"48"-The wrap up
Originally published 1/10/2022
Munchos! King of the road trip foods!
First, I want to point out that this is a lengthy post as our final/wrap up usually is. It will take about half an hour to read and I recommend you read it over a couple of evenings......or all at once if you've got the time. But we went far and saw much.......and it is hard to make that short and simple. As always, Laurie has her comment section as well. We are a team....and a damn good one.
It was an epic cross country trip spanning 19 days. Based on that and a half hour read, we only spent 90 seconds a day on the writing! There is also a killer slide show of mostly unpublished photos. It was so gorgeous and we have so many. We are always humbled that so many people read about our adventures. We thank you for reading along and hope you enjoyed what you saw.......and hope it will spark an interest to go exploring on your own.
Like all of my "wrap up" blogs after a trip, I address things randomly and in no specific order. So here we go!
It was an epic cross country trip spanning 19 days. Based on that and a half hour read, we only spent 90 seconds a day on the writing! There is also a killer slide show of mostly unpublished photos. It was so gorgeous and we have so many. We are always humbled that so many people read about our adventures. We thank you for reading along and hope you enjoyed what you saw.......and hope it will spark an interest to go exploring on your own.
Like all of my "wrap up" blogs after a trip, I address things randomly and in no specific order. So here we go!
Route 2, Wisconsin
Driving- We made the decision to drive back in the summer. Airlines were losing luggage with reckless abandon and canceling flights with insane frequency. We decided on a driving vacation where we could control as much as possible.
In October, we were questioning this decision. Things were somewhat better and the news was not full of horror stories detailing lost bags, missed weddings, people sleeping in airports for days on end. Maybe we should have flown somewhere…..maybe we made our decision in haste. Maybe……
Cut to December. Air travel is a dumpster fire during a hurricane with a sewer line break on top. Maybe driving wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
In October, we were questioning this decision. Things were somewhat better and the news was not full of horror stories detailing lost bags, missed weddings, people sleeping in airports for days on end. Maybe we should have flown somewhere…..maybe we made our decision in haste. Maybe……
Cut to December. Air travel is a dumpster fire during a hurricane with a sewer line break on top. Maybe driving wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Our big circle
Distance- We drove a total of around 4723 miles. The map is roughly the course we traveled, but we had a few minor side trips and adventures that added a few hundred miles. This is almost the same distance from Nashville, TN to Munich, Germany. But driving to Germany may be a bit difficult.
People we met in Europe told us that until they visited the U.S., they could not fathom how “vast” (their words) it was. Europe is a compact continent where you can travel to several countries with different languages and cultures in a single day. Our drive was the European equivalent of flying from London to Syria. And back.
People we met in Europe told us that until they visited the U.S., they could not fathom how “vast” (their words) it was. Europe is a compact continent where you can travel to several countries with different languages and cultures in a single day. Our drive was the European equivalent of flying from London to Syria. And back.
Escape from West Yellowstone, MT
Weather- The United States has different cultures, terrain, ecosystems, climates, weather, and temperatures. All in one country. We traveled through rain, snow, ice, desert, moderate temperatures, and fierce cold. Temperatures ranged from -52 F to 65 F during our trip, a difference of 117 degrees. The southernmost part of our journey as well as the most temperate was where we live.
Our steed, at the Sapphire Motel, Bozeman, MT
The Truck- Traveling in a four wheel drive truck allowed us the flexibility to react to weather situations. We rerouted, we chose different paths, we sped up, all to adapt to the weather. The weather affected many decisions but we were able to make these decisions ourselves. Consequently, we did not wind up sleeping on the floor of an airport waiting for someone else to decide our fate.
Duluth, MN harbor light
The blog- We didn’t publish a blog for a very long time, for reasons we covered on day one of the current blog. It was truly nice to get back to traveling and sharing it with others………hopefully raising their interest in traveling and exploring this amazing world.
Sharing photos is great and I’m starting to tinker with short videos as well. So many people marvel at the places we go and the things we see. We love it when readers will tell us they want to visit a place we wrote about and our blog made it seem more accessible…and spurred them to plan.
So many readers….and we are humbled about how many are interested in our travels. At present we’re just about a hundred readers short of 3000 on this trip! After this post we’ll probably pass that by quite a bit. Thank you for reading!
Sharing photos is great and I’m starting to tinker with short videos as well. So many people marvel at the places we go and the things we see. We love it when readers will tell us they want to visit a place we wrote about and our blog made it seem more accessible…and spurred them to plan.
