November 5, 2013
Billings, MT
132,923.2 (257.6 miles)
We got a nice early start today, well by early I mean 9ish 😀 but our usual is 11am so we’re doing much better. The drive out of Anaconda was fun. Ask anyone who knows me a long time and they will tell you that I never miss an opportunity, but today I did. We drove right by Opportunity, MT and then, don’t ask me how as I was looking for it, I completely missed Wisdom, MT. So let it be known to all that Larry has indeed passed by Opportunity and Wisdom. 😀
Last night Mitch was telling me or rather describing to me how the rocks change as you head up over the Continental Divide. He said they look like gravel scattered all over, but giant size gravel. Me, I’m thinking this Westerner has not seen real rock mountains…then I began the climb up to the Continental Divide (which, by the way, I have now crossed twice in my life) and Mitch’s description was dead on. It really does look like gravel. Giant Size gravel. Some of the coolest rock formations I have ever seen so out came the camera and I began clicking away as we went over the pass.
Once on the other side, it changes to Plains and farm land. We stayed on I-90 East as it wound its way through the flat farmland, but way out in the distance I could see some Snow Capped mountains. Those mountains I would later learn are called Crazy Mountains. Though I was running low on gas, I had a 5 gallon spare can so I was not too worried when I saw a place I could get off the highway and follow along the river for a photo op. In the background are the Crazy Mountains. I fell in love with this spot and just dreamed I had our kayak with us. If I did, I would have set up camp right there and enjoyed it for a weekend.
Back on the road we headed east looking for the next gas station. I was beginning to think I was about to use my reserve tank when I saw the signs for Big Timber, MT and they had fuel. We pulled in, filled her up and checked the air pressure in the tires. Something I need to do again tomorrow (along with the oil) before we start as cold air pressure is more accurate as is a oil check on a cold engine.
We began closing in on Billings, MT. We pulled in right around 3pm and met my old motorcycle friend Michael T. It was good seeing him again as its been two years. I set up camp, fed Lexie and then we went inside to catch up with Michale and have some dinner. He then helped me plan out the next phase of the trip. It was then that I realized if I cut my stay here short (I had wanted to spend a day or two here) that a Coast to Coast trip is within reach.
Since Sandy is doing well again we are going to attempt it and my goal is to be at my parents house for Thanksgiving Dinner is now within hours so here’s hoping for a perfect last leg. So wish us luck as we hit a few tourists stops over the next two days and then its pedal to the metal till we hit the coast of Maine before turning South West for Westchester County, NY.
