E A Summers

The weather forecast was for a “wintry mix” and high winds from Billings to Casper.  I planned a daybreak departure to hopefully stay ahead of the storm or at least as many miles as I could while things were good.

It was partly overcast but a LOT of sun breaks and beautiful, clear air as we headed down the road.

Snow started showing on the ground in Wyoming but skies remained mostly sunny.

Sheridan, WY rest stop which is usually windy as all get out and lots of wild rabbits…light breeze and only 1 rabbit :)!

The last 20 miles into Casper were very windy and we got tossed a bit but it was quick and then we were here at 2:15 even after stopping on the way to the park for  a nearly full tank of fuel…thankfully, gas is about .20 gallon less than MT!

So windy when we arrived that I kept slide in, but by 4:00 it had quieted down so out they went, I topped off water, dumped the gray…AND Bear and I have walked the river walk twice in daylight.

Time for supper and a relaxing evening.  It is snowing now so departure in the morning may have to be a bit later but it is supposed to be warm and sunny so the plan is to get to Colorado Springs area tomorrow and a short day to my folks on Sunday.

Almost 6 years ago, I was here at Ft. Caspar Campground on a February trip to meet my folks in Breckenridge, CO.

Arrived at this gorgeous campground along the Yellowstone River at 5:30ish after a brief foray to an unknown spot in town that was horrible… my confusion in thinking this place was not open this winter…but called and it was so came on down the road.

Had a walk with Bear in the dark, but there is a wonderful pet area. More later…took some photos from the road and hopefully some are worth posting.

Folks arrived back in CO after a whirlwind trip to Lake Charles, LA to get goodies and my step-Grandmama!!

More in a bit.

*** MORE :)!

Friends, Patty and Fred are at Jim and Mary’s for the winter…we had a wonderful visit and Bear fell in love…

Hee…we all took the morning walk together. Patty and I were having a cup of coffee before I left. She was sharing the couch with Bear when he decided to get a bit fresh :)!

Down the road Bear and I went about 8:30.

I LOVE Montana!

Even with grayish skies it was beautiful. I didn’t get a photo, but Bozeman Pass – GORGEOUS!!! The sun poked through and lit portions of the mountains. Some blue sky to contrast with the overcast.

I had bare, dry roads all day and although signs warned of “Serious crosswinds” between Livingstone and Big Timber, there were maybe 5 kind of tough miles wind-wise…and nothing that seemed serious as I passed.

Approaching Billings, the sun was setting behind me and it made for a bit of cloud alpenglow over Billings.

Day 2 – a great day! Bear is doing so well and is a wonderful rv companion. I miss Mr. Bob but reports are that all is well at home. Wild Thing is being a champ.

Tomorrow – pending weather…Ft. Caspar at Casper, Wyoming.

Oh, Thanksgiving dinner aboard Wild Thing??? – Ribeye steak sandwich with cheddar and jalapenos on a homemade flour tortilla, oven baked fries and some cranberry relish – a little non-traditional but hit the spot! Dessert by Patty…some decadent cookie-bar-chocolate chip-cream cheese things.

Project deadline met at 12:30 p.m.

Motorhome de-winterized and loaded by 4:30 p.m.

Departure planned for 10:30 ish a.m. tomorrow morning with a short day to Missoula, 120 miles. Missoula is my usual first night stop which allows for a mid-morning roll out, a stop at the Polson Safeway and an easy drive/early park and setup so Bear and I can get our “sea legs”.

I’m pooped…the work, the back and forthing to the motorhome, a day that turned warm and blustery…it is 7:00 p.m. and I’m done.

Time for lights out and a good night’s sleep.

Next post hopefully from the road :)!