A Great Last Day and a maybe a Regroup...stay tuned

The day started out not looking good for photo opportunities...rained during the night and began to drizzle right after I left to see what shots I could manage  to get....decided I would try the McDonald Waterfall again...and use the Japanese Route(reference yesterdays Blog)...and what do you know..a pulloff and five second walk down the hill...what a concept...there're making life far to easy these days....

McDonald Falls

Early AM..Overcast..McDonald Lake..Horst Kelly Photographer

Though overcast, the rain stopped for a while and I shot the Falls with a different lens and a new level of energy...after the Falls I was wandering on the Sun Road trying to find a new adventure...I saw a sign... Lake McDonald Lodge......since I had nothing better to fill the time I turned in...WOW..what a great place..its a Alpine village...grocery/gift store, lodge, cabins, I think they even have a youth Hostel...tours, cruises,..sits right on the northern edge of the Lake..Magnificent views...

 Toured the area and took some pics...sat and people watched for a half hour or so...alot of foreign tourists...both from Europe and Asia....great little find....

Started raining again, so I decided to go to Colimbia Fall and visit a Grocery store...got some items for the next leg of my journey...came back to camp and started looking at where I was going to camp tomorrow...I remember that Jerry and Wanda, of Eggrolling Blog,  had a great campsite somewhee around Seeley Lake...its only 140 or so miles south...but then, whats the rush....Jus tgot an email that Buddy Rob is at St. Marys...haven't connected yet by phone.....I may try to bet back to St. Marys for one night if they have an opening and then just retract my tire marks down to Bozeman and  head to the Tetons that way.....so I'll call the reservation in a minute and we'll see what my options are..I'm all ready to hitch up and head to wherever... I think I'll do sweet corn again to night and a brat....with a "Dunkel Bier".....say tuned for the next adventure...Happy Trails...Horst

One section of McDonald Lodge...Horst Kelly Photographer

McDonald Falls..Horst Kelly Photographer

Until the next adventure...Happy Trails...Horst

There's Always a Shortcut...Buns, Buns and more Buns

Decided today I would go to McDonald Falls, which is about 13 miles up the road and then on to Polebridge for some of those "Cinnamon Rolls"...Soooo after some coffee and cereal I was off to the Falls..A book I have on Photographing Glacier gave me very specific instructions....and I quote "Immediately beyond the head of the Lake, a paved road turns left, Shortly, it crosses a bridge spanning McDonald Creek. A small pullout is located across the bridge. The Trail travels upstream to the falls.  the hike is short, and the images are special"...pretty straight forward to me..

Dense woods to Waterfall..Horst Kelly Photographer

The trail is in a very dense wooded area...so I got my handy-dandy bear spray...and started a chorus of "when the saints come  marching in and the bears go marching out"...it was a well marked trail has some elevation to it and the last bit whines down to the river...30 minutes or so I was there...did work up a sweat, but it felt good, and I was happy ...crossed a small wooden bridge over the river and set up for a photo shoot....about 5 minutes into looking for the best angle, I hear a bunch of foreign chatter...nope, not bears....it was a bus load of Japanese tourists all with there cameras in hand, ready to shoot....where in the hell did they come from....turns out there is now a pull off on the main road..and a 30 second walk down the hill brings one to the same place it took me 30 minutes of huffing and puffing and keeping bears at bay to get to.....if I had stayed on the road and gone another 100 yards or so I could have avoided the "denise forest" with all those hungry bears...I sat there and laughed for I don't know how long.....I felt like the guy that had been on the deserted island for years only to find out that 100 yards down past the clearing  was Miami...

McDonald Falls..Horst Kelly Photographer

I wasn't happy with the photo's so I'm going back tomorrow with a different lens and try again....and maybe do the forest walk, just for old times sake..haha

Decided to go to Polebridge, since I read so much about it...it's 25 or so miles from the campground..not the best road in the world...but what captured my attention was the burnt trees...I would say in parts 90 percent of the forest was burnt....stopped and read that in 2003 they had 5 or so different fires at Glacier....what a tragedy..