So many readers….and we are humbled about how many are interested in our travels. At present we’re just about a hundred readers short of 3000 on this trip! After this post we’ll probably pass that by quite a bit. Thank you for reading!
A great lunch at "Old Tymers Cafe", Durango, CO
People we met- The people we met along the way were almost universally nice. We started out by being nice to them and we always got the same in return. I think perceptions of North vs. South are not correct. I believe it is more a rural vs. urban divide. Everyone was kind and helpful…….and a pleasure to meet and be around. With so many horror stories of people treating each other poorly while traveling in recent times, we were so pleased to have the experience we did.
Off the beaten path, Rural Wisconsin
Off the beaten path/back roads- We traveled off the beaten path, only visiting two or three cities of any size and they were not huge. Duluth, MN has a population of 89k. We stopped for one night in Springfield, MO which was the largest with a population of 170k. Everyplace else was considerably smaller with a more rural feel. We spent one night in a town in Colorado with a population of 481.
We did a bit of interstate travel on the way out. We were heading across the northern plains, almost up to Canada, in the middle of winter. It just seemed wise to travel on interstates when we could, which was not as often as you would think. We stayed on the beaten path for maybe 750 miles on that leg of the trip.
From northern Michigan, across the upper peninsula, across Minnesota and all Wisconsin travel was on secondary roads. Through deserted tourist towns, through small communities supported by the iron ore mines where we bought baked goods. Stops on the reservation in Wisconsin to buy fuel and fry bread. All were secondary roads, out running through the frigid north with the locals.
On our return, with the exception of 50 miles or so in Missouri, we drove from Utah to Paducah, KY on secondary roads. We went through tiny towns, wide spots in the road, places with only a grain silo and self serve fuel pumps….if they had fuel at all.
That leg on secondary roads was around 1400 miles. Of the 4700 plus miles, I estimate 1500 miles on interstates, and a whopping 3200+ miles on secondary roads! Through our whole trip, if traveling off the beaten path was a reasonable option……we did. We were richly rewarded for it, seeing things and meeting people we would have never met driving the interstates.
We did a bit of interstate travel on the way out. We were heading across the northern plains, almost up to Canada, in the middle of winter. It just seemed wise to travel on interstates when we could, which was not as often as you would think. We stayed on the beaten path for maybe 750 miles on that leg of the trip.
From northern Michigan, across the upper peninsula, across Minnesota and all Wisconsin travel was on secondary roads. Through deserted tourist towns, through small communities supported by the iron ore mines where we bought baked goods. Stops on the reservation in Wisconsin to buy fuel and fry bread. All were secondary roads, out running through the frigid north with the locals.
On our return, with the exception of 50 miles or so in Missouri, we drove from Utah to Paducah, KY on secondary roads. We went through tiny towns, wide spots in the road, places with only a grain silo and self serve fuel pumps….if they had fuel at all.
That leg on secondary roads was around 1400 miles. Of the 4700 plus miles, I estimate 1500 miles on interstates, and a whopping 3200+ miles on secondary roads! Through our whole trip, if traveling off the beaten path was a reasonable option……we did. We were richly rewarded for it, seeing things and meeting people we would have never met driving the interstates.
A chilly windswept Michigan jetty
Michigan- I did not know what to expect with Michigan. I know a lot of people that moved to Tennessee from Michigan, but they were from southern and eastern Michigan. These areas were more urban, more developed, more crowded. The people there live in a different environment than where we were going.
The areas we were traveling were rural lakefront communities. They were small, geared more to summer crowds of tourists. We were visiting in the off season, when things weren’t fully open. Some things were not open at all. It was……delightful! We loved western Michigan along the lakes and on the upper peninsula.
We ate in restaurants that the locals frequented. We stayed in a mom and pop lakeshore motel while it snowed. We photographed the lighthouses along Lake Michigan. It was not even close to crowded, and we found ourselves as the only ones in the restaurant for dinner. It was simply wonderful.
The areas we were traveling were rural lakefront communities. They were small, geared more to summer crowds of tourists. We were visiting in the off season, when things weren’t fully open. Some things were not open at all. It was……delightful! We loved western Michigan along the lakes and on the upper peninsula.
