Many Glacier...one more try

Want to aplogize for the sloppy post yesterday...trying to work a netbook with a 3G smart phone  that is performing at 1G out in the wilderness..and post photo's is not working very well...and most of the time the photo I want to post isn't the one posted...There has to be a better solution....I guess I should look into Live Writer....whatever that is...

Goose Island Horst Kelly Photographer

Woke to another nice crisp morning...in the mid 40’s and no wind....cranked up the stove, coffee, cereal with those fresh picked “service berries”, and I’m ready to meet the World...ok...ready to go back to Many Glaciers ...without the morning fog....and what a majestic sight it was....and at that time of the morning (0600) I was the “Solitary Man”...no one else within miles.....which was do to change any moment ....and it did....but I had my moment, and got some shots...hopefully one is worth saving.....drove all the way to the end, where there is a campground and gift shop.....explored for a while and then returned to my base camp...have decided to try and tackle Grinnell Glacier hike tomorrow...I want to thank Rob for manipulating me into this....while he is taking photo's of the largest "hair ball" in Kansas...ha !!...the hike should prove to be interesting....looking forward to it though......if I don’t post within 3 days, call the authorities...haha..

Many Glacier area Horst Kelly Photographer

Its now dinner time and I'm going to fix a Salmon Patty, a salad...and have a piece of French Bread..and water it down with a Brew from Missoula Montana....called "Moose Drool"...a brown Ale, I think....after that I will do some research on Grinnell Glacier/Lake hike and make sure I have myself organized...here I go again with those "lists"....

Short post...next installment should be interesting...even if done from the local emergency clinic..ha...Happy Trails....Horst

Many Glacier Area.. Horst Kelly Photographer

Goose Island at 0600...Horst Kelly Photographer
Thats all folks.......

Goose Island and Two medicine...and the World is Alright

It’s the evening of the 15th.....since my last post not much has happened...it continued to rain or have a heavy overcast...I decided to go to the “Two Sisters” café, Pub and or Restaurant...The two sisters where no where to be found....the place was filled up...a very selective menu to include the lunch special of Brook trout and rice pilaf....$15.95.....I chose the two sisters burger with all the fix ins and extra crispy fries...it was very tasty...or and a micro brew...of course....which made the event just about perfect....ok one more brew and it was the perfect lunch....

Horst kelly Photographer

Came back, did some house maintenance and then wen looking for photo ops....still overcast...took a few pics....and found out I have “select berries” right outside my camper...good to eat, do have seeds but nothing major...they look like blue berries.....got myself a bowl full and will have them with my cereal...got ou the artic sleeping bag as it is suppose to get down in the 30’s tonight.....though I can run the propane heater, I’m going to test how comfy this Casita stays......

Woke up around 0500...its 41 degrees...kicked on the stove top to heat some coffee and the temp. jumped right up there....got cleaned up and was on my way to catch some morning light...first stop, Goose Island which is only a short distance from the campground...it was a bit nippy out...maybe a should have stashed away some brandy....its what we do on the golf course......so it must be ok for hiking...heha!.....when I got to the location there where already 3 other photographers at the site...we all set up our location and what a great palette of colors covered Mother Natures Canvas.....I’m coming back tomorrow and hope to get it right.....

Next stop the Many Glacier area...or so I thought...I drove around for more than an hour and the fog was so thick, you couldn’t capture a beached whale if it was at you feet....option 2 ..the Two Medicine area....I took Rt 49.....I’m here to tell you that route is not for the timid if you driving TO Two Medicine area.....there are no guard rails and there are some drops that could have been used in the final scene of the movie “Thelma and Louise”.....I continue to challenge my fear of heights, and I don’t think I’m winning.....yup another occasion for Brandy......but the views are second to none...and the icing on the cake is when you make it to the bottom and witness what's in front of you.....here is a photo...it doesn’t do it justice...but I think you can get an idea of its magnificence and grandeur...... it’s a place like this when I ask myself...why do people feel the need to go Overseas.....you can’t duplicate this anywhere...not even the Alps...I know...I spent my early childhood there......

Two medicine..Horst kelly photographer

From there I left and was preparing myself for the return trip and somehow I took a wrong turn and was meandering my way on a level road to East Glacier Park.....and what do I see...a golf course.....my, my, my.....they must sell Brandy there....anyway I continue on to Browning...find a Radio Shack and pick up some memory cards.....head back to the campground and am ready to use the wok and call my lovely bride......I think I’ll start a campfire this evening have a Irish Red (beer)....and make believe it’s a Brandy...till tomorrow....Cheers Horst

Glacier....But Sooooo much more

It’s the 15th...arrived yesterday around noon....about 200 miles...drove north on I-15 awhile...from there it was Rt 287 and 89....not too many towns....the roads where not bad....up and down hills and pretty soon I entered Blackfeet Indian Nation...need to educate myself somewhat on the history of the Blackfeet....after setting up I ventured on the “Going to the Sun” road...heading west....what great scenery...and lots of people...it appears that photo opportunities are early morning not mid afternoon...though I did manage to take about 100 shots....I turned around at Logan pass....came back and went to Many Glacier area...north from my camp about 12 or so miles...then another 15 or so miles...square mile for square mile....Glacier has to be right up there as the most captivating photography experience that I have ever had...its like a kid being in a old time candy store for the first time.....you don’t know what to get...id someone told me I could only take one photo...what would it be.....that would be an impossible task.....

