Archive for August, 2012


WILDLIFE VIEWING AND A CODY, WY. VISIT

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August 30, 2012

Lamar Valley–
Our stay so far in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park has been filled with frequent, incomparable sights. About a half a mile out into the valley was a bison carcass with many different animals coming to the site to feed on it at different times of the day. For a full five days, in the mornings we watched the Lamar wolf pack at the site. During the day there was usually a visit from at least one coyote to say little of the near constant feeding by the Ravens and as many as three Bald Eagles. In the evenings, like clock work, just at dusk a grizzly would come out of the woods from behind the carcass and feed. The grizzly that fed on pretty much the last of the carcass Tuesday evening was huge and could be seen from the road way with the naked eye despite being a half a mile out in the valley at dusk. Early last Tuesday morning, we were lucky enough to witness five adult wolves feeding on the carcass, this is a sight we’ll never forget.
We were able to see all this from the “enclosure hill” area. Enclosure hill is where the wolves were first held in a fenced area and then released into the park. To us, enclosure hill is a historic area but is not even marked by a sign of any kind. There’s just a nondescript fenced area on a hillside overlooking the Lamar Valley.
We could happily spend all our days here, except of course in the winter (we prefer warmer places in the winter). The Lamar Valley, though it lacks most of the geo-thermal wonders that Yellowstone National Park is known for, is perfect for the kind of adventure we enjoy which is wildlife viewing. We will return here to the Lamar year after year for this reason.

Tips for those interested in viewing wildlife in Yellowstone–
We have frequently been asked “how do you find these great spots like the carcass with animals feeding on it?” Our answer is always the same…just ask. For example, people visiting Yellowstone drove by (going about 45 miles/hr.!) the place where we were watching the five wolves. I’m sure many of those people will leave the park saying they looked but they didn’t see any wolves or grizzlies. Some folks were wise enough to ask “what are you seeing out there?” we would tell them so they could pull over and be as amazed as we.
If you come to Yellowstone and want to see wolves, moose, bear, etc. stop whenever you see folks with spotting scopes all looking in the same direction. People that spend a lot of money on a spotting scope are frequently the people who are pretty good at spotting wildlife and some of them are there to help spot wolves for the Park Service (especially in the Lamar Valley). Most people are friendly and will tell you what they are seeing and let you look through the scope to witness the wildlife being wild for your self.

Cody, Wy.–
Drove the scenic Chief Joseph Highway from Yellowstone to Cody during the week to look around. This is a spectacular drive as is the drive from Cody, Wy. into the East entrance of Yellowstone. The Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in Cody is filled with Western paintings and spectacular sculptures and is well worth a visit. This is a cute little town with many services for the traveler. We are told they have only a “little” snow here in the winter because the winds are so severe the snow seems to be mostly blown away from the town according to some of the town folks we queried. Um, sounds plausible.

Internet Connection–

We are able to connect to the internet using our Millenicom Wi-fi in the Pebble Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park.  This blog was posted via the Millenicom in the campground.

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TAKING CARE OF THE BUSINESS OF FULLTIMEING IN AN RV

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August 23, 2012

Tires/Front End Alignment–
Last week, while we were in Grand Teton National Park, Jerry noticed that both our front tires were wearing too much on the inside tread. Time for at least one new tire and a front end alignment. After checking extensively in Jackson we found that we could not have the work done there and decided our best bet was to head to Bozeman, Mt.   Ordered the tire from Costco in Bozeman on the phone and were told it would arrive there in the beginning of the week. Sure enough, the tire had just arrived at Costco on Monday when we checked but the truck repair business that was to do the front end alignment had no bay available until Wednesday morning.
To get there, we found it necessary to drive down a dirt road to the truck repair shop Wednesday morning. The business is actually on a paved road but you can’t really get there easily without using the dirt road access from the direction we were traveling. The work was done quickly and professionally and we now have a new tire and the unused spare on the front and everything is in alignment. They didn’t think our tires were as bad as some they have seen but the thought of a front tire blow-out was scary to contemplate. Some of the stories we were told about how bad some RV tires they have seen sounded just amazing that anything could last in such a poor condition without a dangerous blow-out. Since we’re fairly risk averse, we got the tires and alignment done before we had a big problem.

