. But words came out like air bubbles from underwater, popping before any discernable since could be made of the sounds my mouth formed. I was afraid she’d think some pervert was dialing her, but her phone had pre-announced the caller. And that made it worse. I couldn’t help it. And I didn’t even know where it was coming from…it was just rolling out of me in waves like the incessant rain.
But we eventually talked. And remembering the place she lived and the days I spent with her months ago helped ground me. A since of normalcy…whatever that means to me these days. Maybe what I hope will someday be again. I got grounded and felt less alone and the call ended. Then my niece, whom I referred to in the post called me back. And we talked about my post and my breakdown and why I was doing it.
The rain continued and the air was still cold. But I felt a little less alone. I felt like tomorrow was another day, another chance and I was willing…to be moving…forward.
Well, my momma, she’s dead and gone
And I’m left here on my own
I can’t keep from crying
Sometimes
0 miles
Not a lot happened but rain all day. I had been getting electricity from neighbors in the tent next to me but they cut me off twice…so I took that as a sign their hospitality had worn out.
I worked a bit more on things, but I was feeling miserable and questioning just what the hell I was doing and if it made any difference at all.
Being out of funds and being next to a major river overflowing it’s banks just two blocks away and of course the non-stop noise of the train yard 100 feet from me - day and night.
It wore on me and I broke. I depressed and typed…and dialed too.
I needed to talk to somebody. To get a since of my impact, if any, on the world at large…and if “Large” was even applicable as a description of my “readership” following.
I questioned what I was doing in the tent in the cold and the rain in Montana of all places. Was I being as stupid as that kid in “Into the Wild”
I was feeling raw and empty and alone and with just 12 minutes left of battery power last night I posted this:
Sending out an S.O.S.
by Rik Converse on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 6:07pm
When i was in Iowa, at me nieces, i saw the movie Julie & Julia (again) It reminded me of the journey I'm on. She cooked a meal a day for a year based on Julia Child's cookbook. I'm spending nearly a year out traveling Steinbeck with my dog Mischa. I've already surpassed his time on the road. It is lonely and arduous and at times unbearably challenging not to mention dangerous. I recall the moments in the movie when she wonders if anyone is "listening to her blog". I feel like that at times. I'm in a tent with pouring rain and cold and broke and wondering...wondering if i can go the distance. If i should go the distance. Is my writing worth a damn. Will I have what it takes to finish this or just cop to being another of the homeless and unemployed. I've taken inventory of the people who have supported me so far on this Journey. 13 benefactors - 7 patrons - 6 supporters and 2 subscribers. 28 great people have gotten me across 21 states, nearly 12K miles. And there are maybe a dozen people who have take the time to like or comment on my posts on a regular basis - you cannot believe how much that has meant to me. But 40 people...it just seems like I'm not making an impact. Like what I'm doing is less significant than making a recipe of Julia Childs in my home after work. This was a road trip for Steinbeck. It's my only place to go. It's all that's left of my life. And it seems...to effect few. I hope I'm wrong...but it doesn't feel like it. Not here in the tent, in the cold, in the rain.
I tried to call my niece - to voicemail.
I called my sister Cindy in Florida. - She answered.
And I couldn’t talk. Heaving choked sobs were the best I could manage. I haven’t cried like that since my mom died. I fought to talk. But words came out like air bubbles from underwater, popping before any discernable since could be made of the sounds my mouth formed. I was afraid she’d think some pervert was dialing her, but her phone had pre-announced the caller. And that made it worse. I couldn’t help it. And I didn’t even know where it was coming from…it was just rolling out of me in waves like the incessant rain.
But we eventually talked. And remembering the place she lived and the days I spent with her months ago helped ground me. A since of normalcy…whatever that means to me these days. Maybe what I hope will someday be again. I got grounded and felt less alone and the call ended. Then my niece, whom I referred to in the post called me back. And we talked about my post and my breakdown and why I was doing it.
The rain continued and the air was still cold. But I felt a little less alone. I felt like tomorrow was another day, another chance and I was willing…to be moving…forward.
06-08-11 We gotta get out of this place
06-08-11
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
100.8 miles
Miles City to Glendive
I vacillate between staying and going.
I have electricity and wifi and it’s going to rain either place.
But it’s that much closer to the border to go to Glendive and I may be able to save some of my dwindling money by finding a cheaper place there.
I go online and check the rates of the campgrounds I can find in Glendive. I find all but one are cheaper than the $18/day I’m paying now. I’m sure I should have packed up earlier, but I start breaking camp just after noon and leave there (after a quick shower and shave) just after 1pm. It’s about 80 miles to glendive and we head out in cloudy but dry conditions. I get gas before I leave which is backtracking but it’s bound to be cheaper then in Glendive.
