On The Move

9/26/2018 Today’s relocation found me at the Fischers Lilly Park campground in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. This RV Park is a Fort Pierre city park on the west bank of the Missouri River with the capital Pierre, South Dakota on the east bank. Once settled in the campground, I drove over to Pierre to review the Capitol building which is fully open to its owners: the citizens of South Dakota and their visitors.

9/27/2018 Today, I reviewed the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre which is built into the side of a hill. This Facility is a Smithsonian Affiliate that displays the historical and cultural artifacts of South Dakota from dinosaurs to the present. The museum is meticulously laid out with the visitor walking from one area to another area in a chronological presentation of exhibits. It deftly covers the First Nations presence before European settlement, the establishment of the State of South Dakota and life on the prairie; from statehood through today.

Afterwards, I went grocery shopping at a sporting goods store; Dakotamart is a grocery store with an extensive sporting goods store in its basement. I walked around in the basement for a well spent hour before obtaining my intended provisions. 

9/28/2018 Wondering what’s over the next hill I drove west toward Rapid City, South Dakota. After driving roughly 200 miles I found and camped at the Pactola Reservoir Campground just west of Rapid City.

Prior to camping I stopped at the Jack First Gun Shop on the east side of Rapid City. Jack First once owned a gun store in Lancaster where my brother Allan and I took our Gun Safety course. We also went to school with Jack’s daughter, Nancy. Unfortunately, I found that Jack had passed away exactly one year prior to my visit. Nancy now runs the gun store in Rapid City and appears to have everything until control. 

9/29/2018 Being so close I had to visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The viewing area had changed somewhat from my previous stopover in 1972 but it was an impressive site on both visits. I then maneuvered the 20 miles to the Crazy Horse Memorial but did not venture in. Afterwards, I drove the streets of the Old West town of Custer, South Dakota which is proclaimed to be the oldest European American Township in the Black Hills. Returning to my trailer, I found the Pactola Campground almost vacant of inhabitants. I decided a large campfire was in order so once it was created, I warmed myself and cooked a steak upon an adequate fire that included a pleasant ending to this peaceful evening. 

9/30/2018 Having once been captivated by the television series Deadwood then of course I had to visit the actual locale of its focus, Deadwood, South Dakota. Now a National Historic Landmark District and a popular tourist stopover, Deadwood still has some of its original ambiance minus the muddy thoroughfares. Still populated with saloons and gaming houses I walked the streets of the downtown area where I was robbed by a one-armed-bandit before making my departure. On my way out of town I visited the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are laid to rest. Having heard so many hullabaloos about Sturgis, South Dakota, I had to check out this motorcycle mecca. Sturgis was nearly vacant of any type visitor on this dizzily, off season day so I furthered my explorations elsewhere. Back on the Interstate I drove to Rapid City where I parked and walked the downtown merchant area. Still misty, I made a quick, two block loop around Rapid City’s palliated business district. 

10/1/2018 The weather cleared and was warmer from yesterday so I traveled to the Badlands National Park where I explored some beautifully unique landscapes. My travels through this Park were stopped at turnouts for the magnificent vistas and once by a mob of Bighorn Sheep undecidedly blocking the road as a mob of tourist photographed them.

Expanding my sphere of exploration I drove south through the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation before heading back into Rapid City where I attacked my laundry at Laundry World. 

10/2/2018 Moving on, I had an unfamiliar feeling and with the miles the feeling became more intense. In a haze, it seemed as though I had lost control and my directions became automated. Before I realized I was at the Devils Tower National Monument where my haze broke and I underwent a very terrestrial visit of this grand spire. With my fondness for the Western production of Lonesome Dove, I was obligated to drive to Miles City where Captain Augustus "Gus" McCrae passed away. Unable to locate the exact location of Gus’s demise I continued my westward campaign to a campsite along the banks of the Yellowstone River.

Needless to say, being the sole occupant of the camping area in this Montana Department of Fish & Wildlife fishing access site made for a quiet and peaceful evening. 