Camping and Boondocking–
When we left our friends and the Gros Ventre campground in the Tetons we just drove north and stayed a day in Colter Bay Campground at the north end of Grand Teton National Park. It is very smoky in the park but since we’d heard folks were loosing their homes in the fires, all complaining screeched to a halt.
Stayed a few nights just north of Yellowstone at Bakers Hole Campground off of route 191. It is a forest campground, lots of spaces available, and we selected a site that backs up to the Madison River. It was enjoyable to sit out and watch the rafters, would-be fishermen along with the eagles and osprey putting the river to good use. Did a few little hikes, but not much. This is a convenient campground but not wonderful though we met some folks that come here every year. At $7.00/night it was just fine.
Next, went to Costco, picked up the tire we had ordered, refilled our larder and gas tank ($3.41/gal) and then overnighted at Walmart a couple of nights. There is always something for an RVer to buy at Walmart so we spent some money there as well.
Leaving the truck repair business in Belgrade (next to Bozeman), Jerry asked where there was an RV dump site. Less than a mile down the road and our waste tanks were emptied at no charge.
Spent a couple of nights in Mammoth Campground in Yellowstone while we took care of some business.

Problem–

Ah, we’re having some problems with our water pump again.  Had some trouble with this about six weeks ago but we thought it cleared up.  Jerry has worked on it but to no avail.  Guess we’ll limp along with it until we get where there is someone more knowledge about these thing than we and have them take a look at it.  Have talked with the manufacturer and gotten lots suggestions that didn’t do the trick so we will likely just go there and have them work on it in a couple of months.

Internet–
We’ve had a very good internet connection using our Millenicom Wi Fi at every camping spot we stayed. This is not always the case and we’re getting spoiled.  In fact, this blog is being sent out on our Millenicom Wi Fi from our campsite in Mammoth Campground in Yellowstone though we were told by the campground host that “you cannot get internet here”.  Don’t know if we’ll have such a good connection in the Lamar Valley, will soon find out.

Plans–
From Mammoth Campground we’re headed for the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone for a few weeks. Otherwise known as the “The Serengeti of North America” for the numerous and varied types of wildlife easily seen out in the valley from the many pull-offs on the valley rim. Fell in love with the Lamar Valley,and Yellowstone as a whole for that matter, long ago. Hope to see lots of wildlife as the “rut” for elk and bison will be at full throttle soon and if we get good pictures we’ll be posting them. It is said to be cool over there (on the northeast side of the park near Cooke City) and less smokey right now so that will be nice.

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A GRAND TETON VISIT

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August 16, 2012

Grand Tetons–
Left Yellowstone last week to join a small gathering of fellow Lazy Dazers at Gros Ventre campground Just northeast of Jackson, Wy. While traveling to the gathering we took a few pictures of the Tetons knowing we would be going by again and the Tetons would be there for more careful picture taking. Oops! Not so fast! By the second day we were in the Grand Teton National Park, smoke from fires in Idaho floated into the area and pretty much obscured the mountains and the wonderful vistas. We could feel the smoke in our lungs increasingly and soon the fires in Washington added to the smokey environment.
We felt sorry for the folks who had a very limited time in The Grand Tetons and would have to head home without seeing the grandeur of the park. Nothing to be done though. It would take a strong wind to blow the smoke out of the park.

Gros Ventre Campground–
This campground is the closest to Jackson, Wy. and is nicely located for visiting the town of Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park. At $7.00/night for seniors, we enjoyed visiting with fellow Lazy Daze folks. The days there were quite warm, up to 87 degrees F., but the evenings cooled nicely for evening walks and the nights were cool making it easy to sleep.
Our first morning there, a bull moose wandered into the campground in the early hours and was cooperative for picture-taking by staying in each area for a while.

Jackson, Wy.–
Drove into Jackson a few times, early in the mornings for easy parking. Jackson was packed solid with tourists, as one would expect in August. It is a cute little tourist town and we enjoyed walking around, trying out the bakeries and doing tourist things. We treat most stores as galleries and the upscale stores in Jackson were no exception. We enjoyed the lovely art works, sculptures, etc. in the stores and since we are full-time RVers we were not tempted to buy as we don’t have room to store much.
One morning, we went to the Visitor Center near the Elk Refuge in Jackson. I noticed a lot of security on the streets and around the Visitor Center. We were told that it was the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Elk Refuge and a party was planned with Gov. Matt Mead of Wy. as one of the guest speakers. The Visitor Center folks invited us to stay for the celebration and to hear the Governor speak.  So, we spent the morning there,  enjoyed the celebration, the speakers, the cake and the lemonade. A nice way to spend the morning.