As I drive along the 94 Fwy, I see the Yellowstone River which is at flood levels at many places along it’s course and threatening cities for miles. Most of the towns along the 94 are situated on the river course. It is a mighty wide and long flow and I’m heading to a town that crosses it many times.
I follow the Garmin to one of the campsites and eventually all three. I go with the cheapest. Two reasons. Primarily, it’s $10/day. And second - it has wifi in the price. I also negotiated $35 for 4 days instead of $40. I wrote a check for that amount with only $10 available, but a friend had told me he could but in enough to cover the shortfall on Friday. I hope the camp people don’t bank at me bank. I need the float.
With this I’m down to about $10 still available.
An d it’s starting to get to me.
I set up the tent and the rain starts almost as soon as I get in the tent.
Of course it does.
Should I expect more that 3 days of sunshine in a row at any time this year?
(Damn right I should!)
But when?
A friend said a few months ago that it rains where ever I go and that I should leave the country.
Like that would help me. If it were true, would it be my patriotic duty?
Trapeze has a song called Black Cloud - “Everywhere I go- Black Cloud Following me!”
Yeah…it feels like that.
I’m listening to the rain on the tent and the train yard that is non-stop 24/7 noise. Horns, engines, coupling/uncoupling cars and the occasional company truck.
A lyric from Deep Purple comes into my mind as I lie on my air mattress.
“But you spend your money and lie in bed forgotten
And you wonder what you did it for
No one came from miles around
And said man who's he?”
Yeah. Who IS he?
The inscrutable open-book…closes for the evening.
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
100.8 miles
Miles City to Glendive
I vacillate between staying and going.
I have electricity and wifi and it’s going to rain either place.
But it’s that much closer to the border to go to Glendive and I may be able to save some of my dwindling money by finding a cheaper place there.
I go online and check the rates of the campgrounds I can find in Glendive. I find all but one are cheaper than the $18/day I’m paying now. I’m sure I should have packed up earlier, but I start breaking camp just after noon and leave there (after a quick shower and shave) just after 1pm. It’s about 80 miles to glendive and we head out in cloudy but dry conditions. I get gas before I leave which is backtracking but it’s bound to be cheaper then in Glendive.
As I drive along the 94 Fwy, I see the Yellowstone River which is at flood levels at many places along it’s course and threatening cities for miles. Most of the towns along the 94 are situated on the river course. It is a mighty wide and long flow and I’m heading to a town that crosses it many times.
I follow the Garmin to one of the campsites and eventually all three. I go with the cheapest. Two reasons. Primarily, it’s $10/day. And second - it has wifi in the price. I also negotiated $35 for 4 days instead of $40. I wrote a check for that amount with only $10 available, but a friend had told me he could but in enough to cover the shortfall on Friday. I hope the camp people don’t bank at me bank. I need the float.
With this I’m down to about $10 still available.
An d it’s starting to get to me.
I set up the tent and the rain starts almost as soon as I get in the tent.
Of course it does.
Should I expect more that 3 days of sunshine in a row at any time this year?
(Damn right I should!)
But when?
A friend said a few months ago that it rains where ever I go and that I should leave the country.
Like that would help me. If it were true, would it be my patriotic duty?
Trapeze has a song called Black Cloud - “Everywhere I go- Black Cloud Following me!”
Yeah…it feels like that.
I’m listening to the rain on the tent and the train yard that is non-stop 24/7 noise. Horns, engines, coupling/uncoupling cars and the occasional company truck.
A lyric from Deep Purple comes into my mind as I lie on my air mattress.
“But you spend your money and lie in bed forgotten
And you wonder what you did it for
No one came from miles around
And said man who's he?”
Yeah. Who IS he?
The inscrutable open-book…closes for the evening.
06-07-11 I'm in love with my car
06-07-11
I'm in love with my car
Gotta feel for my automobile
Get a grip on my boy racer rollbar
Such a thrill when your radials squeal
54.9 Miles
Forsyth - in the am I’w typing up a few days posts. I go online and do some posting and it’s doing a light drizzle off and on outside the tent. I twpe till just before noon and decide to more east - get closer to the border. At least Miles Ciy. I hear a lull in the rain and get the car packed. As I do so I noticed my right rear, it was very low. Most of the times in California they would repair the tire for free, or just a small charge (5- 8 dollars) but here it was $18,,00 ($14 if it wasn’t on the card). This is the second time in two weeks that time had gone low. Nothing to do but repair it.
