North Dakota!

We drove most of the way across MT on 28 July, looking for a place to stay along the way.

No such luck. Not a decent place between Marias Pass in Glacier National Park and Minot, ND. That's something to stick in the backs of your minds if you ever head out this way.

Almost all of Montana east of Glacier National Park looks like this:






Boondocked in a Rest Area in Culbertson, MT for the night.

The next morning, we finished our ride into Minot and Rose!



Rose and Matt are well and happy --should have more pictures in the next day or two.

Along the way, we passed miles, and miles, and miles, of fields of different crops --and stopped to look at a Flax field:


Here is a closer look:



Matt and Rose are fixing his place up and and the view is very cool:

Looking West into the sunset:




Looking South:


Anyway, we've found a nice place to rest and recover!

Our Dear Friend

Hello Gramps, "Don"

Hope your doing well. We think of you as we are traveling this beautiful country,you would love it. We even had a camper pull in last night with a lady and her daughter from Central Maine Donna Dobs,hope I spelled her last name right. Any way,her husband is hiking The Continental Divide Trail and she drove out here to pick him up in a few days. She sure had that Maine accent.:). "Hello" to Donna talked with Dedra the other day. Miss and love you. Carlene Lance and Roscoe (TWD) Stay healthy:) Are you going to the NRA Show this year? Hope you can. xoxx

Beautiful Montana

Hello,
We are in Shelby, Montana. Stopped for Internet at this very nice visitor information center. The chair I am sitting in is made right here in Montana, out of logs, just beautiful! The lady ( Donna) is very nice and very busy, Marlys is taking over for a while. We left our camp that we spent 2 nights slept in the cabin (van), had very heavy rains and thunder the first night, very cozy. :) The camp is called The Lewis and Clark Summit camp 5216', beautiful flowers and the Rockies just are incredible huge breath taking! Trains yes trains some double stacked some coal a lot of coal run constantly,plus passenger trains. The rail station is in East Glacier, Montana much history in this entire area. Now for the place we were staying, has camp ground hosts not sure if they are paid or not. However they do not seem to do much work. The outhouses (3), were the Worst we have come across yet.I said I am going in the woods. I have no issues with outhouses but these people need to do there jobs clean and paint. Enough on that. On to a drive we took last night and came through again this am is The Black Feet Indian Reservation. Very sad and poor not many business's at all and what there is does not appear to be in good shape. Most of you know I have a home on The Lummi Indian Reservation. As we travel it is obvious that there are many abandoned homes and business's. Just wish things could be better for folks. There is major road construction on highway 2 through the reservation. Well think I am out of wind the weather is Wild Winds, need coffee before we continue on to Fort Peck, Montana. Take care all, we are enjoying being homeless, we are so very fortunate in what we have. Much Love Hugs and Peace Within.The Gypsies

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

07/26/2009: Arrived in Glacier National Park/Lewis & Clark National Forest...



...and plunked down our new kitchen tent (the last one suffered multiple catastrophic failures):



It's supposed to be our new kitchen... and at 13ft by 9ft, you'd think it would be big enough... But, it's not. It may well be 13ft by 9ft --But only at the bottom... And then it promptly rained for three hours while Carlene and I, and of course, Roscoe the Wonder Dog slept in the van. The next morning, The lingering mist in the forest was lit very nicely by the rising Sun...



The view from our campsite is amazing (no doubt helped by the altitude... 5216ft)!

The peak looking North...



Here is one of the ridgeline running Northeast:



Flowers we've come across that we have no idea what to call:

The bad news? My camera is dying --and worse, they don't make 'em like this anymore. My Minolta Dimage A1 has the largest operating envelope of any camera on the market, and it was made 5 years ago. It's been a great tool. I've carried it EVERYWHERE I go for years, from weddings to the top of mountains. You'll notice the black triangle in the bottom lefthand corner of the ridgeline shot. The anti-shake mechanism is also Ka-Put and the viewfinder is busted. But, I love this camera and I'll have to see if someone can fix it. Minolta sold it's camera operations to Konica and then Konica/Minolta went Ka-Put. I am so bummed...

The search for a comparable replacement begins... It's sure to be a long, depressing exercise in futility.