We ate in restaurants that the locals frequented. We stayed in a mom and pop lakeshore motel while it snowed. We photographed the lighthouses along Lake Michigan. It was not even close to crowded, and we found ourselves as the only ones in the restaurant for dinner. It was simply wonderful.
I think this might have been at the Moab Diner.....
Food- I had to watch my sodium intake, but I would treat myself to one “normal” meal each day. I would try to choose things that weren’t terrible for me. We had genuine Pasties in the upper peninsula, fry bread on a reservation in Wisconsin, and excellent fried fish on the Michigan shore.
We arrived in West Yellowstone where we cooked for ourselves all week. We had excellent steaks for Christmas dinner. We had burgers and pasta. I made a huge pot of homemade soup that we ate from all week. Doing our own cooking helped us eat healthier and allowed me to control my diet better (i.e. low sodium).
We indulged in a fantastic diner in Moab, Thai Noodles in Dodge City, and excellent Korean BBQ in Springfield, MO. I was very careful with breakfast and lunch so I could enjoy these indulgences for dinner.
We arrived in West Yellowstone where we cooked for ourselves all week. We had excellent steaks for Christmas dinner. We had burgers and pasta. I made a huge pot of homemade soup that we ate from all week. Doing our own cooking helped us eat healthier and allowed me to control my diet better (i.e. low sodium).
We indulged in a fantastic diner in Moab, Thai Noodles in Dodge City, and excellent Korean BBQ in Springfield, MO. I was very careful with breakfast and lunch so I could enjoy these indulgences for dinner.
Duluth, MN harbor entrance
Duluth- I have never thought “I want to visit Duluth, MN”. I had heard of it, usually a mid-winter temperature horror story on the Weather Channel. I knew little about it. As we had to pass through it, we started studying the area as part of our planning. We found a few interesting things to see.
We found Duluth to be a great city! Good restaurants, a vital and active downtown, entertainment areas, and museums. Lots of people were out and about. Boy Scouts on a field trip to the Corps of Engineers museum, families out for dinner, couples on a date having drinks or coffee. Downtown Duluth had more to offer than I ever expected. What a nice city it was!
We found Duluth to be a great city! Good restaurants, a vital and active downtown, entertainment areas, and museums. Lots of people were out and about. Boy Scouts on a field trip to the Corps of Engineers museum, families out for dinner, couples on a date having drinks or coffee. Downtown Duluth had more to offer than I ever expected. What a nice city it was!
A co-worker was so kind to give us a 2022 road atlas before we left. We used it constantly. Laurie loved being able to see where we were going.
North Dakota- Our perceptions of Fargo are forever colored by the Coen Brothers film of the same name. We passed through, bought fuel, and found it was MUCH smaller than we ever expected. They have a population similar to Wilmington, NC. I have heard of Fargo my whole life……I somehow expected a very large city and found a much smaller one.
Bismarck is around half the size of Fargo. We spent the night there. It was unremarkable (no offense intended) and the people were nice. The rest of North Dakota is rural and remote.
Western North Dakota has the Teddy Roosevelt National Park and the Enchanted Highway sculptures. Impending weather caused us to mostly bypass these things and keep moving into Montana. North Dakota made state number 48 that Laurie and I have visited together.
Bismarck is around half the size of Fargo. We spent the night there. It was unremarkable (no offense intended) and the people were nice. The rest of North Dakota is rural and remote.
Western North Dakota has the Teddy Roosevelt National Park and the Enchanted Highway sculptures. Impending weather caused us to mostly bypass these things and keep moving into Montana. North Dakota made state number 48 that Laurie and I have visited together.
Driving snow in a town square, Ludington, MI
Hotels and lodging- We stayed in an incredibly expensive Sheraton (free credit card night so I didn’t have to pay) in Duluth. We stayed in a semi-seedy but clean motel in rural western Colorado. We stayed in a newly renovated retro 1960’s motel in Bozeman. We used credit card points often and paid for a few non-chain hotels on our own. We liked the “suite” type motels the best as I had a desk and nice chair so I could write the blog and upload photos.
On the Montana/Idaho border, far from everything
Snowmobiling vs. Skiing- We planned on riding for 5 days. Temperatures too far below zero to comprehend brought us to cancel one day. Our coldest day was a high around 8 degrees, while not unbearable it was chilly. Other days brought temperatures around 30 degrees when it was just wonderful to ride.
Riding into the wilderness is first off…fun! Second, it takes you to remote places at a time when very few others are there. You see trees “coned” in snow. You see creeks and rivers frozen or framed in snowfalls. You see vistas and scenery and experience things that cannot be seen from a highway or a vehicle.