It only takes about 15 minutes total but the y found a nail in the tie and now it should be safe. I get back on the road and it’s starting to rain again in earnest.
I drive out of town heading for Miles City. I’d seen on the internet that most of the FWP camping sites are all closed because almost all the states rivers are overflowing of on the verge and all of these sties are “On water” and built too close to the water to anticipate usee during a lfood period. Along the road the sound of my engine is sounding rough. I’m hoping it’s the sound of my tires on bad road, but I have the feeling it’s not. I pull over and check the oil. Dipshit! I should have don’t that days ago, or hundreds of miles ago. I’m not showing any oil on the dipstick. I put in two quarts. Back to full!
I drive about 35 more miles into Miles City. It is the biggest town I’ve encountered so far in Montana. The engine has started ot sound quieter, less rattling sounds. It’s still raining and overcast most of the way there.
I finlely get to:
Miles City. - Casinos, bars, Albertsons, Wal-mart, truckstops…it’s got it all!
I try to figure out where I’m going to go in Montana
I’m in the parking lot for about 3 hours and then I’m ready to go. I’ve found a campground that’s cheap enough for the night close to town (and not flooded) and I figure a day or two there, then to the border area near Glendive or Baker - then out of Montana and into North Dakota, along the 94 the whole way.
I’ve been listening to some cool jazz on the local NPR station and it’s been relaxing while trying to figure out my options (which are dismally few, camping wise).
I turn the key to head off to the campsite which is the next off ramp up the freeway.
Click-click-clickclick…
Damn.
I’d had my lights on the whole time (as well as my computer, cooler, radio and Garmin. (idiot!)
I imagine I’ll have to end up calling AAA. (do I still have a service call left after that time in Davenport that my niece ran out of gas? )
I ask some electrical crew in the parking lot if their truck has jumpers and if they could start my car. No luck, their truck doesn’t have cables.
I go in to the McDonalds . I plae and order and sak if anyone has cables and could give me a jump. One of the managers, Austin, says he will. I get the car started, thanks to Austin and leave the car running as I get my oder of chicken stip like thins and share it with Mischa in the car while I let it charge.
Then we drive to “Big Sky Camp & RV Park“ for a place to stay. Everything’s great until I‘m ready to pay.
“We don’t take those” e informs me referring to me credit card. “It’s cash or check. We used those untill a few years ago, but the companies wanted too much for us to use them, so we stopped. Only had one person walk out over it.”
“It’s pretty inconvenient for the customer” I try, “But, not for me” He returns. “Of course not for you.” I return.
And return I do - back to the main drag of Miles City. To get $20 cash back from a debit purchase. At least this town HAS a store that will do it - several, actually). I get some chicken strips and Chicken Caesar Salad - $5.
I drive back and pay for the spot, get the tent up and loaded in just before it starts raining. It’s a cold night too.
I'm in love with my car
Gotta feel for my automobile
Get a grip on my boy racer rollbar
Such a thrill when your radials squeal
54.9 Miles
Forsyth - in the am I’w typing up a few days posts. I go online and do some posting and it’s doing a light drizzle off and on outside the tent. I twpe till just before noon and decide to more east - get closer to the border. At least Miles Ciy. I hear a lull in the rain and get the car packed. As I do so I noticed my right rear, it was very low. Most of the times in California they would repair the tire for free, or just a small charge (5- 8 dollars) but here it was $18,,00 ($14 if it wasn’t on the card). This is the second time in two weeks that time had gone low. Nothing to do but repair it.
It only takes about 15 minutes total but the y found a nail in the tie and now it should be safe. I get back on the road and it’s starting to rain again in earnest.
I drive out of town heading for Miles City. I’d seen on the internet that most of the FWP camping sites are all closed because almost all the states rivers are overflowing of on the verge and all of these sties are “On water” and built too close to the water to anticipate usee during a lfood period. Along the road the sound of my engine is sounding rough. I’m hoping it’s the sound of my tires on bad road, but I have the feeling it’s not. I pull over and check the oil. Dipshit! I should have don’t that days ago, or hundreds of miles ago. I’m not showing any oil on the dipstick. I put in two quarts. Back to full!
I drive about 35 more miles into Miles City. It is the biggest town I’ve encountered so far in Montana. The engine has started ot sound quieter, less rattling sounds. It’s still raining and overcast most of the way there.
I finlely get to:
Miles City. - Casinos, bars, Albertsons, Wal-mart, truckstops…it’s got it all!
I try to figure out where I’m going to go in Montana
I’m in the parking lot for about 3 hours and then I’m ready to go. I’ve found a campground that’s cheap enough for the night close to town (and not flooded) and I figure a day or two there, then to the border area near Glendive or Baker - then out of Montana and into North Dakota, along the 94 the whole way.