Horst Kelly Photographer

Got back and was going to make something on the wok...however the wind really picked up and within 15 minutes the rain started....so I had a sandwich and some soup....did run the generator...worked great...spent the rest of the evening trying to figure out what to do tomorrow...

Its now early AM the 15th...rained most of the night...is overcast and foggy.....so I sit here writing this Blog...plus I have a rear tire problem....will see hoe fast its losing air.....hopefully there is a place that can fix a flat...though I do have a can of that “tire fix it stuff”...just in case...currently running the generator to charge all the computer related stuff.....

Horst Kelly Photographer

I am now at the Library...thanks to Rob telling me about faclities at Browning...I'm going to try and load a couple photo's and post this short Blog.....Soory about the photos...my thumnails on the external drive are so small, I wasn't sure what I was selecting...plus photo's where taken mid-day...not the best time...oh well...for your viewing pleasure...Horst sends

Another Day Closer to East Glacier....And Thanks to A Great Guy...

Since I now have a somewhat limited internet I thought I would read a few Blogs and look at The Casita Travel Trailer Forum...new posts...and what did I find... a more than I deserve commentary about my trip from a super person I have never met in person....but have bugged over the last several months via email....not only about his trips, but also about Casita stuff....Thank you Rob....you are a friend....I am slowing down...so hitch up the old mule and make tracks to the Great Northwest...also like to thank everyone for their postive comments on the Casita Forum....we are family!!!!Speaking of Casita's..I've only seen 3 on the trip thus far...Did see a vintage Boller at Bozeman...have had a good share of "oh isn't that CUTE" from the ladies of those monster...whatever they are...can't call them campers......I suppose one could call them "Hilton on wheels"....wonder if they come with room service or if thats an after market purchase.....

Devils Elbow...Horst kelly Photographer

Today I just looked around Helena...went to Lowes to purchase some ant bait ...seems I've gotten a few in the camper...there are about as small of ants as I've ever seen....but as old Barney Fife use to say...got to nip it in the bud.....so ts not been a very productive day...but its been fun....what I'm going to try to do is post a bunch of photo's...hopefully it will work....thanks for stopping by...and Happy Trails...Horst
Its now Monday 13th Aug and I am at McDonals trying to post this...and add some photo's....to day will be prepare for departure day.....some more checking the town out...find the state capital building...

Horst Kelly Photographer

Would like to give BLM a plug...the facility at Devils Elbow is great, clean, well managed, friendly and 10 bucks a day ..of course if you are a senior only five dollars...did I mention views..second to none..if KOA had this place there would be charging 40 dollars a day..and change the ambiance....ok, lets try to post some photo's   next stop St. Mary's campground, East Glacier...Happy Trails..Horst

Horst Kelly photographer

Horst Kelly Photographer

Thats all folks...Happy Trails...Horst

    

No Internet for a while..But Life is better than Good....

Since I haven't logged on in 3 or 4days, I will summarize...and try to post some photo's...I am in Helena...will stay until Tuesday and make the 200 miles  and some to St. Mary's ....I'm at a GREAT BLM campground ...5 bucks for us seniors...on a Lake/Missouri River....Bozeman was also a very nice stop......here goes a summary.....

Bozeman campground storm approaching

Yesterday( Thursday 9 Aug) I got backlogged, got lazy, got some bear photo’s and prepared for todays departure...so no posting for 9 August...and I will be late on 10 August post since I am at a BLM site known as Devils Elbow....right on a canyon Lake.....I was lucky to get a site as its Friday...and its fishing country...I pulled in before noon and only 2 sites were left...needless to say neither where on the water....but its only 20 yards from the water and 1000+foot cliffs on the other side...no electric, do have pit toilets, and some water around here someplace...but do I care...my battery is charged, using propane on the Frig. and Ms. Ginny my team electric source when “boon docking” is full of gas and ready to charge anything requiring a little juice...life is good...unless the propane runs out, the generator doesn’t start and a snow storm blows in.....

BLM Helena Campground

I plan on staying here for a couple days since my plan is to be at Glacier on Tuesday the 14th and its less than 300 miles from here...I’m learning from my Southwest trip not to rush this journey...no photo ops today...but I get some bear photo’s...close and personal with a telephoto lens....do not disturb nature...for they will always win.... it was a great experience....A lightening show came last nite...and lasted for a few hours...too much rain to get out to shot lightning shots.....

Got up today my usual early rise, but didn’t leave until well past 0800...spoke to some young kids...no, young adults, that are scouts from Massachusetts, and came here to do some voluntary forest work...they are on there way back...about 20 of them...both male and female....it was a nice exchange/experience...and gives one hope that there is a next generation coming along with great values and high morales ....

Its now 11 August and a great early morning it is...I decided to walk this AM, plus they have some hiking trails....great walk/hike...some wind but the temps. where in the low 60’s...perfect for me....came back and made some oatmeal, cleaned up and took a drive to see what was in the vicinity...it was majestic to say the least...I am right on the Missouri river...but about 2 miles up it vanished, and a was not parallel to a”brook”..about 10 feet wide..running pretty fast and on both sides by mountains...the Smokey Mountain variety...and what appeared to be permanent residents...not just summer cottage's..numerous horse ranches...and all beside the brook...and nowhere to pull over to capture the moment on film...but that’s ok...I probably couldn’t have done it justice.....