Skiing in the U.S. has become quite expensive and skiing in Europe is a fraction of the cost. A lift ticket at the nearest ski resort (Big Sky, MT) was around $250 during the time we were there. Rentals are probably another $60. With tax this puts it around $350/day. Lodging at the resort for a similar property is between $2000 and $3000……….a NIGHT. A condo in town at Big Sky is around four times what we paid. Ski costs in the U.S. as a whole are insane, and three (often more) times what it costs to ski in Europe.
We rented the nicest 3 bedroom condo we have ever stayed in for $225 a night and it would easily sleep 8. Our cost to snowmobile, rent the special clothes, insurance, fuel, taxes, etc. is around $200 a day per person. Snowmobiling is not a little cheaper than skiing. It’s a LOT cheaper than skiing. You may be able to ski on a 600 foot drop hill in Wisconsin for less, but not in the mountains around Yellowstone.
The scenery and experience in Montana is unique and spectacular. We parked our sleds right in front of our condo. We dressed in the comfort of our own condo, stepped outside and rode. It was simple, easy, reasonably priced, and enjoyable.
Riding into the wilderness is first off…fun! Second, it takes you to remote places at a time when very few others are there. You see trees “coned” in snow. You see creeks and rivers frozen or framed in snowfalls. You see vistas and scenery and experience things that cannot be seen from a highway or a vehicle.
Skiing in the U.S. has become quite expensive and skiing in Europe is a fraction of the cost. A lift ticket at the nearest ski resort (Big Sky, MT) was around $250 during the time we were there. Rentals are probably another $60. With tax this puts it around $350/day. Lodging at the resort for a similar property is between $2000 and $3000……….a NIGHT. A condo in town at Big Sky is around four times what we paid. Ski costs in the U.S. as a whole are insane, and three (often more) times what it costs to ski in Europe.
We rented the nicest 3 bedroom condo we have ever stayed in for $225 a night and it would easily sleep 8. Our cost to snowmobile, rent the special clothes, insurance, fuel, taxes, etc. is around $200 a day per person. Snowmobiling is not a little cheaper than skiing. It’s a LOT cheaper than skiing. You may be able to ski on a 600 foot drop hill in Wisconsin for less, but not in the mountains around Yellowstone.
The scenery and experience in Montana is unique and spectacular. We parked our sleds right in front of our condo. We dressed in the comfort of our own condo, stepped outside and rode. It was simple, easy, reasonably priced, and enjoyable.
Deep in the Montana Wilderness
Light pillars and wilderness things- As you travel and snowmobile off the beaten path, you see things that others do not. We saw windswept landscapes with huge clouds of blowing snow, an eagle foraging for a winter meal, and unbroken paths in the snow where we were the first that day. We saw tubes of light climbing to the heavens, a rare phenomenon unique to the conditions and the area.
The wilderness shared secrets shown only to those bold enough to brave the cold, those willing to live or at least travel to these places at a time most others flee to warmer climes. These shared treasures belong only to us, something that cannot be given to others. The experience belongs to us and us alone for all time. They are our reward.
The wilderness shared secrets shown only to those bold enough to brave the cold, those willing to live or at least travel to these places at a time most others flee to warmer climes. These shared treasures belong only to us, something that cannot be given to others. The experience belongs to us and us alone for all time. They are our reward.
Gladstone, North Dakota
Snow is a part of the personality- Snow is part of these places, it highlights what makes them unique. Without the snow, they would not look like they do. They would not show us the things we saw. Snow is not bad, it defines these places. They ARE snow.
The best photo of the trip....in my opinion
Photography- We both love photography, and I like to think we’re both pretty good at it. Laurie would often take phone photos while we traveled and I was driving. We captured some incredible vistas and scenery….at least I think so. In my opinion, the best photo of the trip was taken by Laurie. With her phone. While we were driving across Montana at 80 mph. Go figure.
Our gear is constantly evolving. I have a Go-Pro, a drone (didn’t get to use it due to wind), three Sony A6000 series bodies, and a bag full of lenses. We both have Pixel phones which have great cameras, but record images at much lower resolutions than our cameras. Laurie has a Sony A6000 body with several lenses as well. I also have some lighting gear for night photos, but we didn’t use it.
