August 13 - 19, 2012 "Our 100th RV Park"

The trip from Cascade to Bozeman was an eventful 135 mile drive. We traveled down I-15 to Helena and picked up US 12/287 South to Townsend, MT where we turned eastward on US12. That’s where the fun began. While I was driving, I noticed a flashing road condition sign a few miles earlier, but didn’t have time to read it, and CC had her head buried in one of her “Romance Novels”. As we approached the flagman, who was actually a woman, it became apparent what the sign warning was; road construction. We were told about 4 – 5 miles of blacktop had been removed, and it was VERY rough. Our options? Turn around and drive 60 miles out of the way, or continue the 30 miles with 4 – 5 miles on dirt. And the verdict was? Drumroll please……………..(As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

After we arrived in Bozeman and got set up at our 100th RV Park since we started this adventure in May 2010, Bear Canyon Campground, our traveling mate, Carl, suggested we “tour” the town. On the way down “main” street we noticed a Ted’s Montana Grill, and decided that was our destination for dinner. After cruising around town, Carl made a comment about the Elks Lodge, so, altogether now we shouted, “Happy Hour”. The people manning the lodge were extremely friendly and gracious, and after a couple of adult beverages we ventured towards Ted’s. Once inside and seated, Carl opted for the bison ribeye, and Carla chose a chicken caesar salad; CC and I both ordered safe and traditional beef hamburgers. Carl insisted on buying dinner and I said, “no way. He then challenged me to an arm wrestling contest in which the winner buys.  I put up one helluva fight but can you believe it, that lil’ sucker whipped my butt in nothing flat. We all left feeling very full, and I left feeling very ashamed for my inadequacies as an arm wrestler. I’ll get ya next time, Carl;…. guaranteed!!!!

The following morning we departed in route to Cody, WY, about 200 miles southeast. As we pulled into Cody, CC noticed diesel prices lower than they were in Montana, so we filled up before proceeding to Absaroka Bay RV Park. A bay in Wyoming; who would have thunk it? After checking in we pulled into site E9 alongside Carl in E8. Just as soon as we completed that task, Kenny and Clara Mae, friends of ours from Country Sunshine in Weslaco, TX came strolling by. If only I had the camera ready to capture the look on Carl’s face. By now it was again, time for Happy Hour.

The following day we mostly sat around visiting and catching up with Kenny and Clara Mae, whom we hadn’t seen since leaving our winter home in late March. Kenny and Carl have known each other for 25 years, and to listen to them banter, you’d think they either have a love – hate relationship or just act like spoiled 5 year olds. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between, or maybe they just like to give one another as much sh!^ as possible.

Friday was Carl’s birthday, so after an afternoon of walking around downtown Cody, Carla had arranged a semi-surprise party at the Cody Elks Lodge. We arrived around 5 pm, celebrated and awaited the hamburger dinner they have on Fridays.

Kenny’s present to Carl on his birthday was a box of horse manure. (See how I cleaned that up?)

Saturday morning we all gathered and discussed our options for the day. We had not done much of anything, except for visiting, so we all had a case of cabin fever. Unanimously, we decided on a trip to the Cowboy Bar in Meeteetse, WY; the oldest continuously operating bar in the state. On the 35 mile drive, Carl wanted to check out a fishing hole in the area, Sunshine Lake. Of course no one had the foresight to take along a map, so we ended up driving around for almost an hour looking for it. It was close to noon by the time the driver on this excursion, Kenny, decided to give up and go have lunch. Of course Carl took the opportunity to once again, give Kenny a ration of manure, for not being able to find the water.

We all ordered lunch and had an enjoyable time together. I’m sure bystanders and onlookers will question that, due to bickering by two individuals. The food was very good and the portions were generous. The ambiance was almost like stepping back in time.

That pretty much sums up our week. Of course nightly dinners were a sort of pot luck, you bring a veggie, I’ll do a potato something, and oh yea, they have the steak / pork chops / ravioli / meatloaf. Who’s cooking what? Somehow we managed to put some good grub on the table every night, and Clara Mae ALWAYS had dessert; her specialty as none of the rest of us can bake the way she can. All in all; it was a very good week. And, we had the opportunity of meeting some new people here at the park; always a treat for us, especially when they are new full-timers as well. Safe travels Dennis and Deena.

Next week it’s on to Yellowstone. I can’t wait. Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and until next time, take care and stay well…………………….