Glacier National Park Here We Come

Good Morning Everyone,
We finally found the very last room available in Sandpoint,Idaho.We scored at a Motel 6. $32.00 bucks no AC and a smoking room Yuk,but wait there is AC and the room is small but clean and did not smell of stale smoke. Hot showers, a awesome back and neck for my stupid head pain,thank you to Lance.It is very busy here one hotel had 1 room left at $220.00 plus tax and pet (non-refundable) $50.00. On to the next one $ $369.00 BUT would knock off $100.00 and again the pet money of $50.00. I was about to just sleep in good ole WalMart, but thanks to a great guy at Super 8 got us this room. We had a great day yesterday, really love the NE corner of Washington. We are heading into the wilds of GNP,so probably Nada internet and phone. When we get back into the crazy world. I am sure will have pic's and stories. So everyone take good care, know we are thinking of you and will see you soon. My Army National Guard Guys Will be home soon safe and tired. Welcome home guys! Thank you for the job's you choose to do to keep us safe at home.We are so proud to be your friends. Jim and Claudia miss our Sunday am coffee. Jenn start drawing me a small lobster for a tattoo. Love hugs and good health to all. Carlene Lance and Roscoe (TWD)

Still Here

Good Morning! At the moment the sun is shining a few minutes ago thunder and rain. It stormed most of the night and at about 1:30 am there was a million stars out. Everything is to wet to pack up and head out so another down (rest) day.Roscoe does not like the thunder and lightening. However while Lance was finishing up laundry yesterday we sat on a bench and watched the incredible light show! There was either 1 bolt or streak or chain lightening! Just awesome! Sat and ate coleslaw, till all of a sudden this VERY LOUD siren went off continuously for a long time.I asked one of the locals who did not seem to be bothered by it,"it is a siren for the fire department (mostly volunteers)that there is a fire caused by lightening! Real cool way of announcing it. There were, are I guess fires all around us caused by lightening. The thunder is continuous here,which neither Lance or I have ever heard.I
remember my parent's saying"get your sneakers on unplug the tv no talking on the phone and for heaven sakes no sitting on the toilet! LOL.Never know where that lightening might strike! :)

Took a bit to get home from town yesterday the wild and domestic animals decided to either run right in front of the vehicle (deer fawn),or walk out in the road stop and stare (cows). Roscoe who made it up in my seat in the front next to Lance, lays there barking his head off at them. Still they do not move OR they run down the road just in front of the truck. Quite funny. All ended well NO injured animals,we were a bit shaken by the fawn hoping her Mom smacked her for playing in the road. LOL, Well if weather cooperates we will be pulling out tomorrow. Plan is to stop in a couple of places before we reach N.D.Enough for now. Much Love Hugs and Peace Within. Carlene Lance and Roscoe (TWD). The Gypsies.
A Special "Hello" to Gramp's. :)

Cooler and Thunderstorms

Hello All, Got up this am to a bit of rain and thunder, cool breeze much to my delight. The heat has been just unbearable! Makes my brain shut down LOL. Also a bunch "herd" of cows came walking through the campground did their business in a empty campsite,watched me eat my
bagel which I offered to share :). Real cool to see them there. We are so lucky to have the Loons nesting at Long Lake,their call is just so soothing. Love being out here in the wilds. Lance went cliff climbing. Roscoe gets to swim in the lake, his coat is so thick it must be awful in the heat. I have been attempting to make magnets from the wild flowers, the flowers dry within a couple of hours from the time I pick them. Will see how they turn out after the glue dries. Laundry day and getting the cabin (van) ready for travel as we leave this area tomorrow 7/24. All is great, just love the peacefulness around us. Everyone stay well and happy. Keep life simple!! LOL

Hugs and Peace, Carlene Lance and Roscoe "TWD"

Long Lake

We moved into somewhat more cramped quarters at Long Lake Campground South of Republic. But, the locals are still friendly...

They're scarce, and we haven't seen any other creatures, and of course, it's hot as Hell here, but the view is nice.

I bushwhacked up the ridge opposite our campsite, and the view is even better!

Here is a picture of what's left of me after that crazy hike up the hill...

Otherwise, we're haveing a great time and the bugs aren't so bad.

Republic

We made our way to Republic today --of course, it's never that easy... but it's always interesting.
We started the Day in Ephrata --lost as usual and looking for Wal-Mart. The good news is that, in finding our way... we ran into:

Two DC-3s at the Ephrata Airport (not an original stop on our schedule) and this little gem:

That's a PBY6A, a WWII patrol aircraft, and I think it belongs to "Flying Firefighters, Inc." And, a gaggle of sail planes in the background.