I’ve been listening to some cool jazz on the local NPR station and it’s been relaxing while trying to figure out my options (which are dismally few, camping wise).
I turn the key to head off to the campsite which is the next off ramp up the freeway.
Click-click-clickclick…
Damn.
I’d had my lights on the whole time (as well as my computer, cooler, radio and Garmin. (idiot!)
I imagine I’ll have to end up calling AAA. (do I still have a service call left after that time in Davenport that my niece ran out of gas? )
I ask some electrical crew in the parking lot if their truck has jumpers and if they could start my car. No luck, their truck doesn’t have cables.
I go in to the McDonalds . I plae and order and sak if anyone has cables and could give me a jump. One of the managers, Austin, says he will. I get the car started, thanks to Austin and leave the car running as I get my oder of chicken stip like thins and share it with Mischa in the car while I let it charge.
Then we drive to “Big Sky Camp & RV Park“ for a place to stay. Everything’s great until I‘m ready to pay.
“We don’t take those” e informs me referring to me credit card. “It’s cash or check. We used those untill a few years ago, but the companies wanted too much for us to use them, so we stopped. Only had one person walk out over it.”
“It’s pretty inconvenient for the customer” I try, “But, not for me” He returns. “Of course not for you.” I return.
And return I do - back to the main drag of Miles City. To get $20 cash back from a debit purchase. At least this town HAS a store that will do it - several, actually). I get some chicken strips and Chicken Caesar Salad - $5.
I drive back and pay for the spot, get the tent up and loaded in just before it starts raining. It’s a cold night too.
06-06-11 - I fear rivers over flowing.
06-06-11
I hear hurricanes ablowing.
I know the end is coming soon.
I fear rivers over flowing.
I hear the voice of rage and ruin.
295.5 miles
Gillette, Wy - left there about 1 pm determined to get into Montana. Walked Mischa in the town war memorial park where they honored those who fought in every conflict since World War I. By far the most this town lost was in WWII. The momorial reminded me of the veterans meorila in the town circle in the City of Orange, California that I grew up in. It didn’t look the same, it just had the same sort of solemn reverence . Listing by name, the lost potential of those men, that war took the lives of. I always wondered what their lives would have been like had they lived. The contributions they’d have made, the lives they’d have influenced.
Finishing my posts, I set the Garmin for Little Big Horn Battlefield and drove -
Past Buffalo - I see, of to the west, snow capped mountain ridges. Am I seeing views of Yellowstone Park’s snowcapped mountain ranges? The Grand Tetons? Bighorn National Forest?
Sheridan is the last big city before the Montana Border. Maybe I’ll make it in and be able to actually sleep in Montana tonight!
I drive past small towns and Finally! Littler Big Horn Battlefield up ahead. I cross over the Little Big Horn River before I have a chance to grab my camera and take a picture (It’s okay, I’ll pass back over it three or four more times - missing a good shot each time.
What? They charge to enter the Battlefield? Or Well. That was a lot of waised driving for nothing.
Into Hardin. The town is small, but nice. Gas prices are lower than I’d expected. I get on the internet and find that a few friends have responded to my “Pledge Drive” funding request. I hope it gts me thru Montana. I’m already tired of the state. The land is beautiful and to be fare, my resources will not allow me to see much of it (and it’s a REALLY Big State!)
As I leave Hardin to settle in to my camp spot just a few miles up the road I have know Idea what I’m in for.
The listed campsites at:
Grant Marsh FWP - Custer FWP - Minus - Hysham - Forsyth are ALL closed.
And from Custer FWP just 13 or so miles north of Hardin I’m seeing the wide front of an approaching Monster of a storm wall.
I’m racing daylight all along the way, trying to find ONE of the campgrounds advertised in the Montana Visitors guide to Actually be open for business…or at least camping! Their FWP (Fish,Wildlife, Parks) department sites were all closed down! 5 of them! I presume it's over concerns of flooding, but some of the sites were still good for camping.
I end up going to a place in Forsyth called Wagon Wheel Campground. I get direction there . And when I arrive, Betty greets me and starts to check me in. It’s only $15 but they don’t take cards. But she says, take that place down on the end, I won’t turn you away with this storm coming.
I just got the tent up (among flashes of lightning - that helped actually) and loaded in when the storm passed overhead. The rain was light and minor...but the lightning and thunder was celestial! From inside the tent it looked like god was taking ex-rays of my tent every 7 seconds! The air was warm and I was lying on top of my mattress and covers in my shorts and with Mischa lying next to me, I relaxed like I hadn't in weeks!
