Missoula, MT to somewhere in Iowa

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We are now camped in Wyoming after visiting Sam’s friend Joe in Missoula, MT for a few days. While in Montana we went hiking, rock climbing, cider pressing, fly fishing, Hot Springs bathing, and visited several fun clubs downtown. Joe was a great host, always doing something fun, but laid back at the same time. I have met few people with both those qualities, myself included. Missoula is a great place to be. We also visited Bob and Sandy Shook and reunited Ruby with her old roommate Samilla.
After leaving the happening town of Missoula, we went to Yellowstone National Park for another night of camping in the snow. I admit I was a little moody after sleeping in a bed the past four nights, but rallied the next day and had a wonderful time in Yellowstone, being goofy and watching lots of critters.

…..Two days later
South Dakota is full of Highway fun, and there are the Billboards to prove it. Since crossing into the great state of South Dakota we have been to “fucking” Deadwood for some “fucking” gambling where I lost about 3 dollars of “fucking” quarters. We then drove the staggering 10 miles to Sturgis, South Dakota where the notorious Harley rallies started umpteen years ago. Another 90 miles and were camping in Badlands National Park. The Badlands were beautiful and reminded us a little of the Painted Desert in the Southwest, except the Badlands were home to Ruby’s arch nemesis…duhn, duhn, duhn…the porcupine. She was safely leashed.
This may be our last night on the road and we are at a hotel thanks to Matt and Amy who gave Sam a hotel night for his B-day. We will be in KY until the 25th or so and Rubybaddog will stay behind for a few months. I have been getting teary about the thought of leaving her for the past two weeks. Can anyone but me really love her? As bad as she is, she is soft and cuddly and loves to play and hike and I can bury my face in her fur whenever I want. She snuggles her nose in my sleeping bag and snores and likes to play in the morning on her back while I grab her feet and she pretends to try to bite my hands…anyway. I’m apprehensive, but I know she will be in good hands. So, to all of our friends, we love you and talk about each and everyone of you as we drive, drive, drive.

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Photos

Yellowstone
These Buffalo stopped traffic for half an hour because they had to walk in front of all the cars as they travelled down the highway. We actually had to nudge them off the road.

Joe
Joe on his Honda Trail 90

Rock Climbing
Yep, that's my butt. Fun climbs.

Fly fishing with Joe
Joe was pretty good. Sam tried and I decided that I would suffer more than the fish.

Ruby and Samilla
Ahhh, together again. Ruby promptly stole Samilla's dog-bed as her own.

Bob and Sandy Shook
More good friends to visit in Missoula, MT.

Warning sign
Hey Dustin, I dare you to go step in that steaming sink hole.

Warning sign
This was the actual caption on the sign. What a way to go!

No dogs
Ruby wasn't allowed to go through the park.

Locals
This guy is real. the elk just hang out on the lawn at the visitor center. If only Ruby could get out, she'd love to chase these pesky campers away.

Deadwood
We know it is everyone's favorite "fucking" TV show. Sorry gramma, the cursing is in quotations cause it's part of the TV show. Sam's arm is okay, he just wears the sling after he hurts it digging in the truck for stuff.

Prarie Dog Ranch
They love peanuts.

Rodney earns his horns
We bought these bull horns at Wall Drug. We felt Rodney had definitely earned them.

Comments

[Meagan]

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Oh how I miss you kids!!!! Your adventures an quirky travelblogs make me smile from the inside out. Take care!!! visit me when your sweet behinds are back in the states! Lub ya!