The gear is like any tool. Some tools are better suited for certain things than others. Driving nails with a screwdriver really doesn’t work well so you try to use the best tool for the job. I expect our photo gear to continue to evolve as our interests progress. I’m starting to dabble in video…..we’ll see where that goes.
Our gear is constantly evolving. I have a Go-Pro, a drone (didn’t get to use it due to wind), three Sony A6000 series bodies, and a bag full of lenses. We both have Pixel phones which have great cameras, but record images at much lower resolutions than our cameras. Laurie has a Sony A6000 body with several lenses as well. I also have some lighting gear for night photos, but we didn’t use it.
The gear is like any tool. Some tools are better suited for certain things than others. Driving nails with a screwdriver really doesn’t work well so you try to use the best tool for the job. I expect our photo gear to continue to evolve as our interests progress. I’m starting to dabble in video…..we’ll see where that goes.
A -10 degree Fahrenheit Montana Day
The cold- I don’t include the cold with weather. With the exception of a few days of extreme below zero cold, the cold is normal where we traveled this time of year. You quickly acclimate and it doesn’t seem terrible….it seems sort of normal. You don’t have that shock of cold weather you do when you’re down south. Perhaps this is what they call immersion therapy.
I remember stopping for fuel and a bathroom break at a convenience store somewhere in the wilderness of Wisconsin. I remember stopping for coffee at a crossroads grocery/gas station/fast food/liquor/sporting goods/farm supply store in the upper peninsula of Michigan. All were incredibly small, unique places. They exist out on the edge, braving the isolation and freezing cold.
These were rural places with populations around 100….maybe well below 100. Life went on as normal, this was how life is there. The locals wore it as a badge of honor….and anyone that braved this cold with them, us included, was considered equally honorable. They are a tough and hearty lot, a band of rugged survivors. I liked them immensely.
I remember stopping for fuel and a bathroom break at a convenience store somewhere in the wilderness of Wisconsin. I remember stopping for coffee at a crossroads grocery/gas station/fast food/liquor/sporting goods/farm supply store in the upper peninsula of Michigan. All were incredibly small, unique places. They exist out on the edge, braving the isolation and freezing cold.
These were rural places with populations around 100….maybe well below 100. Life went on as normal, this was how life is there. The locals wore it as a badge of honor….and anyone that braved this cold with them, us included, was considered equally honorable. They are a tough and hearty lot, a band of rugged survivors. I liked them immensely.
One of a thousand vistas, Arches National Park, Utah
Moab- We didn’t have a hard planned route for our return to Tennessee. Our plan was to take stock of the weather and travel restrictions and plot a course from there based on what I was comfortable driving through. A friend involved in aviation told me this is called a “PIC” or “pilot in command” decision. I made suggestions to Laurie and Moab was the one we decided on.
Moab as a town was a very nice place with good restaurants and lots to see and do. Moab has a lot of things that will draw people to it. We had a great dinner at the diner, the views were great, but the biggest reason (and the reason we went there) is Arches National Park.
I have to let the photos speak for what we saw. I’m sure my words cannot do the views justice. That being said, take a look….and if you’re in the area, definitely see it.
Moab as a town was a very nice place with good restaurants and lots to see and do. Moab has a lot of things that will draw people to it. We had a great dinner at the diner, the views were great, but the biggest reason (and the reason we went there) is Arches National Park.
I have to let the photos speak for what we saw. I’m sure my words cannot do the views justice. That being said, take a look….and if you’re in the area, definitely see it.
A random Colorado scene, so common yet still amazing
Colorado- Our route through Colorado was entirely on secondary roads. We stayed in a small town in the middle of nowhere with nothing to draw people. We stayed in a tourist town with nice hotels and restaurants. We went through a town that is the “Pinto Bean Capital Of The World”. Some were wide spots in the road and some were very nice places with a lot to offer.
When we came down out of the mountains, we crossed the plains of southeastern Colorado. This area is markedly different from the other parts of Colorado we traveled. It did not have the scenery, and it did not draw the money that other areas did. It receives few if any tourists and is dotted with tiny towns that appear to be dying………like a lot of other small towns across the country. People seeking more opportunity and a better life migrate from these areas to the cities.
When we came down out of the mountains, we crossed the plains of southeastern Colorado. This area is markedly different from the other parts of Colorado we traveled. It did not have the scenery, and it did not draw the money that other areas did. It receives few if any tourists and is dotted with tiny towns that appear to be dying………like a lot of other small towns across the country. People seeking more opportunity and a better life migrate from these areas to the cities.