Decided to make a run to Wal-Mart in Helena....found out their auto service is open on Sunday from 0700-1900...will get an oil change before I head out....came back to the camp...and now just relaxing.....got finished cleaning up a bit...think I’ll grill a pork loin Filet this evening...with mushrooms and some canned beets...see how that plays out...Did not grill my pork loin, I thought I would try my toaster oven/convection oven...and it really came out tasty....surprised myself...enough left to have several sandwiches...relaxed the rest of the evening..decided to stay here another 2 days...there doesn’t seem to be any campgrounds from here to Glacier, at least not the route I’m taking....oh , well there is one...cost $39.00 and lousy reviews...since I’m only 200 plus change away from St. Mary’s...it should be any easy drive...plus here its only $5.00 per day......will try to find a wi-fi place tomorror and post this...and maybe some photos....Happy Trails...Horst

ps...Here I sit at McDonalds posting this Blog ready to post some photo's...and I had transfered 99% onto my external drive...so no bear photo's....will will be back tomorrow and post a varity of photo's...

Virginia City...No..not Ben Cartright's Ponderosa

Did my usual 0500 wake-up...sat outside to watch the sun stretch itself over the horizon...and pondered as to what todays adventure would be....I decided I would wait until the herd of "wild animals"(Humans) began migrating back to their "winter dens" before returning to Yellowstone ...so I'll do that in conjunction to my trip to the Tetons after I leave West Glacier....

So today I headed off to Virginia City Montana...not Ben's, Hoss and Little Joe's Ponderosa in Nevada....it was a 65 mile drive south on Rt 84 and 287...another magnificent vista along the Madison River...and 3 super boondocking places...I call it "Brook Trout Alley"....also increased in elevation...some good size inclines..wanted to capture a few mountain photo's but the haze from the fires made it impossible to get any clarity...walked around the town for about an hour...everything was closed..but the Historical signs of each structure was very interesting....one of many "Boom and Bust" gold mining towns...Sooo, without furher ado here is your history lesson:

Virginia City...Horst Kelly Photographer

"The spectacular gold deposit discovered in Alder Gulch on May 26, 1863, led to the rapid growth of this colorful and legendary gold camp town. Thousands of fortune-seekers rushed to the area, and by 1864 the Virginia City area boasted 30,000 residents. Rough characters attracted by the gold rush gave Virginia City an unsavory reputation, but these were tempered by pioneers and their families who settled here and helped to shape a new frontier. After the creation of the Territory of Montana, Virginia City became the territorial capital, 1865-1875, and the Madison County Seat. As the gold played out, Virginia City's population dwindled. False-fronted commercial structures, simple log cabins and frame Victorian residences remained as testimony to the transitory gold rush. Among the first to recognize the historical and architectural significance of Virginia City were Charlie and Sue Bovey of Great Falls. They began to purchase and stabilize some of the fragile buildings in the early 1940s. The Bovey's personal efforts and those of their sone, Ford, resulted in the town's designation as a National Historic Landmark and its remarkable preservation as one of the most intacet gold rush towns in the West."

Virginia City...Horst Kelly Photographer

Drove back to Ms Casita...did some housekeeping, got provisions at Walmart...got back just in time as it started raining...made dinner...slaw, sandwich and instant mash potatoes.....a mans gotta do...what  mans gotta do! The wind ready gusted up to about 40mph...No sunset pic this evening.

"Big Sky Country" It's that and So Much More....

Today began at about 0430.....love these early crisp mornings....add a dark roasted cup of coffee and watch Mother Nature do her magic sunrise......how that Lady does it day after day is beyond me....
First thing on the agenda is to get an appointment with the Nissan folks here in town to get the drivers side window fixed....check...Thursday at 0800...that was too easy....we'll see.....next was a "Recon Run" to Yellowstone to get a feel of what I want to do and see tomorrow...decided to take Rt 191 south to West Yellowstone.....

Road to Yellowstone..Horst Kelly Photographer

My favorite piece of road is still the  Million Dollar highway in Colorado in the fall...but 191 south is right there with that....as my lead says..."Big Sky country"...does not do justice in describing the grandeur and magnificence of this stretch of Nature...from Bozeman to Yellowstone....and you drive parallel with the Gallatin River...I just wanted to get Ms casita and park her along any part of the river for the rest  of the season.....to say it captivated you is an under statement....My first teenage fantasy "Bridget Bardot" would come in second place next to this scenery...now thats scary..unless you have a large format camera, you're not going to capture this piece of American Beauty....try as I might , I deleted one photo after another.....ok I kept a few....

Horst Kelly Photographer

Now I'm at the end of my 88 mile journey and enter Yellowstone.....and the line to get through the gate is endless...even though there are four or five entrances...for the next...what seemed like a hundred miles it was bumper to bumper....there are numerous lookouts...and I took most of them...I never made it to Old Faithful...tried to park and look at Fountain Great Geyser and Midway Geyser Basin, but it wasn't going to happen...not one space was available...and it was only 1230...so I turned around and headed for home.....I'm not going to fight for space with a cast of thousands....not sure if I am going to go back tomorrow or venture to some other great Big Sky venue.....it was still a day I will remember for years to come....One of the things I enjoyed seeing and interacting with was  the fly fishermen along the banks and in the water with their waders .....when you are really fly fishing you are in the zone and in the moment...its one of those rare events...I was honored to be invited to participate with those Guys...even if only for a short while...
Got back...relaxed and pan fryed one of those super fresh brook trout...but anyone looking could tell I was a amateur ...at the end of the frying I squeezed some fresh lemon juice onto thr trout.....ever deep fry that turkey that still had some water on it...and got a close an personal experience of burning flesh....yup.and it isn't pretty...but it didn't take away from the the meal...didn't have any sides...just fresh pan fryed trout....and some wrist hair missing....ha...