The Storm passed over in about 30 minutes and it brought colder air. I put a t-shirt on and got under the comforter and had a great night's rest.
I found out that morning there had been tornados in that storm. But it missed me.
I hear hurricanes ablowing.
I know the end is coming soon.
I fear rivers over flowing.
I hear the voice of rage and ruin.
295.5 miles
Gillette, Wy - left there about 1 pm determined to get into Montana. Walked Mischa in the town war memorial park where they honored those who fought in every conflict since World War I. By far the most this town lost was in WWII. The momorial reminded me of the veterans meorila in the town circle in the City of Orange, California that I grew up in. It didn’t look the same, it just had the same sort of solemn reverence . Listing by name, the lost potential of those men, that war took the lives of. I always wondered what their lives would have been like had they lived. The contributions they’d have made, the lives they’d have influenced.
Finishing my posts, I set the Garmin for Little Big Horn Battlefield and drove -
Past Buffalo - I see, of to the west, snow capped mountain ridges. Am I seeing views of Yellowstone Park’s snowcapped mountain ranges? The Grand Tetons? Bighorn National Forest?
Sheridan is the last big city before the Montana Border. Maybe I’ll make it in and be able to actually sleep in Montana tonight!
I drive past small towns and Finally! Littler Big Horn Battlefield up ahead. I cross over the Little Big Horn River before I have a chance to grab my camera and take a picture (It’s okay, I’ll pass back over it three or four more times - missing a good shot each time.
What? They charge to enter the Battlefield? Or Well. That was a lot of waised driving for nothing.
Into Hardin. The town is small, but nice. Gas prices are lower than I’d expected. I get on the internet and find that a few friends have responded to my “Pledge Drive” funding request. I hope it gts me thru Montana. I’m already tired of the state. The land is beautiful and to be fare, my resources will not allow me to see much of it (and it’s a REALLY Big State!)
As I leave Hardin to settle in to my camp spot just a few miles up the road I have know Idea what I’m in for.
The listed campsites at:
Grant Marsh FWP - Custer FWP - Minus - Hysham - Forsyth are ALL closed.
And from Custer FWP just 13 or so miles north of Hardin I’m seeing the wide front of an approaching Monster of a storm wall.
I’m racing daylight all along the way, trying to find ONE of the campgrounds advertised in the Montana Visitors guide to Actually be open for business…or at least camping! Their FWP (Fish,Wildlife, Parks) department sites were all closed down! 5 of them! I presume it's over concerns of flooding, but some of the sites were still good for camping.
I end up going to a place in Forsyth called Wagon Wheel Campground. I get direction there . And when I arrive, Betty greets me and starts to check me in. It’s only $15 but they don’t take cards. But she says, take that place down on the end, I won’t turn you away with this storm coming.
I just got the tent up (among flashes of lightning - that helped actually) and loaded in when the storm passed overhead. The rain was light and minor...but the lightning and thunder was celestial! From inside the tent it looked like god was taking ex-rays of my tent every 7 seconds! The air was warm and I was lying on top of my mattress and covers in my shorts and with Mischa lying next to me, I relaxed like I hadn't in weeks!
The Storm passed over in about 30 minutes and it brought colder air. I put a t-shirt on and got under the comforter and had a great night's rest.
I found out that morning there had been tornados in that storm. But it missed me.
06-05-11 Stuck in the middle...with me
06-05-11
348.2 miles
Hill City - My buddy, Paul left to explore either Jewel Caves of Wind Caves (being the 2nd and 4th most extensive caves in the world) before heading up to Mt. Rushmore via a route some volksmarch haikers had told us about for some spectacular photographs. Apparently if you took Sylvan Lake to Iron Mountain you go thru tunnels that frame Mt. Rushmore perfectly and in the early morning sunlight It’s supposed to be spectacular. I’ll have to wait to see his posts to know. It was Sunday and time for me to enter an other state. We’d talked about going to Deadwood together, but his plan was to see it Tuesday before he flies back home and I couldn’t (I thought) not sleep in Montana over Sunday night. (Things don’t always go to plan.)
But I told him I’d go ahead and scout the place out for him and let him know what I thought of Deadwood.
