Hi all

Day 1

The journey has finally begun. We left West Fargo bright and early on September 14, OK, it was 9:30 AM. Headed to the Western edge of ND and got a campsite at a National Grasslands Camp Ground.

 

With our Senior National Parks pass only $10 a night. Gorgeous weather and beautiful scenery, just West of Medora. Set up and having an adult beverage by 5:30 PM. Had supper and played Sequence until bedtime.

Day 2

Today woke up to sunshine, light breeze and 57⁰. Relaxed with coffee and a leisurely breakfast. Millie got to start Road Quilting and I read. After enjoying the morning, went for a walk then headed into Medora. Nice quiet little town after tourist season has ended. Weekends might be a bit more busy. Had a beer and some appetizers with our old neighbors, Lyle and Maddie, then out to our campsite for additional visiting. 

Just a perfect way to start our journeys and with such wonderful people.  Well, soon off to bed for another night under the Western stars. Yep, we can see them though the skylight.

Day 3

Partly cloudy day, cooler temps and a good breeze. 

Into Medora to hike the Pancratz Trail to the top of the butte overlooking Medora. Found the dogs were not allowed and I was OK staying with them in town and Millie hiking to the top. We watched her progress up the trail where she was visible and saw her on the top waving at us. 

The boyz watched her progress down and she was rewarded with love and licks upon her return to the truck. Then I took her out for lunch and a beer for a job well done. Back to camp for showers and readying the RV to travel on.

Day 4

Got a good start on the day and were on the road by 9:30 AM. Arrived at Roat Ranch about quitting time. Got set up in the yard and had a great visit with Dan, Jan and Jim (Pops). Bed time came early and sleep was delightful.

Day 5

Up refreshed in the morning, breakfast, coffee and in to visit with Jan and Jim. In the afternoon Millie and I went to Lewistown, MT to visit the Museum. We were disappointed, it was closed. So, we went to the quilt shop and shopped at the two thrift stores in town. Not much else to do so we headed back to the ranch. Made supper and then had a great evening visit with Jan and Jim. They are so fun and so willing to tell stories about their lives. I hope someday their family records or write it down. Great people just do what is needed to live a good life and raise such great kids with instilled work ethics and caring for other people. Something it seems too many people don’t do anymore. 

One more evening visit and then back to the RV and prep to leave in the morning heading a bit north of Yellowstone NP.

Day 6

Morning coffee and into Grass Range to have breakfast at the Little Montana Chuckwagon. 

Great little café that Jan and her daughter, Paula, own and Paula manages. Food was great, which, is my understanding the norm. Visited briefly with Paula and her positive attitude sure comes through, likely why the café is so successful. Service seemed slow and you just had to look around to see why. The place was packed, a small kitchen and were down one worker. That said the coffee was great and the food arrived hot and tasty. Back out to the ranch, watching wildlife along the road. 

Beautiful Pronghorn, Pheasants and deer. Another nice visit and got to meet their Granddaughter, Shannon. Camper cleaning and cooking supper. Made spaghetti and meatballs with garlic toast and tossed salad for supper with Jan and Jim. Our last evening for fun reminiscing with Jan and Jim. 

It is so great to be able to just sit and talk with people who have experienced so much different from us and to realize how much we have in common. 

Happy to have our paths cross. I guess I should shout out to David Thomas and OLP for bringing so many of us together.

Well, you are all caught up. So many days in one post is because cell service where we have stayed is, well, non existent. Thanks to Jan and Jim for allowing use of their internet. Tomorrow we are back on the road again. Hoping to find space at a BLM campground for maybe a week. I strongly suspect still no cell service will be had their either.

Make your day great and be kind.

Tom and Millie