Horst Kelly Photographer

Going to clean up and try and capture another Big Sky sunset.....Happy Trails...Horst sends

A Really, Really, Really ...yes, Really Pleasant Day

Only one photo due to slow Internet...woe is me..

Got up this morning about 0500...made some coffee and headed back to the Battlefield...only to discover that it doen't open 'till 0800...I should have known that...having worked for Uncle Sam all those years...I decided I was not going to do another drive back..... got back to Hardin...cleaned up, hitched up...cleaned up again....I will learn the sequence of doing stuff sooner or later....and by 0715 I was departing for a new adventure...and Bozeman, Mt...was the goal...population about 30 something thousand....I believe 4th largest city in  Montana......what a great  drive...the elevation was steadily increasing, but nothing that the Xterrra couldn't handle...though at times she asked to go to 3rd gear.... The Landscape was one of great rolling hills...."great" means vastness...is that a word....the only down side was the haze...which in reality was smoke from fires....so my photo ops was at zero...but my kodacrome memory is forever captured in my mind...
I got to my site around noon...set up and went to explore the town...what a great town it is....a mix of  genuine cow pokes and on the other side of the pendulum he "Yuppy Crowd"....but it appeared the contrast worked....came back...and what do I see next to Ms Casita....another Casita..a 2003 model...the couple are from Michigan, and spend half of there time traveling around the country...then a person comes over and is interested in Casita's...he from the Quebec region of Canada...had a great visit...and as the sun started to set I decided it was time for some sunset shots.....tomorrow I hope to do a day trip to Yellowstone...details to follow...

Sunset from my rear window...Horst Kelly photographer

Yesterday is a Non Day...Today its to Little Bighorn Battlefield

Yesterday(Saturday) was a non day...I got up, took some photo's of Devils Tower, decided to drive around the local area for more photo ops...nothing...ended  up in Gillette, Wyoming..decided to procure some provisions...made my way back at about 1500 hours...did some cleaning up ,spoke to my new neighbors from Upper New York...nice couple.... panned fryed another trout..added some cucumbers and tomatoes...and had another great meal as the sun was setting.......now where to venture tomorrrow.....Maybe Hardin...close to Little Bighorn Battlefield...yup, that's the ticket....

Devils Tower...Horst Kelly Photographer

Early morning....cup of "wake me up"...and one last photo of Devils Tower....Hitched the Mule to the Casita...and off to another great adventure...250 or so miles later I arrive in Hardin, Montana..unhitch and off to see Custers demise.....

What a serene place....not as well documented as some of the Civil War Battles.....but just as important to American History for both the Native American Indian and  ..Mmmmm Gold Miners, land developers....ok as the Native American Indian supposedly called them..."The White Man or Pale Face"....

Custers Demise...Horst Kelly Photographer

I took some photo's but plan on returning tomorrow...folks have an option of a guided tour or self guided tours...a 10 mile ride round the area...with numerous pullouts....and an added attraction...Free Range Horses...or maybe Wild Horses...the decedents of the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians that fought there that day.....more tomorrow...

Wild Thing....Horst Kelly Photograher

Devils Tower...and Relaxing my Time Away

After Mother Nature settled down last night I slept like a new born Pup..Early morning .Dawn called this morning about 0430...decided to hitch  up old Mare ...all was completed at 0500..took a nice shower, made some strong coffee over an open pit fire...and sat back and watched as the sun rose over the Badlands.....life just keeps getting better...

Devils Tower..Horst Kelly Photographer

The ride was a smooth 220 or so  on I-90 untl Sundance, then a 22 mile drive north to Devils Tower...got to camp, unhitched and decided to ride up to the Mountain....wow, there was a cast of thousands...oh well I hiked the perimeter around the base of the Mountain, with a thousand of my fellow hikers..took some pics...kinda got an idea when he best light was and came back to camp...Time for Dinner..decided to pan fry one of my Brook trouts...oil, butter and some squeezed lemon...add some grilled asparagus..with melted butter and garlic salt.....and of course a German "Dunkel Bier".....so how much better can this get....It started raining..so its now inside my Casita "cocoon"...calling it a day...until Tomorrow...lets see if I can download a couple photos...time for a JD and a little Eric Clapton unpluged....Horst.....Now I would be severally remiss if  didn't give credit to the "Stealth Navigator" I have...my Bride...she has been super supportive in this venture and gives me "adult supervision", even though it my be from a distance....and so I want to
publicly thank  her.....for navigating me through this adventure/journey....Horst

Horst Kelly Photographer

Window, Sturgis and Prairie Dogs...Mother Nature shows whose Boss

Only one photo as internet is very slow

To day was a chore day...First I went to Rapid City to see about getting my window fixed and the short answer was Yes Mr. Kelly you where correct in your assessment that the power window motor needs to be replaced, no we did not order the part as you suggested...but we can have it here in two work days...and probably have you on the road Tuesday or Wednesday....I asked if they could exchange the one on the passengers side,since I won’t be using it...nope as we need to get the one that controls all the windows...why...never mind ,deal with it later....a wasted two hours plus another 3 hour drive....

Decided to go to Sturgis so I could say...been there...done that..just as I turned off the Interstate and got to Sturgis it began pouring rain...needless to say I didn’t get out of the car...took some photo’s and headed back to the Campsite...did make one stop to get some shots of prairie dogs..got home and cleaned the inside of the camper...it was beginning to look like Sanford and Son’s front yard....also checked and wrote a couple emails and relaxed..