MT Liggett Art Environment, Mullinville, Kansas
Kansas- Like Colorado, we traveled all of Kansas on secondary roads. We saw the cowtown of Dodge city, and found a hidden gem of roadside art. Like most of our travels, we went through small towns. It seemed that the Kansas small towns were faring better than the small towns of southwest Colorado. While not studded with spectacular scenery, Kansas and the people were nice.
The joy of traveling with the one I love so
Closing- Work has been difficult this year. Like many places in the U.S. we are understaffed and our workload has multiplied substantially from what it used to be. This has worn on me. As the trip progressed, I found that I not only wanted this trip….I NEEDED this trip. I needed a break so very badly.
As we drove along the Lake Michigan shore, from small town to small town, we felt the yoke of work, of the health problems we were dealing with last year, all the things we carried…..lift away. We slowed down, enjoyed where we were at….enjoyed each other's company. We enjoyed the journey.
We seldom had a destination chosen for the end of the day. We allowed a week out and 6 days back so we would have flexibility. It was blissful and I was so happy to be there. I felt better than I had in a very long time.
With Laurie’s health issues, we traveled last year not knowing where our year and our lives might go. It was a huge burden to carry, one which we did not have this year. While not as spectacular as some of our journeys this trip was by far my favorite….traveling…and just being with the person that matters the most to me without the petty distractions of the rest of the world.
I am blessed.
As we drove along the Lake Michigan shore, from small town to small town, we felt the yoke of work, of the health problems we were dealing with last year, all the things we carried…..lift away. We slowed down, enjoyed where we were at….enjoyed each other's company. We enjoyed the journey.
We seldom had a destination chosen for the end of the day. We allowed a week out and 6 days back so we would have flexibility. It was blissful and I was so happy to be there. I felt better than I had in a very long time.
With Laurie’s health issues, we traveled last year not knowing where our year and our lives might go. It was a huge burden to carry, one which we did not have this year. While not as spectacular as some of our journeys this trip was by far my favorite….traveling…and just being with the person that matters the most to me without the petty distractions of the rest of the world.
I am blessed.
-----------------Closing thoughts from Laurie-----------------
Jetty light, South Haven, Michigan
Well, we are home from our Great Northern Loop trip. Many a mile we went sometimes on clear, easy roads and sometimes not so much. Winter travel has its ups and downs and we have written about how the weather shaped our trip. Snowstorms dumped several feet of snow in northern Michigan and now ‘lake effect snow’ as a term is part of my reality. But for all those that were aghast at our travel plans…we made it! AND…. been there, done that and don’t have to do it again.
That being said I really loved the lake shores and the UP of Michigan. Year round residents have adapted to life there. When in Montreal, the Catskills and eventually in Maine on a small lake 25 miles west of Portland, I found that either you embrace winter or it takes you down. Ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice sailing are all necessary diversions. We were just passing through. I admire those that stay the winter and was glad not to be one of them any more. Again, been there, done that.
That being said I really loved the lake shores and the UP of Michigan. Year round residents have adapted to life there. When in Montreal, the Catskills and eventually in Maine on a small lake 25 miles west of Portland, I found that either you embrace winter or it takes you down. Ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice sailing are all necessary diversions. We were just passing through. I admire those that stay the winter and was glad not to be one of them any more. Again, been there, done that.
Refuge from the driving snow, Ludington, Michigan
One thing that was very different in these towns was the fewer number of churches than in small southern towns. There were some, of course, but not like down south where there is a church on every corner.
The prevalence of bars in these small towns provides a meeting place for residents to break up the monotony of winter life. Unlike the south, there is no lingering on someone’s porch to chat for most of the year. In one town we were in there was a large community center that seemed to hold a lot of events giving people the opportunity to gather. Winter can be a lonely time for a lot of people.
The prevalence of bars in these small towns provides a meeting place for residents to break up the monotony of winter life. Unlike the south, there is no lingering on someone’s porch to chat for most of the year. In one town we were in there was a large community center that seemed to hold a lot of events giving people the opportunity to gather. Winter can be a lonely time for a lot of people.
Laurie's sled, Montana Wilderness
Snowmobiling was a lot of fun this year. Bill agreed to be more careful about staying on the trails and didn’t get hung up this year. I can see the appeal of jet skiing and ATVs now. I wish they could come up with a quieter engine even though it is fun to go Vrooming through the woods. Montana’s trails were well maintained, well marked and easy to navigate. Idaho had different systems which were not quite as easy to figure out but generally it was pretty easy.