Got to the  town of "Polebridge"...a main building 3 or 4 others and a gas pump....but the "buns"   wow...I bought Bread, a Cinnamon roll to go and a Jalapena roll to eat on the way back...downed it with a old time root beer... it was worth the trip...Jerry, I took a photo of the gas pump just to let you know gas prices haven't gone up since you where here a month ago...unlike the rest of the country...ha

The Gas Pump...price same as a month ago...haha

Horst Kelly Photographer

Got back to camp just as it started raining..plan to do a little grilling...until next...Happy Trails, thanks for stopping by..Horst

Mmmm, Mmmm...GOOD

Another Perfect Day...can't believe they just keep coming!!!

 I want to acknowledge my Friend Rob...you will see his Blog site to the right ...its Casita Adventures' Galleries...First his travel journal is second to none, his photo's are spot on, for those that own Casitas, his modifications are to drool over....and his approach to his current path to living life well is a great testament to his character....take a minute to meet this fellow adventurer.....

What a GREAT morning ...woke up around 0430...had a cup of my java...sat outside and watched the darkness fad away and morning light try to climb over the Eastern Peaks of Glacier.....crisp, clear and.....I'm hungry...had one small batch of "Service Berries" left from East Glacier, so I made some oatmeal, added a little milk, brown sugar and my berries....now that's a "Breakfast of Champions".......

Another try at silky waterfall...Horst Kelly Photographer

Decided to venture to Apgar Village...that's where one end of the McDonald lake is...try my hand at some early morning lake shots...I found that the color was not turning out correctly...all blue...there was a good amount of haze which I think is coming from the fires in Idaho...maybe thats causing the blue tint....so next I decided to do a small portion of Going-to-the Sun-Road from west to east....for you folks coming here there is construction on the road.... resurfacing...the later in the day, the longer the delay.....what great vistas...totally different from the east side of Glacier...I'm guessing its the amount of rain....and the river that runs parallel to the road...wow...wish I could park Ms Casita right down there....stopped a few times and tryed my hand a some "silky" water pics...still not right...but moving in the right direction...I think.....
Came back to the camper..did some cleaning, got my shower token..and thought I'd drive to WhiteFish, about 25 miles West...a town one of my close Air Force Buds  was raised in....he got an appointment to the Air Force Academy from that high School....I always kidded him about who his competition was...a grisly and a good goat..... the town has turned    into a kinda "artsy/crafty" town...not saying thats bad..and  a wholesome town....as it pertains to fitness....

Where I want Ms. Casita parked...Horst Kelly Photographer

Got some provisions...boy are prices higher than in good old Texas.....came back to the campground and have been veggin ever since...plan on grilling a hamburger, onions, mushrooms....and having another Big Sky IPA Ale....thats all folks...ok, may listen to Bob Segar and Eric Clapton while sipping some JD....say good-nite Tonto....

Travel Day...to Fish Creek CG..West Glacier

This will be a short post today as it was a travel day...did get up around 0430...wanted to see if I could catch one last photo or two....It has been a great stay and the time went by way to fast...but I guess that means there will be a next time....got back round 0730...hitched up...had one last cup of coffee sitting at the picnic table...saying good-bye to St. Mary's...and my favorite early morning high...Goose Island....

One last photo East Glacier....Horst Kelly Photographer

Drove to Browning, filled the tank and headed west on Rt. 2....by 1130 hours I was pulling into West Glacier..and by 1230 had set up at Fish Creek CG, next to Lake mcDonald....called my Sweetie to let her know I arrived safely and that I was going to scout around.....BTW, this campground is way better then the one at St Mary's...its in the middle of a pine forest.....the temp is way lower and very relaxing..same amenities as St Mary's...no electric, do have generator time, and a token shower system...and for the AARPS its $11.50 per day....

The drive down here from Browning was a very pleasant and  scenic adventure...wanted to pull over several times but didn't have room.....crossed the Continental Divide...about 5000+change... feet...the marker was on the other side of the road...so had to pass it by...kinda like my luck with gas stations.always on the other side when you need one!!!!