Approaching Storm..Horst Kelly Photographer 

I thought this evening I would just relax, fix myself a salad, plan for tomorrows new adventure and turn in early......Oh, you naive little camper boy....first I glance up and my voltage meter is reading way on the low side...so I go outside and disconnect the plug...come back in and notice my phone is blacked out...try to start it and nothing happens....it can’t be dead it’s only a year plus a couple weeks old.....I go and inform Larry, the owner of the campground about the electric problem and he jumps right on it....I check and it looks like the 110 is working better so I connect my step down plug and the world is right...now I get back to my phone dilemma...I notice my 12 volt charger seems to have a bad wire...I get another cord, hook it up and damn if it doesn’t turn on...the weird thing is its showing 90 percent charged....at least it has come back to life...Awwww life is good again.....I speak to soon...Mother Nature has decided to to provide the Badlands a show.....a multi dimensional show...one that includes..wind, fire(as in lighting) and rain...I will say it is the strongest wind I have experienced in the camper, gale force .....it was quite a performance.....oh BTW, the electricity is now out....and lightening seems to be continuous.....its now 10 Pm....still some lightening and wind, but not as intense...I think I’ll call it a day...and I wish Mother Nature would do the same...Happy 

Trails 

Mt Rushmore...Chief Crazy Horse..Loving Life

Let me start this blog by saying I found my match when it comes to really OLD trivia...Barney aka OFM..aka, new, proud as can be Grandpa not only knew who Red Ryder was...but also who his side kick was...”Little Beaver”, no not as in “Leave it to Beaver”......Thanks for taking the time to check in Barney!!

Horst Kelly Photographer

Today was another early “rise an shine day”....0430.....I had several things I wanted to do...first and foremost was to solve a little “hiccup” I ran into yesterday ...while driving to a small village hamlet...I rolled down the drivers side window to take a quick photo...the window did not go back up....after pounding on the door panel several times I did manage to get it to work....looked up Nissan Dealerships in the area and found one in Rapid City....right on the way to Mt Rushmore...got there right when it opened..and they said come back tomorrow at 0800...so now I have a plan.

Got to Mt Rushmore before 0900...and the crowd was minimal ....very nice surrounding...not as open as I had imagined...I did my usual thing and read all the stuff on the walls and buildings...did the trail walk and my 1000 was finished...when I got back the crowds where in the arena...bus loads of them....reminded me of the last time I was at the Grand Canyon....not my idea of a good time....glad I got there early....

Sunset from campground..Horst Kelly photographer

So now it was on to Chief Crazy Horse Monument....all I could think of were the crowds...got there and was ready to do my walking tour when I found out you had to go on a guided bus tour. It turned out to be a great time...the Guide/driver was very knowledgeable and had a since of humor.....ingredients to insure a good time by all of us...the tour lasts about 30 minutes and you have a stop to get off the bus for some photo ops....very relaxing....Back to the visitors center which is huge and has everything from American Indian History to gift shops and Restaurants and more...I was going to go to Custer State Park, but it stated raining and knowing that would be an outside activity I opted to return to the Badlands and my Casita.... got back and the winds were gusting 40+ MPH.....so I’m in my little slice of heaven relaxing and looking at options for my next adventure as I meander up to Glacier...

Horst Kelly Photographer

Maybe a Burger on the Barbie and some sliced tomatoes and grilled mushrooms ....Later, thanks for stopping by..Horst

Badlands Day 2...and Wall Drug Store

My wake up view from camper Horst Kelly photographer

Left here at the crack of dawn...never could figure out where the crack of dawn was....I think it's about quarter mile from "Ground Truth"...haha



Anyway, I went on the loop road again...trying to catch the early morning light...from there I ventured intoWall SD...and yes I did go to to the famous "Wall Drug Store"...never did find the drug counter...it appears to be a city block in size...and more of a mall then a quaint store...it was about 0900 and it was packed...I saw 3 tour buses in the parking lot, plus campers, cars the some of the Surgis Biker folks.....

Horst Kelly Photographer

From there I tried to find the old Missile Silo...got off on I-90 exit 131 as I saw a sign about the silo hdqs...well it turns out this was the National Park Office that shows the movie and takes reservations for the guided tour...you can do the self guided tour by going back to Wall and taking exit 113...I'll try agin before I leave.....got back to the campground about noon, fixed lunch and did some work around the camper....its HOT again.......

This afternoon I did absolutely nothing...but I think I did it extremely well...I rearranged some stuff...got rid of a lot of duplicate brochures ....since I snacked on summer sausage most of the afternoon, I decided to have a Tomato sandwich for dinner..Jerry of Eggrolling Blog reintroduced me to that delicacy...also sliced(very thin) up a cucumber with some of my mothers German special dressing...then I was sitting outside to watch the sun set...a young couple from Chicago came by....we chatted and took photo’s...and each went our separate way wishing safe journey.....I think its time t call it a day....

With the very slow Wi-Fi I’m getting,  I can't seem to load any more photo's....Happy Trails Red Ryder...lets see how many know who he is.

HeeHaw....Badlands here I come

Only one photo as wifi is really slow...