Colter Bay Campground–
Left Gros Ventre Campground and drove the “scenic route” to Jackson Lake and Colter Bay Campground hoping to enjoy a little more of Grand Teton NP. Um, it was so smoky we could barely make out the Teton Mountains (see picture). Checked in at Colter Bay Campground ($10.25/night for seniors) and then drove back to the Jackson Lake Lodge we had passed. The Jackson Lake Lodge is near the Colter Bay Campground and it is quite lovely. Spent the afternoon in the Lobby since we knew it would be better for our health to stay out of the smoky air, if possible. They have free Wi Fi there (no pass word) and usually there are wonderful views of the Teton Mountains and Jackson Lake.
Two days and a short hike in the smoky air and we leave Colter Bay Campground behind. It is a nice campground with a Village nearby with lots of services (free Wi Fi at the Laundry) and, when it is not smoky, it would be pleasant. Did see some kids in the nearby Jackson Lake splashing around in the water.
Tire issues and plans–
Jerry noticed our front tires are not wearing well and we are in need of realignment and likely a new tire or two. Figured we would soon have tire wear problems after about 35,000 miles of driving, many times on very rough, dirt roads. So, he has been watching for a problem and, sure enough, it has arrived.  The last thing we want is a blow-out, especially a front tire!
Two of our nice Lazy Daze friends (Ed and John, thank you!) made good suggestions and we began trying to solve the problem. There are no places in Jackson, Wy. that can handle our 27′ RV, do the alignment and perhaps replace a tire and put the spare on. Each place we went to in Jackson, Wy. suggested another place in town but, alas, all to no avail. Nearest known places to take this problem; either Idaho Falls, Idaho or Bozeman, Mt. We ordered a tire and will head to Bozeman, get the job done, then return to Yellowstone National Park. Hopefully, there will be little or no smoke in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone when we return.

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MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

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August 9, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF OUR WONDERFUL GRANDSONS!!! HE WILL BE FOUR YEARS OLD ON FRIDAY.—
Also, Friday is the completion of our second year on the road as fulltimers and our Lazy Daze Motorhome will be two years old.

***Will now post only on Thursday of each week.***

You’ve Got Mail–
Our mail arrived at the Post Office in Mammoth at Yellowstone National Park. We have a professional mail service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and when we know where we will be for a while we find a post office that will take “general delivery” and have all our mail sent to that post office. Our mail service is competent and we can track the mail so when the Post Office says our mail is not there, as they did this time, we give them the tracking number that says “Oh, yes, their mail is there, just look around”. Works every time as the Post Office worker just looks harder and comes up with our mail. At our request, our mail service does not send magazines, catalogs or advertisement fliers but, darn, they still haven’t learned not to send any bills. Actually, we pay all our bills on-line and have automatic payments scheduled in case we are unable to get an internet connection.

Mammoth Hot Springs–
Wednesday we spent most of the day touring around Mammoth Hot Springs. The geothermal features are quite interesting here. Also took a little hike in the Mammoth area. We hiked into a very wooded area with a running stream and saw some wildlife, even saw a small snake. The trail led up hill so we were feeling like we got a little exercise. An elk wandered onto the geothermal area clearly having not read the signs to Keep Off. Later in the evening at the campground we started see fellow campers all running in the same direction with cameras in hand. It turns out, a herd of elk had wandered into the campground to the delight of many campers.
Plans–
We have decided to join friends in the Grand Teton National Park and return to Yellowstone at the end of August or beginning of September. Will now post only on Thursday of each week.

Internet Connection–
This blog post was posted using our Millenicom/Samsung Hotspot.

