Wisconsin (and a visit to Des Moines, IA). July 1-27, 2014.
Arriving in Madison, WI was like taking a breath of air after a long dive. It’s been my sister’s home for about 4 years, and the first place I planned on staying for a few weeks. I was already familiar with the city from previous visits, and spending time...
8/13 – Bighorn “Sheep”
292 miles. I was under the impression that bighorns were just sheep with cool horns. I rounded a bend and three of them stood in the road, at least eye to eye with me. They gracefully and powerfully bounded away, while visions of total scooter wreckage still played behind...
8/12 – Stretch Break at the Park
186 miles. I was tempted to go farther to a campsite Voni recommended in Libby, MT, but I’m glad I went with relatively low mileage today. Plenty of time to enjoy Glacier National Park, and I rolled into CSer Art’s home at a reasonable hour. He invited me along...
8/11 – Chance Convention of Kindred Spirits
312 miles. I was going to leave the Choteau City Park & Campground, but took the ranger’s advice and rounded the bend to the tree-shaded side. Two BMW motorcycles were parked there, along with a bicycle, car, and camper. I’m glad I stopped after all, and met Voni and...
8/10 – Only for one
204 miles. Round-trip today. Just me, the miles, and Tetons. Tee hee, Tetons. I passed more than one hitchhiker on the return leg. They stayed in my mind, as if they’d actually hitched a ride. Scooting isn’t so hard....
8/9 – Moose Tracks
Alice and I took her car to Yellowstone today, she’s a fantastic guide! Old Faithful: check. And a fun family BBQ with their friends in the evening....
8/8 – It’s All So Beautiful
163 miles. Nope, not even going to try to draw scenery from today. Beartooth Pass, Rt 212 from Red Lodge, MT to Cooke City, MT, can only be experienced. Temps drop quickly at altitude, especially after being rained on. I gratefully rolled into the hands of Alice and Mike,...
8/7 – My Outdoor Life
213 miles. Epic day today. Thank you to Deerhaven Lodge for the superb breakfast, it was great to start the day chatting with climbers and riders and backpackers. $2 showers available at Ten Sleep Brewing Co., thanks to Elena for the tip. Also, I met the wonderful Shreve, of Vespa...
8/6 – Overheard Bikers
262 miles, and farewell, Sturgis. It was sad to leave ‘motorcycle camp’ with Sash and Steve, but good to be on the road again. I rolled in with the setting sun and pitched my tent just past Buffalo, WY, in Bighorn National Forest. In spite of my fears that...
8/5 – Bye, behind the Drome
Rained out of the Biker Belle ride today, but I stopped by the Wall of Death to say farewells. I don’t feel like farewell is the right word though, for all the people I’ll miss but see again another day. However, I’m about Sturgis’ed out!...