What a GREAT nights sleep I got in Stapleton...It rained for about half hour, temperature dropped, opened some windows and slept  through the night.... a rare event for me.....woke up about 0500...that is midmorning isn't it...got a cup of Java, and went outside to look at the heavens blinking at me...as if to say they approve of my adventure..I was ready to depart by 0615, temp. was a nice cool 65 degrees...today was going to be a smiley day...I felt it...the Country Side started getting some rolling hills..but higher......elevation was rising...trees were sparse... the fields had color...I wanted to stop numerous times, but no place to pull over...traffic picked up...but a special kind of traffic....."HARLEYS"...my Sturgis Buds are on the move....the 3 times I stopped there where Bikers..and we talked...a super bunch of folks...one group had a retired Air Force Colonel with them...so we chatted about our careers....it was the kind of day you wished you had a convertible.....


But is was also a melancholy day of sorts...at mile 1289 of my journey on Rt 83, which took me to five states and intersected 4 almost 5 Interstates has ended...it was a informative experience,  I hooked a left on SD Rt. 44 to Interior SD....and the climb started..along with Native American Radio Stations and I assume Casino's..after about 90 minutes I drove into Budget Host Inn and Campgrounds at Interior Sd...at the sorthern entrance of the Badlands....I was going to stay at Cedar Lodge Campgrounds, but this was cheaper and had more stuff going on...if it would only cool down I would Boon-Dock....Patience!!!... Horst, Glacier is coming soon....I have a spot at the far end.....a photo op view of the Badlands from my camper.....they have wi-fi...but I'm too far away...so I'm sitting in the cafe writtng this...my 3G isn't working here...so no tethering to my netbook....

Got to The Badlands around noon, ...and some nice views of the Badlands...can’t ask for more...am going to stay for 3 Days....maybe longer. 

Horst Kelly Photographer

About 1400 I decided to do the Loop Road to include about a 10 mile section of Sage Creek..a dirt washboard type road..what an experience....a cross between Hoodoo's, canyons, prairies, and breathtaking...only down side is there aren’t enough pull offs...at least not for me..ended up at Wall, SD..and no I didn’t go to the Drug store...yet....got back about 1700 hours called my Honey ....and since I  couldn't go online she helped trying to figure out options for my stay....she's Soooo very supportive...after that I grilled a small Ribeye, and a tomoto sandwich... did some reading and called it day...it cooled done to the extent that I turned off the AC...

Woke up this morning(Tuesday 7/31) at 0430....by 0500 I was sitting outside to a super nice crisp morning watching the sun rise over the Badlands....going to head out to try and capture some early morning shots.....then who knows what...would like to do some trail hikes...but for me it just gets too hot to fast.... guess it comes with the package called “being an AARP”....Happy trails...Horst

1070 miles and wondering...

I did not post yesterday as my smart phone 3G capability was next to zero..Another drive along the most lonesome highway I have been on...Five towns between Shamrock Texas and Lake Scott State Park Kansas...the terrain  and usage of land changed about 4 times during the trip...From hills with Buttes, to Ranch land, Farm land, Oil Fields...and of couse Prairies....I was surprised at the vast number of oil fields on this stretch of Road....and the sole purpose of the towns was to support the oil industry..though the largest town was probably at 1000 in population...when I got to the State Park is was approaching 105 degrees...the AC was  struggling to get to 88 degrees..I finally turned it off and used the fantastic fan......to no avail...The park had hills and numerous hiking trails....but it wasn't going to happen today...I got dehyrated just sitting in the camper reading......

Lake Scott State Park Kansas Horst Kelly Photographer

Woke up this morning about 0400 and planned out my route and were to stop...either Stapleton or Thedford Nebraska.....both very small towns..Stapleton has about 350 residents...but it has a city park with 4 RV hookups, and the price is right....one dollar donation...it received great reviews...they called it "a hidden gem"...especially in this wilderness....Todays ride produced about the same number of small towns...however most of the scenery was rolling hills...up one hill, down another....and then there was the "gas issue".

I was going to fill up at McCook, Nebraska...right across the State line from Kansas....looked  promising....even saw several stores selling "Spirits"... only saw 3 gas stations...alll on the other side with no easy way for me to maneuver  across the road....another 50 miles and the carburetor is grasping on fumes...I pull into a small town of less than 100(smart phone said it had a gas station)...and it did...a "AG COOP" station...no one there...but not to fear, just insert CC....RIGHT.....I finally flag down a local, and he was more than happy to help...we soon realized that we had to be at least 10 percent smarter then the implement we were dealing with....and we were  NOT even close to 10 percent...he suggested a short 6 mile ride to the town of Curtis....and yes someone is working there today....what he did not tell me is that in those 6 miles they are working on two bridges...both have a single lane with a stoplight...as luck would have it I caught  red both times.....I knew I was going to have to walk to the station and fetch a gallon of gas....but the Petrol Gods where with me and I sputtered into the station...with 2 drops of gas remaining.....ok maybe 3.
The rest of the trip to Stapleton was a none event....

I decided to check out this town of less than 300, and find the City and RV Park.....what a neat place..the town is probably 2 miles square.....and the park was on one end of it....at first I did not see any roads leading into the park...and decided the bike trail was the way in....at the end of the park is a grassy nole with 3 electric(30amp) outlets and water....the only problem was trying to find a little shade and trying to level from side to side...I went around the circle 3 time before getting it somewhat level....right next to me a farmer was cutting hay......and a 2 minute walk got me from one end of town to the other...and everything was closed...I was hoping for a farmers market stand...but no such luck...Its still a great place ...I'm the only one here...its like boondocking....I'm a little concerned as there is a chance of T-showers tonight and I think the ground could get real soft, real quick...but its worth the gamble and I do have emergency road service....all is well....