We still didn’t make it up to the highest elevations. As we climbed we were met by snow fog that made visibility poor. I couldn’t wear my glasses because they immediately fogged up. Putting on goggles and a helmet narrowed my field of vision down to what I imagine glaucoma would be like (no thank you). Then if my glasses fogged up it was like pulling a curtain over that. So, I just wore the goggles. This meant a little more air got to my eye but couldn’t be helped. It is extremely dry out there and there were evenings when I really couldn’t function but by morning I felt better and able to go at it again. We brought and bought humidifiers to use at night which helped a lot.
We still didn’t make it up to the highest elevations. As we climbed we were met by snow fog that made visibility poor. I couldn’t wear my glasses because they immediately fogged up. Putting on goggles and a helmet narrowed my field of vision down to what I imagine glaucoma would be like (no thank you). Then if my glasses fogged up it was like pulling a curtain over that. So, I just wore the goggles. This meant a little more air got to my eye but couldn’t be helped. It is extremely dry out there and there were evenings when I really couldn’t function but by morning I felt better and able to go at it again. We brought and bought humidifiers to use at night which helped a lot.
Alone in the wilderness, Montana
Other than the snow fog, our visibility was generally much better this year since it didn’t snow buckets every day. We had a beautiful run around a wind swept lake. Once the machines were turned off, the winter silence was palpable. I have only experienced that absence of sound in the dead of winter.
One of the last trails we tried to go up a mountain had a very prominent sign with a big red X. It asked if you had activated your avalanche beacon before proceeding. We turned around.
One of the last trails we tried to go up a mountain had a very prominent sign with a big red X. It asked if you had activated your avalanche beacon before proceeding. We turned around.
Downtown West Yellowstone, Montana
We spent a night in Naturista, CO in a motel that had seen more lucrative days. When we called to make the reservation and asked about places to have dinner, the owner said there was only one restaurant, Blondie’s, open in town. They were getting ready to close but were very nice and made us dinner. There was a restaurant at the hotel but they were closed because of lack of expected tourism that winter. With nothing really there, not sure why they expected an influx of tourists that time of year.
The manager/owner lived in the next town north about 5 miles away and had to come to the motel to let us in, etc. We happened to drive through her town, Nucla, which had one bar open and nothing else, due to some confusion as to where the motel was. The complete isolation of these towns in winter makes life there a challenge I would not want to accept.
The manager/owner lived in the next town north about 5 miles away and had to come to the motel to let us in, etc. We happened to drive through her town, Nucla, which had one bar open and nothing else, due to some confusion as to where the motel was. The complete isolation of these towns in winter makes life there a challenge I would not want to accept.
In the mountains of southern Colorado
WInter storm warnings prevailed through the southern Rockies, and sometimes they were accurate, sometimes not. They’re pretty used to snow up there so when they close the roads I figured the weather channel got it right that time. Bill was disappointed we didn’t get to go through Ouray and Telluride but we had a nice enough ride through the mountains anyway.
We didn’t get to participate in the hot springs in Pagosa Springs or Bozeman because of schedule. Pagosa Springs tourism centers around the hot springs but the town was pretty big with an active nightlife. Reservations were necessary given it was Dec 30th. It is never cheap to do these hot springs, so planning ahead for most of a day would make it worth it. We didn’t know where we would be so we didn’t have the opportunity to do that.
We didn’t get to participate in the hot springs in Pagosa Springs or Bozeman because of schedule. Pagosa Springs tourism centers around the hot springs but the town was pretty big with an active nightlife. Reservations were necessary given it was Dec 30th. It is never cheap to do these hot springs, so planning ahead for most of a day would make it worth it. We didn’t know where we would be so we didn’t have the opportunity to do that.
Sudden snow in Arches National Park
Our stop in Moab, Utah to go through Arches National Park was amazing. We had the full gambit of weather within 4 hours - rain, snow, fog and, briefly, clear. It would have been nice to be able to walk out to some of the arches that weren’t visible from the road or parking areas but the weather wasn’t conducive to hiking. These natural land masses and the colors were reminiscent of Sedona’s red rocks. It was very evident that the birth and evolution of a planet are pretty violent events.