But first I repacked the car and made a few uploads to keep my word and then made a stop on the way out of town. There was a winery I’d been curious about - RED ASS Winery! With a name like that , It’d better be good, right?! Well, I think the winery is really called Prairie Berry Winery, but their biggest wine is the Red Ass Wine - It’s a Rhubarb and Raspberry concoction. I’ve never liked Rhubarb…but this (you taste the Raspberry first)…could grow on me! I also had Calamity Jane (who didn’t?) and Blue Suade Shoes and a Buffaloberry Fusion They were all quite good. (Calamity Jane tasted like Welch’s Grape Juice!). All samples were very small so I was quite save to drive. I headed up to Deadwood. Along the way I passed this massive waterspace called Pactola Reservoir . It was quite beautiful and impressive. The road started climbing andI was surprised at the elevation of the hills. Quite soon it went the other direction down a long decline into the valley what would lead to Lead and;
Deadwood - the first thing I noticed were the trees on the hillsides. Some stands were complete and hardy, but others looked like a bad job of clear cutting had happened or a devastating wind effect had passed by. But there was no evidence of harvesting and the wood was just lying there. Full trees, felled by…whatever? It dawned on me that this “Dead wood” may have given the town it’s name. Pure speculation on my part…but…
There was some footrace happening as I approached the town proper and was held up by an officer while a few runners ran past. I pulled around seeing cheesy touristy places, Motels called Hickock’s Hangout” or Deadeye Dick’s Saloon, etc. The real stuff was in town. Main street open for car traffic, but not for parking. (Most all parking is “metered”. in Deadwood. I parked at the old train depot that had been restored (beautifully) and was the “Welcome Center” as well as mini history museum. I got a spot being vacated and had over an hour left on it. I went inside and was given the royal treatment as fae as directions to “Everything” whether I wanted to go or not. One place I did take the idea to wxplore was the Moriah Cemetery where Wild “Bill” and Calamity “Jane” rest.
As I came back to my car I was approached by the town sheriff. Well, she was a police officer. She wanted to make sure my dog was ok and how long I’d been there. (She noted the time on the meter!) She fell in love with Mischa (sigh - who doesn‘t) but we nearly came to a showdown at high noon…cuz she didn’t want to give her back to me! But Officer Alexandra Johnson would never break the law, or “shoplift the…puppy”. And she was very kind ot have looked out for Meesh. It was a warm day and even though the windows were cracked and she had water…too much time in that sun could have been bad news. So…any of you pooch poacher who head into Deadwood, take note: There’s a new Sheriff in town…and her name is, Reggi…I mean, Alexandria Johnson!
We went up to the Cemetrey and I passed a park called Richard Gordon Memorial Park and I immediately thought of my interview on WUNC with “Dick’ Gordon and my recent visit to Twin’s Hannable, Mo and his quite about the rumors of his demise…and knew I’d neeed to get a picture of this to send it to him!
The Cemetery…doesn’t allow dogs (not even Mischa!) but the ladies who took my $1 admission fee (in quarters) were very nice in looking after her. I alked the way there and saw the huge bust put up for Wild Bill and the rather simple plaque placed facing Bill’s plot for Calamity “Jane” (though nobody knew her as Martha)
I wanted to get to Devil’s Tower but also was intrigued by the idea of the “Geographical Center of the United States” as both were in my Garmin, I headed to which ever I could get to first with the least bcktracking- that lead me to:
Belle Fourche, SD - The turn off for Devil’s Tower was just shy of the town and I continued towards the GeoCenter. Looking at the Garmin I started to think, maybe I’d made the wrong choice and turned back for Devil’s Tower. Just after I did I notiece a Belle Fourche Welcome Center. I could say I’d been to Belle Fourche (pronounced “Foosh”), the town at the end of the trail in the movie “The Cowboys” and I cold get the answer to a burning question I had. And I asked the woman I who greeted me right away: “What’s a “Foosh”/?, said I! (Sorry…you didn’t question in the form of an answer -thanks for playing.) “Fork”, she said, “as in the meeting of three rivers right here. Belle Fourche means “Beautiful Fork” (And now you know!) The added bonus was that they had a large representation of the Geographical Center out back (“Oh jes, we gotz a Nizze one right here” (read with a disgusting French accent!) The even had a photo of the real one (it isn’t nearly as impressive as the one out back!) and she said it was 26 miles NE from them “out in a pasture, you have to walk for a long way thru muddy fields and clime over a barbed wire fence.” This was easier and enough for my curiosity. Seeing what amounted to a stick mounted in cement…I figured this was close enough. I mean it’s only the Geographical center because they factored in Alaska & Hawaii! Talk about “skewing the pooch” And the Geographical center of the continental US? Lebanon, Kansas! (Thanks for playing) On to:
Devil’s Tower, Wy - Ummm. Jello and mashed Potatoes was all I could think about…and 5 note songs…
It was about as big as I expected…vertically. I thought it would be wider…like Ayers Rock. Still, Impressive. I talked to the ranger at the guard shack and mentioned the mashed potatoes thing…and he started to refer me to a diner. I let him in on the joke…was surprised that he didn’t get it in one.