Ok...another Last Photo...Horst Kelly Photographer

Now for a little clarification...one of my Buds called about yesterdays "Bear" post...concerned about how close I was...I was about 70 to 100 feet away...I did not feel an immediate threat unless of course it was a mommy and I was between her and her young'un, which I was pretty sure I wasn't...I guess if it had woken up  having a bad hair day...I could have become its "outlet"...my main concern was not to be stupid enough to take a photo and for some reason have my "flash" go off and spook the bear.....just wanted to clarify that I wasn't arms length away...

Until the next post..Happy Trails....hoping to read some Blogs and find out where everybody is at!!!!.Happy Trails...Horst

AH..sweet memory...Living well is my Perfect Cure
That's All Friends....

Bears...Beer...and Advil....Great to be Alive

This morning was filled with excitment......I was looking foward to the "Grinnell Challenge"...having reviewed the post and seen the photo's Rob had posted...in the last couple months I had been waiting for this day.....and here it was...I downed my coffee...made a couple sandwiches...water, camera, charged batteries,  brandy...no just kidding....and I was off for the 15 mile or so drive to the trailhead.....and there I was...stapped my handy knife, bear spray and waist pack on.....I was ready...let the games begin....

Grinnell Hike...Horst Kelly Photographer

...and what a hike it was...Rob was correct in describing the serene and majestic area this hike was taking me through.....lakes, Mountains, meadows, and everthing in between..path about 2 or 3 feet wide...heavy folliage in areas....and...what is this...oh yes bear poo on the trail...lots of it....I sang, I gave speeches, I recited the Gettesburg Address...I sang 99 Bottles of bear...or I mean beer on the wall....and all in vain, more on that later.....

The hike was going great ...I was enjoying it so much that I forgot about the photography side of this hike....at about the 4.0 mile mark it happened...I have been concerned throughout this trip about my knee holding up...had it scoped/reparied last year and all has been fine since then...well it wasn't my knee that caved in, it was my right ankle....a injury/surgery  that happened 44 years ago...and Bam it started swelling like a watermellon...I have advil...took 3....where is the brandy when you need it....nothing helped and I decided to not further harm or injury it I would make my way back.....which took 3 times as long...but I made it and am now tring to get it in shape for my next adventure...

Another Grinnell...Horst Kelly Photographer

Am I dissapointed...yes, do I regret it...NO...and I will try it again sometime in the future...It was the best hike of this trip by far.....oh, you wanted to know about the bears.....long story, long...I encountered three ...yes 3...2 Blacks and one Grizzly...the Ranger had said they have been all over this area recently....back to the story... first it was three separate sightening...two of them where in the high brush...the first never even noticed me...the second one glanced at me..neither one was an opportunity for a photo op.....and then the 3rd....as I was walking, it was almost like he was waiting for me and popped out...now there is a photo op...but probably my last one...I had my bear spray locked and loaded....my first stupid thought, can I click a few photo's off and still shot the spray.....I knew the distance he was from me and I knew my limitations...I clapped , and slowly started walking backwards.....He gave me one last look and probably thought...bet his pants are wet..grinned and meandered off in the brush....I waited a bit...and a bit more...saw him way down the hill and started a chorus of "Raw Hide"...

And Another...Horst Kelly Photographer

What an experience....I did have a beer when I got back...its five o'clock somewhere.....I went out again to try and get some waterfall shots...never tryed to get them to look sliky like Jon has done..so I thought I'd give it a try...long way from his great shots...but I'll keep trying....

Need to stop as tomorrow is my travel day to the West side...got to clean the camper, Xterra, organize and get ready....next stop Fish Creek Camp Ground...Happy Trails...Horst

First Try...More to Come...Horst Kelly Photographer

The End.....Horst Kelly Photographer

ps...Rob...Could you email your blog...I don't have it on this netbook...I  want to add it to my Blog list on my Blog , plus read and comment to your journey......my email address it on my blog page...thanks Buddy...

  

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...

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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

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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!!

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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...

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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.