August 23 – 24, 2009 The Road across Montana to North Dakota
Our journey across the northern plains continues. Mike was very concerned that we get the MoHo doctored up a bit, so we cut our Glacier itinerary by a day and headed east. We crossed the continental divide and quickly went from the mountainous/valley concept to a lot of nothing, but beautiful nothing it is. We had a long drive (typically have been going less than 200 miles a day or less) on Sunday of just over 300 miles, but fairly easy to do on the well maintained and straight Highway 2. Montana has an amazing number of highway miles where it is possible not to see any other vehicle coming or going. It is really an interesting drive seeing so many very small communities and their respective grain silos, water towers and some incredibly large farm equipment. This is rural America; it has a real charm of its own. We settled in for the night, boon docking in Malta – the mosquito capital of Montana?? We have old window screens that need some work, so we had a few uninvited pests in getting their transfusions as we slept. About 3:00am this morning we were awoken by a pick-up truck driving through the park spraying for the critters making this high pitched sound that must have been calling them to their execution. They don’t spray DDT anymore do they??
Monday morning we got up and headed east again – Montana was soon to be history. We made it to North Dakota mid day and secured a nice camping sight in Medora. What a cute little town with many things to do and see, might be worth another visit at some time. We took the little “Toad” and drove the 36 miles into the southern unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. What a terrific tour. The scenery was incredible with such varied landscapes resembling a shallow Grand Canyon. We saw at least 2 dozen plains Bison grazing along side of the road; they are such big beasts. We also enjoyed watching the prairie dogs scampering around in their respective little towns. Several groups of wild horses, as well as, few mule deer all made for a picture taking frenzy by both of us.
Well day number 11 finds the “Boys” and both of us doing well and having a great adventure.
P.S. don’t believe Mike when he tells you how badly he beat me at dominoes.
P.P.S. It’s true, but probably one of my few wins ever!
Hi there guys,
ReplyDeleteWe so enjoy reading your blog. Thank you so much for taking the time to keep us all posted on how things are going. I just gotta say, sounds like you guys are on a great trip, take the time to smell the roses a little bit and relax. Have a great trip. Keep those letters and pictures coming guys. Lots of Love! - Eric-
Dear Mike and Karen,
ReplyDeletewe enjoy reading your blog! The pictures are great and it seems like you have lots of fun! Karen, I am sorry for the sting, I know how that feels!
We´re back from a short trip to New York. It was just for the weekend but we had fun! It´s a long story but we´ll tell you later!
Please keep us updated! It somehow gives us the feeling that we´re part of it :-)
Take care.
Anett, Peter, Tom and Anna
How many pieces of petrified wood did you find along side the road? Outside the park, of course. I was allowed only one so I picked a big one. There was a worry that we would look like the old Lucille Ball movie "The Long Long Trailer" with drawers full of rocks. I did put a couple small ones that looked like animal droppings in my pocket. They secretly made the trip home. Those roads sure are straight with a few rolling hills here and there. Different but still beautiful in it's own way. The buffalo jumps are interesting to see and read about. If you get a chance, check one of them out. So sorry to hear about the MoHo's injuries. Keep on having a great time. I love reading the blogs.
ReplyDeleteHi, kids! Love the horse picture...awesome! Hope the Mo-Ho is none the worse for wear after trying to squeeze into the skinny space at West Glacier. Don't those folks know you are driving a virtual BEAST?!
ReplyDeleteCleave -- I must say, you didn't look too happy outside the Silver Spur. Gambling must have sucked! Sort of reminds me of the old Sit and Slapper...no, no, I mean Satin Slipper!
Take care, write if you get work, and have FUN!
Hugs,
Char