Thursday, June 13 to Thursday, June 20.  Havre, Montana toward Minnesota.

My next “destination” is Minnesota. I lived there for a number of years from about 1970 to 1985, and I have family, friends, and memories to visit.

But wait!!  There is territory to cover between here and there.  And I am sure common places that will generate uncommon memories!

Thursday, June 13, 2019.  On the road… almost.

I gassed up as I left Havre (still happy about the relatively low gas prices) and continued east on U.S. Highway 2, ready for a full day’s travel.  In 27 miles and 45 minutes, I reached Chinook, Montana, a wide spot in the road.  Uh-oh.  My “battery” light is on, and not charging.  My guess is alternator problems.  My friend, Isobel, and I were stuck on the 15 Freeway once between Orange County and Las Vegas with alternator problems.  It is a much longer adventure than I need to relate here, but suffice to say that this time I did not make the mistake of continuing on down the road and ignoring the light.

Really??  I just left Havre, which is a real town with (I would expect) good mechanics.  But here I am, just past Chinook, looking at open land.  Luckily, with my booster I do have some weak cell service, so I look for a “mechanic near me.”  Up pops American Garage, two-tenths of a mile from me.  OK… I look over my shoulder behind me and I see the sign.  And I take it as a good sign.

The folks at American Garage were great …. Worth the Yelp review I gave them, for sure.  They identified the alternator as the problem, and checked all the rest of the stuff under the hood.  And fixed a trailer light that was intermittent!  I was out of there and on the road again in a couple hours, without breaking the bank.  Mechanical issues are just part of the game, and could happen at home as easily as on the road, but I was grateful not to have to put on my big girl panties and argue over unnecessary suggested repairs.  Yeah, American Garage!

Now… back to Highway 2.  I spent almost a week in Havre, and I am in a rubber-to-the-road mode.  67 miles to Malta, Montana.  I can do that.  Hello, Malta.  Now, Glasgow, Montana is only another 70 miles.  No problem.  I have no cell service.  I have some “online” business to take care of in the next few days, so I look on the map for a large print town.  Miles City, Montana beckons.  Turn south on Highway 24 at Glasgow heading for an identified roadside park at the junction of Highways 24 and 200.  Another 88 miles.  It stays light quite late here in the north and I will be on paved roads, so I am sure I can get there before dark.  Success!  I arrived at 9:30 and found a great spot to stay for the night.  I went to sleep and decided to deal with my next problem in the morning. 

Friday, June 14, 2019.  Fumes in the gas tank.

And here was the problem….you math gurus may have been adding up the miles:  Havre to Chinook, 27 miles; Chinook to Malta, 67 miles;  Malta to Glasgow, 70 miles;  Glasgow to my current location, 88 miles.  Total 252 miles.  And do you see any stops for gas in there?  And my average range with the truck pulling the trailer is about 270 miles.  Therein lies the problem.  I am not out of gas, but I may be on fumes.  I convinced myself that there would be a gas station at the junction.  Not. Nope. Wrong.  Closest gas station is in Circle, MT, 35 miles away.  Risk it?  Narrow country road with some pretty good hills.  Not.  Nope.  Wrong.  I am pretty nervous about being stuck in no-man’s land with no shoulder to pull off on.  At least I am comfortable where I am.  Not that I want to stay forever.

Friday, June 14, 2019.  Good Samaritan.

Once again, fate (Fate) is on my side.  In the morning, along come two women who work the “boat inspection” station at my roadside park.  All boats going into the nearby recreation area reservoir must stop and be inspected for some type of plant life that can clog the waterways.  They are locals and very knowledgeable about the roads, etc.  They agree I might not want to be stranded between where I am and the next town.  Solution:  a brother will bring me some gas when he comes to bring lunch to one of the women.  So, I make breakfast and sit and drink coffee with two nice ladies while I wait for my Good Samaritan.  It is a beautiful day, and it is the perfect solution.

Like any “almost” big problem, this turned out fine.  Big brother showed up with a 5-gallon gas can at the going rate (grateful me tipped him an extra $20).  I am normally anal about stopping for gas, but this time I stupidly talked myself into what could have been quite an inconvenience.  Remember the “inner self” from Glacier?  I should have listened better.  But at least I listened and didn’t try to “make it.”  Off to get gas in Circle, MT.  I put 21.7 gallons in my 26 gallon tank.  And remember, I had added 5 gallons from the Good Samaritan.  Close.  Lesson learned.

Friday, June 14, 2019. Not Miles City, Montana.

