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.
Sounds like you were fortunate to get your tires fixed so easily. Don’t understand why Progressive wouldn’t just send someone out to repair the tires rather than tow you in.
Have enjoyed reading about your Alaska trip. Can’t believe you are already back in the states.
Hi Jim, I think Progressive thought that type of tire repair was beyond road side assistance abilities. Anyway, doubt they would agree to using one tire to do the job of two if the valve could not be repaired on the spot. But we were able to limp back for competent help. Be well, A and J
So love your blog, miss my sister and brother in law ( brother). Rose
Thanks Sweetness, We miss you too and hope you are doing great! See you in November. Be well and Love, Ann and Jerry
Glad everything worked out. Plus they sure don’t charge much up there.
Hi Jim, Thank you. No, they don’t charge like they live in Los Angeles! Be well, Ann and Jerry
Better it all happened where it did and not back in the wilds of Alaska. Look forward to your pics in Yellowstone. We loved it there and hope to get back .
Yes RedRoadDiaries, If you are going to have tire problems you should be stopped and safely off the road!!! That was lucky! Be well and safe travels, Ann and Jerry