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WATHCHING WOLVES AND A GRIZZLY IN YELLOWSTONE

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August 8, 2012

Wolves and Grizzlies–
Tuesday morning we took off for the Lamar Valley (one of the best places to see wildlife) at 5:00 am from our campsite at Mammoth Campground. We were in the motor home (we don’t have a tow car) and following the speed limits while driving very carefully to avoid injuring any animals. It takes about an hour for this trip. When we arrived at one of the best overlooks for wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley there were already about 20 people there. The whole valley was totally socked in with pea soup fog! There we all stayed, waiting for the fog to lift so we could see into the valley. We could hear wolves howling but of course couldn’t see them.
Just to back up a minute…when we were here Monday evening we got a tip that brought us here this morning. Monday a bison was hit by a truck and this accident injured the animal’s leg. Injured animals just don’t last long in the wild. Any animal that dies in the valley is fair game for the other animals to eat, it becomes a food source. This is not heartless, it is just a fact. So we and most everyone else came to see if there was a carcass that would draw grizzlies and wolves as the last one did, according to what we heard.
When the fog lifted, we could see a bison laying down in the grass far out in the valley. Also, we could see two wolves heading back out of the depth of the valley and up a hill near their known denning area (they have numerous pups) and their rendezvous site. The injured bison was clearly alive as we could see it flick its tale and raise its head occasionally. Likely the wolves checked out the bison and found more life in it than they were willing to deal with. Bison are dangerous and difficult to kill. So we watched these two wolves climb the hill on the other side of the road and rendezvous with some other members of their pack. We were told that this is the Mollie pack and they will likely just watch the bison to see if it dies or becomes weak enough to be killed. So there on a hill was an easy to spot (if you had good binoculars or a good scope) seven members of a wolf pack. We could see the wolves howling, sitting watching the bison across the valley and laying down and resting. Turning in the opposite direction, we could also see a very large, lone grizzly across the valley on a high plateau digging for roots or grubs. We had a great time watching these two predator types functioning in the wild. Before we left, we could see the bison was on her feet and grazing so she may live for a while longer. Someone said they saw that one of the bison’s legs was swollen and an irregular shape but I don’t know the veracity of this information.

The Most Fun–
For two people who love to watch wildlife you would think that the most fun for us would be seeing the wildlife. Well, yes, we do so enjoy watching wildlife but that is not where we get the most enjoyment. The most fun us is having our very good Swarovski scope (20 to 60 power) trained on some very interesting wildlife and letting people who have not seen a bear or a wolf in the wild take a good look. I love the looks on their faces! As for kids (our favorite) we always bring out a stepping stool when we bring out the scope so the kids can climb up and see, then come back to the scope repeatedly and take a look at what is happening without help. This, to us, is pure joy. We pass around our binoculars as well. Most people are just like us the first time we were in Yellowstone. We arrived with what we soon called our “Micky Mouse” binoculars and no scope. We couldn’t see any wildlife through them. Other people were kind enough to let us look through their scopes and we were hooked! We knew that when we got better equipment that we would share as well and we do just that.

Some day we are going to have to get better camera equipment.  Our camers will not cut it for distance pictures.  We see some folks with these “National Geographic like ” cameras and know that with those extended lenses they can get really great wildlife pictures.

Our Recommendation–
If you come to a place like Yellowstone and want to see wildlife either bring very good equipment or ask to take a look through someones scope. Sometimes, this is a chance of a lifetime and you should not let it pass without seeing this very important part of a Yellowstone visit. We find most people are willing to share. Don’t be too proud to ask.

Internet Connection–

This blog was posted today using our Millenicom/Samsung Hotspot from our campsite.

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TOURISTS ENJOYING YELLOWSTONE

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August 7, 2012

The Hayden and Lamar Valleys of Yellowstone–
Drove out of the campground at 5:00 am and drove to the Hayden Valley and at the end of the day drove to the Lamar Valley. Today was overcast, cool and we even had thunder, lightning and rain. August sees most of the large animals having moved up the mountains toward cooler climates so one is less likely to see grizzlies and moose. Black bear and even large herds of elk are less likely to be seen when it is hot in the valleys. Bison though, do not trek up the mountains and large herds can be seen throughout the park. We saw quite a few of them in the Hayden and the Lamar Valleys yesterday along with an occasional elk and many pronghorn. The bison are getting ready for the “rut” and can be heard bellowing as they walk along. An occasional head butt with those huge, hard, majestic looking heads can be seen. Some elk hang out around the built up area of Madison as predators are less likely to be in the area. We spent some time in both the Hayden and the Lamar Valleys yesterday and saw an occasional elk, prong horn, sandhill cranes, lots of bison, and geese.

Mammoth Campground–
We’re staying in site #32. Have excellent internet connection with our Millenicom/Samsung Hotspot. Also, the Verizon phone works well here so we were able to take care of some business just parked in our campsite and Jerry was able to transact some stock option trades.