As I drove away I saw a sign “Quickest way to Little Big Horn Battlefield - take 112 to 212 to the Custer cut across…and like an idiot…I did.
Broadus, Mt. - Just outside I find (finally) a State of Montana Welcome Center. The woman there wasn’t very helpful (thought she did try) or knowledgeable (which was part of the problem, but the one thing she DID know spoiled my mood and made me pretty cranky and irritable for the rest of the day - I blame it on the miles…and the bad news.) She told me “you can’t get there from here” the Custer Cutacross” was “Cut Off”! I WAS supposed to be getting to the battle field around 7:30 pm which was late but alright with me…it would still be daylight. I’d snap off a few photos and be off looking for a campsite. But…not to be. I had thought about going to Ashland which had a free campsite but as I drive out of Broadus I passed a road sign saying the road was closed to thru traffic and to take the 59 north to Miles City! That was back and not the way I wanted to go at all. I ended taking the 59 after all - south. To:
Gillette, Wy. I Came into town for the cheaper gas, got some internet time to check finances and resources. Almost drove 30 miles back east to Moorcroft to stay at Keystone Reservoir. Very dark roads, decided to pay an extra $2-5 to stay near Gillette and continue west and north to Montana in the Morning. Two campgrounds, both looking inhospitable and overpriced for what I’d be getting. Almost went behind Wal-Mart , but felt better asking to park at Flying J. They said it would be ok. Contrary to the common notion I believe it is Always better to ask permission first (rather than beg forgiveness later) It’s more honest and upfront - gives the other person to option to say “No”.
12.34 am Slept at Flying J Truck Stop waking around 4:50am
348.2 miles
Hill City - My buddy, Paul left to explore either Jewel Caves of Wind Caves (being the 2nd and 4th most extensive caves in the world) before heading up to Mt. Rushmore via a route some volksmarch haikers had told us about for some spectacular photographs. Apparently if you took Sylvan Lake to Iron Mountain you go thru tunnels that frame Mt. Rushmore perfectly and in the early morning sunlight It’s supposed to be spectacular. I’ll have to wait to see his posts to know. It was Sunday and time for me to enter an other state. We’d talked about going to Deadwood together, but his plan was to see it Tuesday before he flies back home and I couldn’t (I thought) not sleep in Montana over Sunday night. (Things don’t always go to plan.)
But I told him I’d go ahead and scout the place out for him and let him know what I thought of Deadwood.
But first I repacked the car and made a few uploads to keep my word and then made a stop on the way out of town. There was a winery I’d been curious about - RED ASS Winery! With a name like that , It’d better be good, right?! Well, I think the winery is really called Prairie Berry Winery, but their biggest wine is the Red Ass Wine - It’s a Rhubarb and Raspberry concoction. I’ve never liked Rhubarb…but this (you taste the Raspberry first)…could grow on me! I also had Calamity Jane (who didn’t?) and Blue Suade Shoes and a Buffaloberry Fusion They were all quite good. (Calamity Jane tasted like Welch’s Grape Juice!). All samples were very small so I was quite save to drive. I headed up to Deadwood. Along the way I passed this massive waterspace called Pactola Reservoir . It was quite beautiful and impressive. The road started climbing andI was surprised at the elevation of the hills. Quite soon it went the other direction down a long decline into the valley what would lead to Lead and;
Deadwood - the first thing I noticed were the trees on the hillsides. Some stands were complete and hardy, but others looked like a bad job of clear cutting had happened or a devastating wind effect had passed by. But there was no evidence of harvesting and the wood was just lying there. Full trees, felled by…whatever? It dawned on me that this “Dead wood” may have given the town it’s name. Pure speculation on my part…but…
There was some footrace happening as I approached the town proper and was held up by an officer while a few runners ran past. I pulled around seeing cheesy touristy places, Motels called Hickock’s Hangout” or Deadeye Dick’s Saloon, etc. The real stuff was in town. Main street open for car traffic, but not for parking. (Most all parking is “metered”. in Deadwood. I parked at the old train depot that had been restored (beautifully) and was the “Welcome Center” as well as mini history museum. I got a spot being vacated and had over an hour left on it. I went inside and was given the royal treatment as fae as directions to “Everything” whether I wanted to go or not. One place I did take the idea to wxplore was the Moriah Cemetery where Wild “Bill” and Calamity “Jane” rest.