After a quick stop to drop off a couple of books with Norm and Diane (otherwise occupied with a Farmers Market in Moses Lake), we hit the road bound for Republic.

Norm and Diane recommended a route through Wilbur and Keller... and of course, it's never that easy:

And it involves a Ferry Ride! We loved it, however short, across a very pretty Roosevelt Lake.

The locals are friendly and the Pizza is good! But, then it's early and there is a Biker Rally in town for the weekend...

Lance's love of Nature

Lance went on a couple of hikes on his own which were way out of my comfort zone at least for now! So Roscoe and I stayed behind and enjoyed the beautiful fields of wild flowers around our camp site. Was so proud of Lance. It is a great feeling being out there on your own. The peacefulness shows on his face and in his soul.

Twisp - Laundry and Showers

If you ever find yourself in Twisp, WA and need a place to shower and wash your clothes, We highly recommend The Washworks. It's right on Route 20 next to Hank's Supermarket (also highly recommended). Need more incentive? Free Wi-Fi!

Carlene Solo on the PCT

Carlene took her last hike alone on the PCT North toward Slate Peak. And she had to bushwhack the last part!

I did it! Yep, not any fear but always mindful of my surroundings and a healthy dose of caution. I had my radio to keep in touch with Lance and Roscoe and a pack that had all the needs for the back country. Yes indeed, I'm very proud of myself.

Stuffing Hikes into the Remaining Time

07/16/2009: Lance stuffed that little peak into the last day, for some outstanding shots of the surrounding mountains --and Canada.

This shot is Majestic Mountain looking across Ninety-Nine Basin.

The Middle Fork of the Pasayten River runs from here into Canada about 35 miles away.

Cut short by a bum left knee, it was still a nice hike!

Carlene & Roscoe Take the PCT by Storm

7/15/2009: Lance took off up the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to take some pictures of the mountains and miscellaneous flora and fauna. After making the saddle at 4841.619N12040.270W he called Carlene on the trusty radio and asked her if she was up for a challenge. She was, indeed.

Despite a brain injury, being completely deaf in her right ear, combined with near constant vertigo and balance issues as a result, she jumped at the chance.

True Grit.

Scree, snow, steep trail and inconsiderate people --taken in stride.

That little goat trail you see on the left is the PCT and it continues to the right past that little snow field. Did I mention that there is still snow up here, and it's cold?

Here is a picture of the incredible view:

Overall, a good day.

Hear Comes the Rain again...

Man, that's a menacing skyline huh? It was taken from the side of Slate Peak at about 7000 ft. up and looking South (4843.930N12040.496W).

The Volunteer Rangers were nice enough to stop by and let us know that we were in for some severe thunderstorms Sunday morning. We'd checked the forecast on Saturday so we were aware of the threat, but it was very nice anyway.

The storms didn't arrive until 7:30pm and luckily, the majority of the severe weather passed a couple of miles south of our campsite.

We didn't get moved on Sunday as planned, but it's all good.

Stayed warm and dry --despite the cold. The first two nights we spent here temperatures were in the low thirties, so, last night's low of about 40, while still cold, wasn't too bad.

One Happy Camper!

This shot was taken just below Slate Peak looking South toward Majestic Mouontain at about 8000 ft. Hart's Pass is great, but we've found another spot that's better! Moving day is tomorrow, Sunday, 12 July. We hope to stay for another couple of weeks, but you never know...
We are all well and happy with life away from barking dogs, sirens, trains, planes and stupid people.

The Tent is HUGE

The 8 Man Coleman Cavern. Sleeps two comfortably... LOL

It does have a nice vestibule but the sides are steep --which cuts down on the floor space.

The problem we had this morning was folding the damn thing in the wind. Yuck. Packed up in less than two hours... Fantastic!

Are We ThereYet?

Roscoe is already asking... But of course, we have many, many miles to go.

We're currently South of Seattle in a nice Kampground.

It could be that he's scrunched into a very small place for such a big dog. Roscoe doesn't complain though... He does get extra excited when he gets to stretch his legs.

But, We're finally on the road --let the adventure begin!