My Little slice of Heaven at Stapleton City Park.....Life is GREAT

Tomorrow...on to the Badlands.....Till then...Happy Trails...Horst

Postscript....I was "wondering",ok  thinking about RT 83 and its rich heritage, its past history and the present...There was a common thread that ran through all of these towns....the folks were very friendly, hard working, proud of what what they had and who they where, a strong faith, and a willingness to sacrifice...

Route 83 made me realize that we have GREAT People in this county.....and I am glad  I'm taking this journey and honored to have met many of those fine folks.....Happy Trails  Horst

On the Road Again...Post no. "uno" 313 miles on Rt 87 & 283

The day has finally arrived.....yes I still have unfinished stuff on my "List"....but it doesn't matter and yes I forgot to take some stuff....only items that bothered me, and that I couldn't find  on the road... were my tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions...you would think there would be at least one road side veggie stand in a 300 mile stretch...it was not to be.....

In the Country...Horst Kelly Photographer

I began the journey by getting a  wheel replaced on the Casita...they noticed it was bent when I went to the tire place last week...one was ordered and I decided to have it put on at the start of the trip...by 0830 all was done and I'm on my way....

So I make my way west on I-10 until I get to Comfort, Texas..hit Rt 87 through the great German town of Fredericksburg, birthplace of Adm. Nimitz...and then the vast open and desolate trip begins...thru Mason, Brady on Rt 283 North and more ET landing areas, Fife, Santa Anna, Coleman until I hit I-20...I see no Cattle, No Horses, no Vultures, no Roadkill....not even an empty "Bud Light beer can" on the side of the road.....I was lucky to find a gas station...well a pump and one can only hope it was  gas and not kerosene....I decided to Bed Down in Abilene....I was thinking of staying at the Cracker Barrel as they allow overnight camping...however the temps were in the high 90's and they didn't want generators running(for the AC).....so I stopped at Abilene RV Park...you get a Good Sam discount...they are pull throughs, electric, pool, very clean bathrooms...price $27.00.....two hours into being parked the rain and wind came in mass and the temperature dropped 15 to 20 degrees......I could have stayed a Cracker Barrel...no AC needed...timing is everything....

Horst Kelly Photographer

Will leave at first light tomorrow and see where I end up...looks like its all Rt 83 until I get to the Badlands....another 4 or so days away....I just looked around and I forgot to bring my Dulcimer...see what happens when you start believing in" lists"...never again.....just let me deal with adventure, the unknown....and vision...if I would have done that, I be trying to carve out a tune with my Dulcimer right now...oh well...time for a little Bob Segar ....and a glass of JD....photo's are from my Spring trip.....Happy Trails  Horst

5 Days and a wake up

I'm on my final countdown..all systems are go...only action left is to get new camper tires, which will happen tomorrow...I also will put in on a scale and see what Ms Casita weighs...and since I'm 95 percent packed, it should be a pretty accurate weight.....

Got the Generator on the rear basket and tied down and tomorrow I will do a test drive over different types of road surfaces .......also will have a cover over it when traveling....

I will try to do as much boondocking as possible....between here and The Badlands there aren't too many places to camp...it will be interesting,  but I'm excited...to me that's what these adventures are all about.....I plan on driving 200-250 per day and will try to stay off the interstates as much as possible....between here and Nebraska I've found several small town parks that allow overnight camping.....and on Rt 83 the towns seem to be far and few between....I'll be in my comfort zone...

OK...I didn't post this  yet...its now Saturday 21 July...I got the new tires, Maxxis 8008  ST225/75R/15 E load 10 ply....glad I did as when they were balancing them, they found one of the wheels was bent.....all is now well...got Ms casita weighed...with 95 percent packed it came in at 3150lbs....
Also did my test drive with the generator, several different terrains, from Freeway to washboard and everything in between...all went well...
Now its down to the last 72 hours.....and the list of things left to do keeps growing....here we go, crossing "t's" and dotting "i's".....oh bother..but there is hope...'cause the day is near when I start the engine and head north  for my adventure...no matter what the damn "list" still has left on it....But the old "hitch-itch" is getting stronger......BTW here is a "phone pic" during my daily walk this A.M... Enough of this...need to start going through my list...there's some daylight left....It's now Sunday evening....Happy Trails...Horst

La Vernia Texas morning walk...Horst Kelly Photographer

Happy Independence Day.....Enjoy and Reflect

Just added a bit on how the basket is held onto the Casita...4 bolts to frame...inquiring minds wanted to know.....
Its the 4th of July...a warm, muggy day in South Texas......but as I watch the weather in other parts of the country,  I would have to say we are blessed with the weather we have......Just going to relax today...no fireworks/displays in our immediate area due to the continued drought....I plan on doing some BBQing later today...Got the camper washed and waxed yesterday.....still need to get the tires....But the big news is that we completed the rack(Bolted the angle irons to the frame...4 bolts)to carry the Boliy generator, and I did buy the Boliy....still have to put some support cross members on the basket, though my Bud 220lbs and myself 170lbs got on the basket....jumped up and down...and to our amazement and delight, the basket nor support beams( angle irons)) moved...not even an inch....I am still somewhat leery about this...I'm going to take it out for some off road testing within the week and see how it stands up to dips and potholes, etc....
Sooo without further ado...some photo's for your critique and comments...and advice...