10/3/2018 It was a lengthy six hour, 330 mile drive to the Cromwell Dixon Campground that is nearly 20 miles west of Helena, Montana. Besides the campground Host, I was the only paying ($5 per night) Customer/occupant. After the long drive in inclement weather I setup and stayed in my mobile residence for the night. 

Photo Courtesy State of Montana

10/4/2018 Cloudy, cool, with a slight rain I drove down into Helena to review the Montana capital city. The Helena Capitol exterior appearance is very similar in architecture to the South Dakota Capitol and is just as accessible. With the legislature at recess the halls were downright vacant so I drank its expanse with intemperance. I sequestered a chair in the Montana State Supreme Court gallery, then photographed the Senate gallery, but when attempting to enter the House gallery I found it locked. While struggling with the unexpectedly locked House gallery door, I was queried by one of the few occupants of this center for Montana government. Asked if I would like access to the House gallery I abashedly uttered that I would. This gentleman, Bradley Murfitt, is the Sargent-at-Arms for the Montana House of Representatives. Not only did Brad let me into the House gallery, he explained all of the nuances of the Montana legislature. Surprisingly, the Montana Legislature only convenes every other year and only for 90 days. To clarify with a quote from Wikipedia:

“The Montana Constitution dictates that the legislature meet in regular session for no longer than 90 days in each odd-numbered year.”

I think if the California Legislature copied the procedure, the lives of the citizens of California would all be immensely improved. I want to thank Mr. Murfitt for his time and his Montana government elucidation. Next, I explored Downtown Helena then, with worries of snow at my campground; I capped it off with an early dinner at the Silver Star Steak Company restaurant. The campground snow worries were not unfounded as a light, steady snowfall continued through the night. 

10/5/2018 I awoke to several inches of snow on the ground and on the camper. After carefully removing the snow from the slide-out roof and solar panels I was able to get the travel trailer traveling once again. I drove for three hours, a half hour of which was past Missoula, Montana.  I finally settled 30 miles west of Missoula at the River Edge Resort & Steakhouse along the Clark Fork river. The River Edge Resort is a nice clean RV park with a great view of the bordering river, that has a great restaurant, bar and casino but is all distracted by the Interstate 90 traffic noise. 

10/6/2018 I awoke this morning numbly feeling less erudite owed to drink and a lack of slumber. Submitting myself last evening to the River Edge Resort for a nightcap, my short stay was extended by the creation of new friendships. Meeting the young couple Ben Elachik and Katie Engwald at the bar, a friendly discussion soon developed that was centered upon Ben’s Alaska fishing employment. I found Ben’s occupational environment very enthralling, exciting and perilous that kept me absorbed for several hours and as many beverages. Waking slowly and feeling poorly, I sluggishly headed the Rig toward my friend’s ranch in Addy, Washington. After the 3 hour drive, that included a short misdirection to a neighbor’s house, I arrived at Bob Schwieger’s Thunder HOG (he owns a Harley) Ranch. There I was greeted by Bob and Gabby, his large white Pyrenees Malamute canine with the wonderfully sociable personality. On a previous visit here I had claimed the site where I would return with a camp trailer and set up, which I did promptly. Our greetings complete we proceeded down into the municipality of Addy proper for dinner at the only available establishment in that town. Tired from the previous evening’s escapades, the strains of driving and with no television or cell reception my retirement came not long after the brilliant mountain sunset. 

10/7/2018 Awakening to a cool mountain morning, overlooking a tree lined meadow, I felt refreshed and well rested. In no hurry, I relaxed with my coffee watching the cattle graze in the low pasture below my trailer residence. The landscape was enhanced by the falls colors of the deciduous trees contrasting against the dark emerald evergreens. Eventually, I rambled up to the house where coffee and conversation lasted until our drive to the Sunday brunch buffet at the Chewelah Casino. Our over-indulgence complete, the return to the ranch was elongated by a 15 mile drive to the Columbia River stopping at a Flea Market in Gifford with our terminus at the Inchelium-Gifford Ferry to review where it crosses the half mile wide Roosevelt Lake.  Back at the Ranch we talked and watched sports on television that was occasionally interrupted by watching a rafter of wild turkeys prance through the yard and a doe and her fawn grazing. When evening came we ventured to the Sportsman’s Bar and Grill in downtown Chewelah, Washington for a great burger. Returning well after dark we separately proceeded to our dispersed lodgings for the night. 

