Medora, ND to Cut Bank, MT: 505 miles
Let me start off by saying that after we returned last night from posting to the blog we were greeted by some visitors in the campground. A herd of about 20 bison or so wandered into our campground. Here is a picture of them grazing among the tents and picnic tables:
After the bison moved on, we settled down for a little rest and relaxation:
This morning we were up at 5am and broke camp. We were on the road by 6am. While riding out of the park, we met another herd of bison which we ended up riding right through. Once we finally got out of Medora, we headed due west on I94. After about 30 mile we were greeted by this sign:
For the next 450 miles we really didn't see much. Eastern and central Montana is beyond description. There is absolutely nothing but prairie, cattle ranches, deserted grain elevators and wheat fields. One can see for miles in all directions. You truly can understand why it is called Big Sky Country. To give you some idea, the average stretch between gas stations was 120 miles! Here is a picture of Rte 2 in central Montana:
We pulled off and let Gumby and Pokie enjoy Rte 2 as well:
One interesting story comes out of our marathon ride today. While getting gas in Wolf Creek, MT (at 8:00am mind you), two drunken native Americans came up to us looking for beer money. We told them we didn't have any. Shawn was smoking a mini cigar, the one NA asked if he had another one, Shawn said no. The NA then asked if he could have a drag of Shawn's. It was aggravating but also depressing to think that these people really have nothing else. The town was run down and it was in the middle of their reservation. Oh they did have a gas station, liquor store and small casino though.
We eventually got to Cut Bank around 4pm. It was a long hot ride today and we were both whooped. One cool thing we found in Cut Bank was this road side novelty. It is located right in front of our motel. (that is Gumby on the sign)
Here is Shawn showing you that there is something above the sign:
Tomorrow looks to be a great day. We only have 70 miles or so to Glacier National Park. That's right...no more prairies...bring on the Rockies!
Wow! We are SOOOOO glad we are not on that trip! Barb and I rode 159 miles today but got a late start due to rain....we woke up to rain and waited for the front to move through, used the fitness room and continental breakfast till 12. Then stopped and visited Darla and Larry and made another stop...rode through a rainstorm again.....you go guys with your 450-600 miles a day! We're following- you in our- Atlas and can see we took that route on our way to the Olympic National Park in the camper. Glacier is AWESOME! Have a great time tomorrow! Donna and Barb
ReplyDeleteI love the people in the first picture, sitting in the Jeep, waiting to see what those bison are going to do to the campers!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys are having a great time.