From Cell Phone

The Boliy was run through the wickets and so far exceeds all my expectations....more than enough power, quite as advertised and for 3600 watts it weighs in at about half (70lbs) as the Honda 3000...and the price was also alot cheaper....will it hold up...only time will tell....but for what I paid for it...I won't complain....here's a photo...

Boliy 3600 electric start

So the countdown continues....and it's getting closer to "liftoff time".....Only health issues and forest fires in the Region will keep me from taking this Journey....Hi Ho Silver...Away....


I'm finally getting a grasp of the Route I'm going to take North.....Right now I'm leaning toward Rt 83, which takes me through Texas, a small part of Oklahoma, West Kansas, Nebraska...South Dakota which gets me to the Badlands National Park..if you look at this route, it appears pretty desolate...I did find some free city parks campgrounds....and once I get to
 Nebraska I'm home free....not sure yet how many different places I'll stay at in the Badlands area...I want to do Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Buffalo Gap Grasslands, Custer State park, and other points of interest.....and as an added photo ops moment...guess  what will be Happening in and around Sturgis between end of July-12 August......yup...100000 or so of my closest "Biker Friends"...that ought to make things interesting...I do have to be at Glacier by the 14th of August....Well more to Follow....keep tuned...thanks for stopping by....time to start the "Barbie"
HAPPY 4th of JULY..... please keep our troops in our thoughts and prayers...

Horst Kelly photographer

Fathers Day, Memories and "Slides"

Moving closer to departure day....only about a month away...still working on putting a basket on the rear of Ms Casita to hold a generator ...hopefully that will be completed this week....Will go to Austin, Tx next week to pick up the generator.....

This past Fathers Day after receiving calls from all the kids and grandkids, I started reflecting on how fast the years have blown by......yet what a terrific ride I've had and continue to have...before I knew it my memories where wondering to the '50's, '60's and early '70's...the TR-3 I had, places I lived and the music of the era...... before I could stop myself I was pulling out all the old vinyl LP's and playing select tunes..I than came across a long forgotten LP by Richard Harris..not one of the top recording artists of the time....but a great Welch voice.....a song that really captured me back in '72 was a tune he recorded titled "Slides".....I went to see if it was on utube.. so without further ado...the first minute and 50 seconds is more of an intro...so stick with it....now if I can figure out how to paste on the blog, is Richard Harris and "Slides"..

T-Minus...But I'm closing in on Departure

I continue to grow within myself...I've figured out that historically I have been a person of "vision".....details are my undoing.....but I am grasping the concept of crossing the "t's" and dotting "i's"...which proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks...though it takes forever...

Texas Mission..Horst Kelly Photographer

My new and improved plan...until the next glass of wine, is to depart around the 20 something of July and meander and take in the sites up along north Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, the Dakota's, Wyoming and Montana and get to Glacier  National Park  around  the 14th of August...stay on the east side until the 24th and then head to the west side...stay at Fish Creek campground 'till the 30th...and head south to the Tetons and Yellowstone....and from there who knows.......I can only handle so many details before I unravel....

Sooo...next is getting Ms Casita prepped and ready for the trip...new tires, a generator, wash and wax, and whatever else her heart desires. I'm a little concerned about the tow vehicle...it has 124000 miles on it...but other than one hiccup has never had a problem...going to take it in to my super mechanic and have him give it a clean bill of health before making it drag the Casita over Mountain passes...So that's the plan....need to put a lot more details together.....but for now "baby steps" are fine.....too many details and it become a "destination" rather than a "adventure"...

I'm also making a change in my website. Apple which had a web builder program I used.....have decided to get out of that business...after looking around I decided to have this blog to tell the story and use SmugMug as my photo gallery.  I'm currently in a trial mode..it is live and I have the Domain Name pointed to SmugMug...so if you bookmarked my site you will now land on my SmugMug site. Its still work in progress...I have to load more photo's, add contact info and somehow to be able to link to this blog .....stay tuned.. 


I also would like to welcome a new member to this blog...John and Ellen of Vine Photography... check out there blog...some great photography....CONNECTED TO THE VINE PHOTOGRAPHY   Thanks John and Ellen for connecting with this site!


Well, that's all for today....taking the camper to a friend of mine to see if we can fabricate a box to put on the tongue to hold a generator....I'll check back soon.....thanks for stopping by. Horst sends

T-Minus...Forever

Its been a while...I have now fully recovered from whatever it was that ended my last trip prematurely.. .....Now to make up my mind where my next adventure will be. Originally I was going to venture to Canada. Decided to postpone that until next year....Then I thought a trip to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Tetons and finally go to Zion and Bryce would be the ticket....after corresponding with fellow Casita owner and photographer Rob Rupp, who gave me a reality check about how hot it would be this time of year at Zion and Bryce...I think I've come up with a game plan....

No caption required

Leave here late July, early August....head  west than north to the panhandle of Texas, up Colorado, stopping when and where ever.....land in South Dakota and visit Mt Rushmore...may go to Custer State Park and  Badlands National Park...then head to the East side of Glacier National park...after a week of hiking and photography, head to the west side, another week or so.....depending how the weather is and how all is going I thought of going south to the Tetons and Yellowstone...though Yellowstone will probably be a bumper to bumper zoo...we'll see...and after that start working my way back to Texas...probably get to I-10..then south to 90 and a stop at Seminole State Park...one of my favorite places to relax....

Davis Mts. State Park, Tx.

Thats the plan... I would be grateful for any ideas, suggestions, or reality checks....I will start doing updates when I get a little more meat on the bones...or change my plans....again..ha.