10/8/2018 Leaving the Thunder HOG Ranch I crossed over the Columbia River at the Inchelium-Gifford Ferry. Proceeding north then west for 140 miles, I ended my day by settling at the Columbia Cove RV Park which is a Brewster, Washington City Park. 

10/9/2018 Driving west I was not able to find an open campsite anywhere in the Cascades as they were all closed for the season. I eventually found and endeavored to camp in the Beach Campground of the Fort Worden State Park near Fort Townsend, Washington but after several attempts I abandoned my efforts due to darkness. Still about 27 miles from my intended destination of Sequim, Washington I decided to drive to the Sequim Walmart where I camped for the night. 

10/10/2018 A clear morning in Sequim so I walked a mile for a haircut. Having to wait for the stylist I decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant and, out of curiosity, I perused the nearby Goodwill. Haircut completed, I walked back to the trailer then drove to the 7 Cedars Casino where I will camp in their parking lot at no cost for 3 days. I spent this evening having dinner and drinks at the home of Bruce and Maria Warner. I have known Bruce since High School and I was Best Man at the Warner wedding. 

10/11/2018 I met at Bruce and Marie’s house for breakfast. After breakfast, Bruce, his friend Bill and I took Bruce and Bill’s jointly owned boat down to the John Wayne Marina where we launched the boat. Side note: John Wayne donated the land for this marina although it was not built until well after his passing.  With the Dungeness crabbing season open in Sequim Bay, the three of us propelled the older yet very seaworthy 17' Reinell out into the bay to drop two each of Bruce and Bill's crab pots with the hope of catching enough for a dinner. 

10/12/2018 Maintenance day, I had the oil changed then washed the truck. With the truck maintenance complete, I returned to the trailer, still camped at the 7 Cedars Casino, where I gathered up the laundry. After my laundry task was finished, I drove to the Warner’s house where together we went to Blondie’s Plate restaurant in Sequim for a great dinner. 

10/13/2018 Having stayed at the 7 Cedars Casino parking lot for the maximum 3 days I requested and received an extension. After my camping privileges were renewed, I drove to the seafood restaurant, Salty Girls, for lunch with the Warners. After lunch, Maria and I drove around to several thrift stores and a Farmer’s Market while Bruce tended his crab pots. The drive with Maria continued to the nearby Port Williams County Park that has a great view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We then drove onto Port Angeles for a short visit there. A call from Bruce informed us that he had indeed caught 3 Dungeness crabs so on our return home we purchased potatoes and wine to accompany a remarkable fresh Dungeness crab dinner. 

10/14/2018 After piling into the Warner’s Honda SUV, we drove west 95 miles to Cape Flattery Point. On the Makah Indian Reservation, Cape Flattery has a 3/4 mile hike, mostly on boardwalk, from parking lot to the overlook which is the furthest west in the Continental United States that I have journeyed. I must mention that this day was not without excitement as we were enroute to Cape Flattery an out of control car skidded past our vehicle scarcely missing us. In addition, upon arrival at the Cape Flattery parking area our assistance was requested by a fallen lady who was locked in the parking lot pit toilet bathroom. Overall, our Cape Flattery experience was exceptional due to an outstandingly clear, warm weather day.  Afterwards, we embarked the 22 miles down a long twisting road until we arrived at the picturesque Ozette Lake in the Olympic National Park.

Photo courtesy of Lake Crescent Lodge

Leaving the Olympic National Park and driving past sunset until darkness overtook us; we eventually made our way to the historic Lake Crescent Lodge. Once inside this 1915 built lodge we reclined in their wood hewn, charming, turn-of-the-century lobby for our cocktail hour. This great adventurous day came to an end by my dining solitarily on a 7 Cedars Casino pizza.