I wanted to see the Pueblo Indian sites in Mesa Verde National Park but most of it and most of the roads were closed for the winter. Apparently a guide is required to go to the ruins and they don’t do that in the winter. Most of the roads through the Great Sand Dunes park were also closed. Not sure why some parks are more open than others since the Arches park had some pretty curvy mountain roads.
I wanted to see the Pueblo Indian sites in Mesa Verde National Park but most of it and most of the roads were closed for the winter. Apparently a guide is required to go to the ruins and they don’t do that in the winter. Most of the roads through the Great Sand Dunes park were also closed. Not sure why some parks are more open than others since the Arches park had some pretty curvy mountain roads.
Arches National Park entrance
As soon as we drove out of the Rockies the land flattened out and stayed that way basically until we got to Kentucky. All the small mid western towns were very much the same. The biggest difference was EVERY town in CO, no matter how small, had at least 2-3 weed stores. You might not be able to get health care, groceries or gas, but you could buy weed.
We have been to Colorado several times but never through the areas we traveled on this trip. We have seen communities suffer from the influx of tourist dollars and wealth from out of staters everywhere we have lived. Housing prices and taxes soar, while wages remain static for the people who support the community. It was very obvious that the small towns in the Rockies like Naturista and Nucla, and all those basically east of Colorado Springs, have not benefited from the wealth that is present in the ski and other tourist areas.
This kind of wealth never seems to trickle down to the surrounding communities that support that lifestyle. I don't want to get on a soap box, but the distribution of wealth in the state seems lacking to say the least. The contrast between eastern CO and Kansas was marked and abrupt. Farms were better kept up, towns were tidy and it just seemed very different. A friend who is from Kansas remarked to me that they are generally pretty proud of their farms in Kansas and keep them up. Eastern CO, not so much.
We have been to Colorado several times but never through the areas we traveled on this trip. We have seen communities suffer from the influx of tourist dollars and wealth from out of staters everywhere we have lived. Housing prices and taxes soar, while wages remain static for the people who support the community. It was very obvious that the small towns in the Rockies like Naturista and Nucla, and all those basically east of Colorado Springs, have not benefited from the wealth that is present in the ski and other tourist areas.
This kind of wealth never seems to trickle down to the surrounding communities that support that lifestyle. I don't want to get on a soap box, but the distribution of wealth in the state seems lacking to say the least. The contrast between eastern CO and Kansas was marked and abrupt. Farms were better kept up, towns were tidy and it just seemed very different. A friend who is from Kansas remarked to me that they are generally pretty proud of their farms in Kansas and keep them up. Eastern CO, not so much.
Into the flatlands of Southeastern Colorado
Our last real tourist stop was Dodge City. The smell of cow shit and piss pervades the entire town. As the hotel receptionist pointed out - it is a cow town. It has a lot of history and a good museum/recreation of the town. Very clear on how violent the settling of the west was and also the systematic destruction of the bison herds and the Native American tribes. With all the movies that romanticize the ‘wild west’ the ‘wild’ part seems to be glossed over. It seems like it was a Darwinian experiment of survival of the fittest.
Bill wrote about travel staying off the interstates and that made the trip more enjoyable. Seeing how people live and passing through these small towns was interesting and gave more of a sense of the lives of people from there. Travel always brings to light the similarities and differences we all share.
It feels good to get home after being gone for nearly 3 weeks. Now it’s time to settle into the new year and get back into our routine. The trip had its challenges, mostly weather related. But I was healthy, able to taste and smell and although my eye gave me some trouble, I was able to participate in all our activities. I am very grateful to be living somewhere that I have access to excellent medical care that keeps me functioning. You all know who you are.
As much as I did enjoy our travels through winter wonderland, next year it’s my turn….and it will be someplace warm.
Bill wrote about travel staying off the interstates and that made the trip more enjoyable. Seeing how people live and passing through these small towns was interesting and gave more of a sense of the lives of people from there. Travel always brings to light the similarities and differences we all share.
It feels good to get home after being gone for nearly 3 weeks. Now it’s time to settle into the new year and get back into our routine. The trip had its challenges, mostly weather related. But I was healthy, able to taste and smell and although my eye gave me some trouble, I was able to participate in all our activities. I am very grateful to be living somewhere that I have access to excellent medical care that keeps me functioning. You all know who you are.
As much as I did enjoy our travels through winter wonderland, next year it’s my turn….and it will be someplace warm.