Now to continue east.  If you have a map, you know I missed Miles City by much more than a mile.  Keep on keeping on, headed always east.  The lucky wrong turn brought me to the small town of Wibaux, Montana.  The Tastee Hut called, and I stopped for a bite and a cone.  Jenny, the owner, came out and asked about my “little yellow trailer,” then proceeded to sit at a booth with me to go over maps and local and on-my-route places she felt were worth visiting. She was delightful! Oh… and along came two people on horseback to get ice cream…. the deputy sheriff, Bill, and his teenage daughter. Talked with them a bit, also, and waved goodbye as I left.  I love the West.  Wibaux offers a nice city park for travelers, and I stayed the night.

Saturday, June 15, 2019.  Devil’s Tower National Monument and Black Hills National Forest.

Saturday, June 15, 2019. The road to Devil’s Tower.

In the morning, at Jenny’s suggestion, I headed south and a little west back into Wyoming to visit Devil’s Tower National Monument.  She pointed me to a minor road that went through beautiful farmland. I came across large and small farmsteads, driveways that invited visitors down a long stretch to homes, a large group of bee-hive boxes, an unusual area of erupting rocks, and a huge pile of lumber at the Devil’s Tower Forest Products mill in the tiny town of Hulett, Wyoming. Go figure. And so much more….a great local Quilt Shop, in-town sheep, a pronghorn antelope , an abandoned property that was a family home probably 50 years ago, cows lining up at the drinking fountain, and definitely yet another road less traveled. Being able to see all of these “small” things is truly enriching my life.

Saturday, June 15, 2019. Devil’s Tower National Monument.

Devil’s Tower is another of nature’s astounding formations.  It rises in the middle of open land, and makes one wonder, “Why?”  Whatever the reason, it was certainly a worthwhile stop. There was a line at the entrance, so apparently others had also heard of this natural wonder!  

The access road can only be traveled by vehicles under 21 feet, and no trailers. There is a parking area provided about a quarter mile inside the entrance to drop trailers and pick them up again on the way out. So little Hilda got to stay and play with a couple big guys while I went to explore.

There were some nice photo ops. And I actually used my new telephoto lens for a couple shots!

Prairie Dogs.

Just inside the entrance to Devil’s Tower is a large field populated with a great number of prairie dogs. Tried to take pictures, but they were pretty quick to disappear. It was just like a Disney show!  Being easily entertained, I stopped for a half hour on my way in, and an hour on my way out, just watching.  A lack of schedule is my friend.

Saturday, June 15, 2019.  Black Hills National Forest near Lead, South Dakota.

The dot on the map marked “Deadwood, South Dakota” was too much to resist.  My daughter and her husband used Deadwood as their wedding theme, and I couldn’t help trying to take my picture in Deadwood.  Of course, I loved the whole experience.

I left Devil’s Tower in the afternoon hoping to find a campsite in the Black Hills National Forest for the night.  I reached Spearfish, South Dakota about 4:00.  The map showed an “Alt 14” road that appeared to be a shortcut to the forest area south of Lead, South Dakota (pronounced Leed), which in turn is south of Deadwood.  If I stayed there that night, I would be in position to hit Deadwood the next morning.  A good plan.  And the Hanna Campground on the map seemed to be just the thing.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

So I asked a local Spearfish policeman which way to go.  He said it was hard to explain, said, “follow me,” and headed down the road.  20 minutes later he waved goodbye.  I was glad he was the tour guide.  The road called Alt 14 turned out to be the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives I have had the privilege to make.  Unfortunately, there were few opportunities to pull over for pictures, so you will have to Google it (please do) to see its beauty.  I have cheated here and put in a couple pictures from the website. They don’t do the experience justice. I had been driving since early morning, and by the time I drove the 20 miles of winding road through the Canyon, I was ready to stop for the night. Except the campground seemed to have moved away from the spot on the small map I had, and of course I had no service.

I headed up the road, ending up going through Lead and into Deadwood.  OK.  Saturday night in Deadwood is a pretty happening time, with no extra parking for a weary truck and trailer.  It was fun to see the revelers wandering all through the historic town with its Western bar on every corner.  I found a large parking area that seemed to allow unhitching, so kept it in mind for the next day.

Back up the road out of Deadwood, through Lead, and toward the National Forest.  I make one more attempt to find the campground, driving 10 miles up and back a rutted dirt road with no luck.  It was going to be dark soon.  I never did find the campground, but I found a nice level area in the open forest, and that was it for the night. 

Sunday, June 16, 2019.  Lead, Deadwood, and Sturgis, South Dakota.

Lead.

