A Day in the Life and finally a new state

Culbertson, MT to Williston, ND July 19, 2009 - Early this morning both Don and I had rattlesnake encounters. On the previous day's ride Jim had mentioned that he heard a rattlesnake along the road and he stopped to take a picture of the rattler. Neither Don or I was able to photograph our rattlers. My encounter happened as I was cruising along the shoulder and heard a rattle, I swerved out to the roadway and looked back to seek a rattlesnake along the shoulder. No bites or strikes but I was very nervous about riding close to the shoulder for the rest of the day.

Since the trip started we have stayed in motels only 2 or 3 times, mostly we have been camping in RV parks, national park camp grounds, city parks and other facilities. The process works like this, a day or two out mostly Braden, Don and Art confer on where we might camp the next night or next few nights. Considerations are safety, water, showers, food-essentially Maslow's hierarchy of basic needs. Once a distance and a suitable camp is identified we depart. At our destination we have a basic routine - drinks, rest break, set up tents, shower, hand wash bike clothes, hang clothes to dry, get some food and prepare for the next day. Usually we are in the tents by 10 p.m. Culbertson was no different, up around 6:00 a.m. have some coffee and breakfast. Braden usually has a pot of hot water so that we can make an instant oatmeal breakfast and some coffee (I use a small french coffee press, works well).

I didn't mention that riding into Culbertson we had a huge hill to climb, leaving Culbertson was much flatter but about 15 miles out we had hills and road construction. For more than three miles we were on unpaved roads with hills which took us to the state line. At the state line was a Montana casino but nothing else other than a welcome to North Dakota sign that we posed by for a picture or two. The ride on into Williston was hilly but we had some good wind pushing us from the southwest. Although we are happy to be moving along our decision to rest in Williston has changed, too many mosquitoes and the rest room and shower facilities have issues. Braden and Don rigged up the solar shower in the only usable restroom, I chose to stay at the Marquis Plaza and Suites. Our rest day instead will be a short riding day to New Town, ND.