10/11 Eastward Bound to South Dakota

Clearwater River

After the cruise, John joins me at Zoe's for an extra night giving an early Fall blizzard a chance to clear the Rockies.  We head East, pick up the truck and RV which was parked at the Clarkston Port in Idaho, and take  a spectacularly scenic US 12 along Idaho's Clearwater River where the sign says "Windy Road Next 99 Miles" and they weren't kidding.  There was rarely a straight stretch.  We stopped at Lolo Pass Ranger Station for hot chocolate and a great display of the area's history and geology.  

Lolo Pass - Border of Idaho and Montanta

Taking another off the main highway route via US 212 through Montana and Wyoming brought more relaxed driving and more fabulous views.    Montana is BIG, we stay at Turah RV in Turah and Grandview RV in Hardin Montana.  Hard to imagine how simply people live out here when you get away from cities and populated coasts.  The sign on the saloon photo says "Cheap Beer - Lousy Food".  The word "urinal" was painted on the side of a building next to the saloon with an arrow pointed to the field.  Lots of pronghorn, sheep, cows and grass lands. 

Typical Off Road Western Stop

Along US 212 on Crow Reservation. MT

Spent a couple days with Joan and Craig on their 20 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota hiking and rock hounding and feeding the dozens of turkeys and deer who come daily.  Got a flat on the RV on the way out of town, which after inspection resulted in 3 new tires on the RV bringing our total tire purchase this trip to 11: 4 on the truck, 4 on Zoe's car and 3 on the RV!Spent that night at Lake Vermillion Rec Area, a nice campground in SD. 

Feeding Deer and Turkeys

How exciting to get a photo of Jack and his new girl Michele at a friend's wedding in Hawaii.  After receiving the Navy's Fleet Scholar award which pays for Jack to go to graduate school, he is working his way through the application process, focusing on Fletcher School at Tufts in Boston.  Will be good to have him nearby!

Michele and Jack