Sunday morning found me once more on the road through Lead on the way to Deadwood.  Lead is built on the precipice of ore-rich cliffs.  In its day, it was a major gold mining area, with mostly open pit gold.  And it still looks like there should be gold coming out of those hills.  Most old buildings are still in use for businesses or residences. And a great gold mining museum demonstrates how things used to be, and offers an opportunity to pan for gold. Today, most visitors come for hiking, biking, and skiing.

Deadwood.

I made the right call hitting Deadwood on Sunday morning. Sooooo quiet! I drove up and down the streets enjoying the town and getting my bearings.  I did find the “unhitch” lot, and left Hilda to play with others.  The truck and I went in search of a good breakfast.

The Lee Street Station Cafe offers a great menu and outdoor seating. It was relatively busy, and I asked two women if I could join their table.  Yes, until their friends arrived.  But maybe they were sleeping in. lol.  Like many visitors to Deadwood, the women were part of a group traveling on motorcycles. Our conversation was about motorcycles and trips and home locations.  One lady was a teacher, and the other was the Postmistress in a small town in Nebraska. We quickly became great buddies, and they invited me to stop by if I went their way.

My first motorcycle was in 1980 in Minnesota. And I maintained a motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license until I moved to Nevada and the DMV wanted me to take a riding test. Didn’t have a motorcycle anymore, so no more endorsement. I do appreciate the motorcycle set (of course, my daughter and her husband are major riders). When we left the café, my new friends invited me to look at (and sit on) one of the bikes.  They each ride a BRP Can-Am Spyder, an impressive three-wheel bike made in Canada. Quite the machine. Most of the group they ride with also own this type of bike. Could this be in my future???? They and their group readied themselves for the the day ride back to Nebraska, and I watched them ride away. I loved their spirit.

The streets of Deadwood.

I found Deadwood fascinating. So much Wild West history. The elementary school still operates, as do many businesses. And the large homes of the “players” of the day are still being used. Hotels, shops, a new winery. Walking along these streets is liking stepping back in time. I could almost expect a gunfight in the streets!

Mount Moriah Cemetery

A must-see area of Deadwood is the cemetery. At one time, there were two cemeteries. The one closest to town filled up quickly, and the one up on the mountain is the one now in existence. At some point, the town fathers decided to build on the first one, so many of the “residents” were moved up the hill. Because so many graves were unmarked, there were quite a few left behind, and current residents are still finding skeletons in their gardens.

The Mount Moriah Cemetery holds more than 3,000 graves. Over 80% of these are marked, and provide an interesting history of the area. The ones most people look for are Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, Potato Creek Johnny, and other infamous historical figures. What a site.

Sunday, June 16.  Boulder Canyon (Sturgis, South Dakota)

A resource I found available to folks traveling in unknown territory is an organization called “Boondockers Welcome.”  Travelers can join the system for a small annual fee, and RV owners who have space at their home locations make themselves available through a well-run reservation system online.  The idea is that a boondocker (a traveler with an RV or trailer that needs no “hookups”) can plan to spend one or two nights at a friendly location.  Not a campsite, but certainly a welcome place to stop.  I hadn’t found my “schedule” would accommodate using this service, but this time I could.  I made arrangements for the night of June 16 near Sturgis. 

When I arrived early Sunday afternoon, I was thrilled to find my host’s property just outside Sturgis at the beginning of the surrounding hills.  My spot was a long driveway with easy parking.  Their house is tucked into the edge of the Black Hills National Forest. The very welcoming couple offered electricity if I needed it, and a wealth of local information and conversation.  I had plenty of time to relax and get re-situated.  Sturgis, of course, is home to the world’s largest motorcycle rally in August, and a year-round motorcycle ride destination.  While they don’t own motorcycles, my hosts admitted they sometimes put their lawn chairs at the end of their driveway and watch the parade go by!  Sturgis is yet another interesting stop in the Black Hills.

Monday, June 17, 2019.  More Black Hills wandering.

Wind Cave National Park was in range of my location, so I wandered south into more of the Black Hills National Forest.  Along the way Hot Springs offers bubbling cauldrons, and there is a large herd of wild horses to be seen at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.  I saw only a few, but I know they are there!!

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave is another absolutely unique National Park.  Thousands of acres of grassland and hills, with lots of buffalo.  I was told elk, but I didn’t see any.  Below the grasslands lies one of the world’s largest caves.  The website shows the formations created by the wind that is able to enter through various access ways.  The only way to view the cave is on a guided tour down in an elevator.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do the tour.  I need to come back and do a month in the Black Hills!!

I used most of the day wandering, and finally headed east toward Badlands National Park. Stopped for the night at a great area just inside the park boundary suggested by one of my Facebook groups, intending an early start to see the Badlands in morning light.  

Tuesday, June 18, 2019.  Badlands National Park.