As I came back to my car I was approached by the town sheriff. Well, she was a police officer. She wanted to make sure my dog was ok and how long I’d been there. (She noted the time on the meter!) She fell in love with Mischa (sigh - who doesn‘t) but we nearly came to a showdown at high noon…cuz she didn’t want to give her back to me! But Officer Alexandra Johnson would never break the law, or “shoplift the…puppy”. And she was very kind ot have looked out for Meesh. It was a warm day and even though the windows were cracked and she had water…too much time in that sun could have been bad news. So…any of you pooch poacher who head into Deadwood, take note: There’s a new Sheriff in town…and her name is, Reggi…I mean, Alexandria Johnson!
We went up to the Cemetrey and I passed a park called Richard Gordon Memorial Park and I immediately thought of my interview on WUNC with “Dick’ Gordon and my recent visit to Twin’s Hannable, Mo and his quite about the rumors of his demise…and knew I’d neeed to get a picture of this to send it to him!
The Cemetery…doesn’t allow dogs (not even Mischa!) but the ladies who took my $1 admission fee (in quarters) were very nice in looking after her. I alked the way there and saw the huge bust put up for Wild Bill and the rather simple plaque placed facing Bill’s plot for Calamity “Jane” (though nobody knew her as Martha)
I wanted to get to Devil’s Tower but also was intrigued by the idea of the “Geographical Center of the United States” as both were in my Garmin, I headed to which ever I could get to first with the least bcktracking- that lead me to:
Belle Fourche, SD - The turn off for Devil’s Tower was just shy of the town and I continued towards the GeoCenter. Looking at the Garmin I started to think, maybe I’d made the wrong choice and turned back for Devil’s Tower. Just after I did I notiece a Belle Fourche Welcome Center. I could say I’d been to Belle Fourche (pronounced “Foosh”), the town at the end of the trail in the movie “The Cowboys” and I cold get the answer to a burning question I had. And I asked the woman I who greeted me right away: “What’s a “Foosh”/?, said I! (Sorry…you didn’t question in the form of an answer -thanks for playing.) “Fork”, she said, “as in the meeting of three rivers right here. Belle Fourche means “Beautiful Fork” (And now you know!) The added bonus was that they had a large representation of the Geographical Center out back (“Oh jes, we gotz a Nizze one right here” (read with a disgusting French accent!) The even had a photo of the real one (it isn’t nearly as impressive as the one out back!) and she said it was 26 miles NE from them “out in a pasture, you have to walk for a long way thru muddy fields and clime over a barbed wire fence.” This was easier and enough for my curiosity. Seeing what amounted to a stick mounted in cement…I figured this was close enough. I mean it’s only the Geographical center because they factored in Alaska & Hawaii! Talk about “skewing the pooch” And the Geographical center of the continental US? Lebanon, Kansas! (Thanks for playing) On to:
Devil’s Tower, Wy - Ummm. Jello and mashed Potatoes was all I could think about…and 5 note songs…
It was about as big as I expected…vertically. I thought it would be wider…like Ayers Rock. Still, Impressive. I talked to the ranger at the guard shack and mentioned the mashed potatoes thing…and he started to refer me to a diner. I let him in on the joke…was surprised that he didn’t get it in one.
As I drove away I saw a sign “Quickest way to Little Big Horn Battlefield - take 112 to 212 to the Custer cut across…and like an idiot…I did.
Broadus, Mt. - Just outside I find (finally) a State of Montana Welcome Center. The woman there wasn’t very helpful (thought she did try) or knowledgeable (which was part of the problem, but the one thing she DID know spoiled my mood and made me pretty cranky and irritable for the rest of the day - I blame it on the miles…and the bad news.) She told me “you can’t get there from here” the Custer Cutacross” was “Cut Off”! I WAS supposed to be getting to the battle field around 7:30 pm which was late but alright with me…it would still be daylight. I’d snap off a few photos and be off looking for a campsite. But…not to be. I had thought about going to Ashland which had a free campsite but as I drive out of Broadus I passed a road sign saying the road was closed to thru traffic and to take the 59 north to Miles City! That was back and not the way I wanted to go at all. I ended taking the 59 after all - south. To:
Gillette, Wy. I Came into town for the cheaper gas, got some internet time to check finances and resources. Almost drove 30 miles back east to Moorcroft to stay at Keystone Reservoir. Very dark roads, decided to pay an extra $2-5 to stay near Gillette and continue west and north to Montana in the Morning. Two campgrounds, both looking inhospitable and overpriced for what I’d be getting. Almost went behind Wal-Mart , but felt better asking to park at Flying J. They said it would be ok. Contrary to the common notion I believe it is Always better to ask permission first (rather than beg forgiveness later) It’s more honest and upfront - gives the other person to option to say “No”.
12.34 am Slept at Flying J Truck Stop waking around 4:50am
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