Yellowstone Travels–
Traveling to the Lamar Valley from the Hayden Valley we first went to the Lake Yellowstone Hotel hoping to hear some live music. They do have a string quartet and a pianist at the hotel but mostly they perform in the late afternoons and evenings. We stopped at a few of the wonderful geothermal areas along the way as well as visiting Artist Point and enjoying being a tourist at the Falls and the beautiful canyon. In the late afternoon we stopped at Roosevelt Lodge to sit in their Adirondack rocking chairs on their porch, relax and watch the thunder/lightning storms roll by.

Hot Tips–
It was at Roosevelt Lodge while sitting on the porch that we heard there were six grizzlies eating a kill that morning in the Lamar Valley. We got directions for location and, no slouches we, off we went to the Lamar Valley. The grizzlies apparently had finished the meal and they were long gone when we arrived. But, we heard that another opportunity might present itself early in the morning so we left with a plan to return to the Lamar Valley early Tuesday morning.

Internet connection–

This blog was posted on our Millenicom/Samsung Hotspot right from our campsite in Mammoth Campground.

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN AUGUST

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August 6, 2012

Yellowstone–
Early in the morning yesterday we returned to Yellowstone and traveled through the Lamar Valley. This is a huge valley making it easier to see wildlife. Saturday morning, around 6:00 am we heard that a wolf was killed by the local wolf pack when he strayed into their area. Did not see anything as dramatic as that but we did see some grazing animals.
Decided to stay in Mammoth Campground as we have some things to do in that area. Our mail service is sending an aggregate of our mail that has been collecting to the Mammoth Post Office and it should arrive some time this week. We need to go into Gardiner, Mo. to do our laundry and get gas.
Yellowstone is still as beautiful as ever. It’s August so it’s crowded. The trick for moving about in Yellowstone this time of year is to go very early and then don’t try to get very far in the park after that.

Mammoth Campground–
The cost to stay here is $14.00/night but with our Golden Access Pass we only paid $7.00/night. Our site is #32 and at first this does not look like a good choice as it is close to the road and in the sun with little shade. Well, we’re gone all day when too much sun would be an issue and when we are in a sunny spot it is good for our solar panels. The little shade here is perfect as in the late afternoon when we are likely to be at our site, the sun casts a shadow on our refrigerator and helps it stay cool. It is cool enough here in the late afternoon/evening that I have to wear a light jacket. As for the road; it is quite busy during the day when we are gone but as the evening approaches the traffic dies down and essentially stops at night. Last evening from our chairs at our campsite we saw a small herd of elk making their way over a ridge.

Gas Prices–
We filled up with gas in the little town of Gardiner, Montana. that is just northwest of the park entrance. We paid $3.69/gal. regular.
Meeting Fellow Lazy Daze Folks–
We were in Gardiner doing laundry when some fellow Lazy Daze folks stopped in to chat. Elizabeth and Mike from Florida bought their Lazy Daze in 2010 when we bought ours. We didn’t see them at the Lazy Daze factory in 2010 when we were there but we were delighted to meet them now. Because each Lazy Daze is usually built as ordered at the family owned, small factory, the Lazy Daze ownership group is fairly small so it is a pleasure to meet one of the “faithful”. Mike tells us he did a lot of research, as did we, before buying his Lazy Daze. I have yet to meet a Lazy Daze owner who is not very careful about what motor home they were willing to purchase.

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ROAMING AROUND MONTANA.

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August 5, 2012

The Bair Family Museum–
As we continued our travels east on Montana’s route 12, we turned south on state road 294 to Martinsdale and went to the Charles Bair Family Museum. Located in rugged ranching country of rolling hills in central Montana, this museum is an unexpected oasis of luxury and culture. This very wealthy (he made his fortune in Alaska selling equipment during the gold rush) family with diverse tastes collected European furniture and works of art that are simply beautiful. The multiple art collections include both American and European pieces such as works by Cortes, Meakin, and Potthast as well a western art collection and many priceless pieces of Native American art and artifacts. The home they built is a jewel in the area but is not a castle and not extremely overdone. The docent tours are a mix of family information and information about and pictures of important people of Charles Bair’s time.  He worked with, knew and occasionally entertained such folks as Will Rogers, Kit Carson, Tom Mix, Ronald Regan, etc. Because of it’s rather remote location, few folks visit this museum.
The parking at this museum is plentiful and free and the museum visit cost $6/person ($3/senior) and includes the well done docent tour by a person well versed in the area, family history, and works of art.