Hmm… can you say foggy?  And so foggy that I could barely see the road, let alone the scenery.  Managed the entire loop, and even with the fog, the Badlands offered some beautiful glimpses.  I stamped my National Parks Passport at the Visitors Center, and spent time chatting with a number of European tourists.  Check off another fantastic National Park.  

Perhaps an eye-check is in order, as well.  On the approach to the Badlands entrance, I went through a National Grasslands.  Just before the Park entrance, I spotted a small herd of cattle.  Uh… look again.  At closer look, the cattle turned out to be buffalo….. and I almost missed them!

Tuesday, June 18, 2019.  Wall Drug. Wall, South Dakota.

If you have ever driven through South Dakota, you recognize the Wall Drug advertisements that appear everywhere within 100 miles of Wall, South Dakota. It has been a must-stop for travelers for almost 90 years. 5-cent coffee, ice cream, and cold ice water. I was there with my parents about 60 years ago, and thought I should stop. I was shocked to see that there is now an entire themed town. I took pictures, but I didn’t stop. Too overwhelming!

South Dakota countryside.

I was hoping to get to a large enough town to find some service and a laundromat (seems to be a continuous quest), so headed toward Pierre.  Along the roads of South Dakota, I found beautiful farms, different varieties of cattle, and flat land with crops promising to feed us all.  I love the desert, the mountains, and the water.  And I find that every road through every type of countryside has its own beauty.  Stop to smell the roses.  Or the daisies.  Or the sweet hay.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Pierre, South Dakota.

At the end of a long travel day, Pierre rose to greet me.  A very pretty city along the wide Missouri River.  A city park almost in the shadow of the Capital Building offers camping sites with optional electricity.  Grass and a beach, and a fantastic area.  I stumbled onto this site by accident (of course) when I was driving around taking a look at the riverfront.  I pulled in, and was sitting in my chair taking a break before I set up for the night. 

A couple came along and said they had noticed my trailer and really liked it.  “Thank you,” I said.  They told me that if I moved over a little bit, out of the electric hookup area, camping was free.  “Thank you,” I most gratefully said again.  The man introduced himself as Randy Fox, known on You Tube as The Mobile Traveler.  He said he would like to interview me for his You Tube channel   I thanked them once more, but said we would have to talk tomorrow….. too tired tonight!!

I spent two delightful days camping near Randy and Kirsten, and learned so much from them!  Randy is actually from Pierre, and returns for a couple weeks each year to visit and take care of medical and business stuff.  And our trailers crossed paths at just that point in time. Yet another happy happenstance.  Randy and Kirsten travel all over the country in a 14-foot vintage trailer, interviewing similar travelers and offering help and advice to so many.  We talked about solar power, propane, awnings, water, and many other things that have been elevated in importance on my journey.  On Day 2, he did an interview that is posted on The Mobile Traveler as an episode titled, Woman Travels in a Vintage Camper.  Take a look when you are ready for some amusement.  I had actually seen his channel and followed it for some time.  Randy is definitely interesting.  He was on his way to Colorado to the “Travelers Campfest,” a gathering of a big bunch of folks getting together to help each other.  I am sure we will meet again sometime along some road. (The picture of his trailer is from his You Tube channel, The Mobile Traveler.)

We had some beautiful weather and some major thunderstorms.  Overall, I mark Pierre as an absolute go-to stop on the road.  I wish I had had more time to check out their area.

June 20, 2019.  Watson, MN.

My plan was to be in Minnesota on June 26, but a conversation with my granddaughter bumped that up to June 21, so I put the truck in hustle mode and headed for their new home in the country south of Minneapolis. When I crossed the state line on June 20, I stayed with a Boondockers Welcome host in Watson, MN.  Her site name is Casa del Goose.  A great overnight stay in the land of Canadian Geese!

June 21, 2019.  Homing in on a Minnesota family visit.

Early morning found me meandering down country roads. Actually early enough to watch the sun rise over the farmland. I drove past more of every kind of water imaginable.  Ponds, creeks, lakes, rivers (large and small), reservoirs, puddles, etc., etc.  Farmland and trees.  Perfect rows of corn. Huge round bales of hay. Ancient tribal lands and new architecture.  Some very tiny communities.

I did have one surprise. That new window I had installed in Grand Junction somehow had a baseball-size hole in it. Not sure what caused it …??? No projectiles inside the trailer. I taped it up with Flex Tape (it does work just like the TV ads claim!) and drove on.

About 1:00 the afternoon of June 21 I pulled into Cannon Falls, Minnesota to shouts from my two little great grandsons.  Parked in a park-like setting under a crabapple tree.  It is going to be a great visit!