Montana–
Driving through Montana is another visual treat.  We were taken with Montana. Of course, the landscape is beautiful and visiting the small towns, seeing the ranches and farm, etc. immerses you in all things western and is quite enjoyable. We did talk with some farmers and there is a ongoing drought in Montana so the “hay crop” is down to almost half of its potential. We listened to the “hay” report on the radio. The “hay” report is just that, a report on all things hay.

Buffalo Jump–
Our docent at the Bair Family Museum was kind enough to point out a nearby Buffalo Jump. He taught school for many years in the Martinsdale area and so was knowledgeable about some of the features of the area. We had read about this method of hunting but never before went to such a site. Only about a mile from the museum was a somewhat nondescript hill that had been used as a Buffalo Jump by Indians. The hill had the requisite features of a buffalo jump; a run-up to a hill with a sudden precipice (unseen until you get to the edge). The Indians would stampede a herd of Buffalo to the jump and then some members of the tribe would be waiting below to complete the kill if necessary and harvest every part of the animal. All parts of the animal were used in some way by the Indians.

Camping–
We spent the night in a small campground in the Gallatin National Forest. They have no hook-ups, of course. The nightly price is $9 but because we have a Senior Access Pass it was $4.50/night for us. We arrived around 9:00 pm and self registered. The sites are small but we were able to find a fairly level one that backed up to the forest and quickly fell asleep.

Internet–
Posted using our Millenicom MiFi which seems to work most places. To find where it will work, we turn it on and watch it as we drive down the road. When the lights on it turn green, we know we are probably in an area with good connectivity.

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LIFE ON THE ROAD

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August 4, 2012

Travel Plan Change-
In the morning yesterday, a nice Montana couple stopped by and said they had a Lazy Dazy motor home in the past. While chatting, they suggested we travel east to Martinsdale, Montana on route 12. They said we would be traveling through some beautiful areas so that is the way we are going. South on 289 then take 12 east at the town of Townsend and the scenery is beautiful. Townsend seemed to be a fairly prosperous, little town. Driving through this rugged, rural area you see lots of farms, ranches and even some bee keeping operations. The surrounding hills are starkly beautiful and we saw a Golden Eagle take off out of a field holding it’s prey. About eleven miles east of Townsend we watched as a small herd of cattle came up onto the road and ran down the highway going east. Route 12 is a winding, hilly road and drivers seem to take these curves pretty fast so the cattle in the road presented a real danger and there was no hurrying them off the road. We finally got by them and we think that the crowd that had been following behind us for a few miles (including quite a few motorcycles) were now glad we all had been going slow when we came upon the cattle. People going the other way did manage to stop without hitting any of these big guys but they sure looked surprised at the sudden road block. That was our only “wildlife” sighting for the day.

Houston, We Have A Problem–
We got as far as 13 miles east of Townsend, Montana and pulled over on a “Chain up area” pull-off to have some lunch. While I whipped up lunch, Jerry decided to recheck the dually tires in the back on the driver’s side. Suddenly,I heard him call “Ann, Honey!”. Uh, Oh! This is always a bad sign, when my name is being called in relation to checking tires. Sure enough, big trouble. Came outside the motor home in time to hear both of the driver side dually tires going flat! Jerry said he is not sure what happened but the valve stems broke off both of those precious little babies. We have one spare, but at least it is a good one. Just then, the herd of cattle we saw a short time ago, ran by still travelling east on highway 12.
While Jerry took off the driver side outside tire of the dually, I called our roadside assistance folks at Progressive. The nice young guy there sounded helpful and wanted to tow us to the nearest RV service place, 13 miles west. Ah, but I’m old now so I’ve learned to ask lots of questions. “Did you call the RV repair place first and do they have the tires we need or can they repair the ones we have?” Just a minute he says. When he comes back on the line, he informs me that not only did the RV repair place not have the tires we need but that the business had gone Out Of Business. All righty then, a definite oops! He was actually very kind and continued to check out service options for us while my “sweet, old husband” continued working. Then Jerry talked to him and told him we would get back to him if we really needed a tow. It is really not good for RVs to be towed if that can be avoided.
Then Jerry jacked up the RV, removed the outside dually and along came Officer Anderson a local Sheriff. Well Officer Anderson turned out to be worth his weight in gold. He pitched right in helping to seat the spare, even helping to dig out some dirt so the tire would slide into place readily. What a nice man! Officer Anderson followed us back into town to KC’s Tire and Glass where Jeremy was ready for us and worked on both tires. Jeremy, 30 minutes and $15 later, both tires were fixed with new tire stems, put back on the motor home, the spare returned to its compartment and we were ready to get back on the road again!
First, I’m glad Jerry could do such a great job because if it were just me, I see a tow truck in my future. Second, to meet such a nice, helpful person like Officer Anderson was a real stroke of luck. Third, Jeremy at KC’S Tire & Glass was hard working, competent and quick. I tell you, these small towns have the nicest folks!

Boondocked–
We continued east on route 12 through beautiful country. Pulled off the highway at a lake and took a narrow, bumpy, dirt road down the hill toward the lake, found a place to park. Did see a tiny sign that said this is a State Recreation Area and there are a couple of outhouses about 100 yards away but we were exhausted after an eventful day so just rested and decided to stay. We were near the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the town of White Sulfur Springs, Montana. It is very quiet here and we were undisturbed. GPS N 46.62337 degrees W 110.72913 degrees.

Internet–

Posted using our Millenicom connection somewhere in central Montana.

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HELLO USA!!!

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August 3, 2012

We’re back–
Left Banff National Park yesterday and started driving toward Montana. We went by Calgary and considered visiting but we are not ready to take on city touring just yet. We’ll have to delay seeing Calgary and visit another time. Southern Alberta is a land of one large farm after another. All appeared to be productive with hundreds of rolls of hay ready for market. We did see a train with four road engines for the first time! Didn’t see how many cars it was pulling but if they needed four road engines, commerce must be doing quite well.
Drove back into the USA with no difficulty crossing the border at Sweet Grass, Montana. We’ll kind of ease back into the more hectic life of the “lower 48″ (a name just about everyone we met in Alaska calls it). Must admit that, like all travelers, it is fun to go but it is nice to return “home” where ever that may be.
Montana, the big sky country, lives up to it’s reputation as big and spacious. This state population is around one million which is less than a third the population of the city of Los Angeles. Right now, we’re looking to pretty much avoid the city scene for awhile and that is fairly easy in Montana.
Drove through lots of farm and ranch country and then hit the mountains again. Lovely. Some parts of Montana are dealing with wildfires as they do every year and we could see and smell some smoke in the air. Bad things, in this case it is wild fires, sometimes have a silver lining. With all the smoke in the air, the sunsets are spectacular.
Plans–
We plan to stay in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming for awhile. We know that a National Park as popular as Yellowstone won’t provide a crowd free experience but we volunteered in Yellowstone a dozen years ago for the summer and know the park fairly well as we used to go out everyday looking for wildlife or to explore an area. This time, we would like to concentrate on seeing as many wolves and bear as possible. Although wildlife is possible to see most anywhere in the park the Lamar and Hayden Valleys are known to be panoramic places to view wildlife in the wilderness. Spring and early summer is really the best time but we’re hoping that this summer the valley will be cool enough to be good for spotting wildlife. We’ll see and adapt as appropriate. When it is hot in the valley, the animals move up to higher climbs and cooler temperatures.
After Yellowstone, we’ll go south and spend some time in Grand Teton National Park another favorite.

Boondock and Tire Problems–
We spent the night in a big box parking lot near town as one of our dually tires was loosing air. We never had trouble with this tire before but there’s a Les Schwab Tires nearby so rather than risk a problem on a mountain road, we stopped. Think the problem was the tire monitor sensor. It seemed to be causing air to escape. Last night, Jerry removed the sensor, refilled the tire with air and this morning the tire was fine. Problem solved and we will continue down the state of Montana.

Internet and communication devices–
We are back to using our Mellinicom MiFi and it’s a pleasure as we can turn it on day or night and it’s ready to go! Also our phones are back on and we have been calling friends and family. We are in the throes of grandchild withdrawal and get some relief by talking to them, Skype is another option but just not the same as giving them a hug! Still, it’s fun to hear their little voices.

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