Archive for July, 2011

Toward and in and out of the “Glacier”, MT

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

“Whereas I, even now, persist in believing that these black marks on white paper bear the greatest significance, that if I keep writing I might be able to catch the rainbow of consciousness in a jar. The only trust fund I have is this story, and unlike a prudent wasp, I’m dipping into it’s principal, spending it all… ~ Jeffrey Eugenides ~

beehives on #89-2

Colored boxes in the middle of nowhere…

 

We stopped in Fairfield briefly this morning. Maybe it was not so brief after all. I might call this the summer of route #89. Flat land, clear blue skies, curvy roads and straight ones also, cruising at 60mph, comfortable, scanning my surroundings, some are working in the fields around the bales of hay, some in the air, kids are working also driving their little four wheelers here and there, the red barns stand out, it all is so calm inside out, it is a good morning.

Crop plane

Everyone was working…

 

Lance is right along, I see him always running with us, no, this morning he is flying as I feel we are. He is in good health today as we smile at each other even if he wonders about and feels my heavy heart and at times teary eyes while the wind of a raised visor dried them out quickly. It all is mixed in with smiles, words to myself, a glance at Spirit, “Old Faithful” herself is dancing with the wind content from a push from behind.

Glacier-23

I saw a house for sale, she is sitting all alone with her barn, also painted red, that barn red, surrounded by green trees and fields awaiting to be harvested. Thoughts enter my mind. Such a “Home Base” would be nice. Cool in the summer, Spirit and I could lounge around or stay busy finishing our Book, organizing the awaiting thousands of photos scattered continuously in more scattered files, open up our e-store for all my one pan recipes downloadable in PDF format for many to enjoy. I think "when I am going to achieve all this while living in our tent?" Maybe winter time? Take some little outings and come back with the freedom to leave again within this area so vast and so beautiful filled with so many destinations. Just some thoughts today. My deepest regret too often is the inability to reply to all the kind e mails and comments we receive, I do read them all and are filed away. Again I know winter will be that time to surprise the senders with a reply!

silos in Fairfield

silos in Fairfield-2

I had never seen so many big silos. Must be the pride of this Friendly town where already two cars have stopped asking if they could help us and if we were alright. Good feel. It is Fairfield, MT. I had a flat tire the other day while in "Logging Creek". I used my last tube for this rear tire. A bit eerie maybe away from it all. I have done it a hundred times, all worked well for the hundred and one time. Compressor included. We stopped in Great Falls and I called every tire dealer looking for a spare tube to no avail. This morning, this little tire shop had all the tubes needed at a bargain price, even patched the one I could not find the puncture. A nice Grocery store, water faucet for the 6 gallons we carry, new Friends. Population under 1000.

Glacier-41

And on North before this heat wave takes us down. We stopped in "Choteau". Tight everyone was, not unfriendly but not friendly. It was for only a few minutes as then arriving in Browning with the site of the majestic mountains of the Glacier still covered with many patches of snow. "Medicine" campground on the Lake was  a Zoo. Each campsite overtaking the other, empty they were of anyone present, but I could hear the vocal roars from the lakefront. Not for us.

condo

the thinker-2

creek by campsite

Such a big Park and we end up following my nose into the National Forest instead. No one is here, small footprint one needs, maybe 10 primitive sites at the most. Again, this is it as the shade of the trees will keep us here for I know a few days till we become intimidate with the surroundings. Nice creek for more water when needed. Karma has been good since we left Cody. Mother Nature has been smiling at us. I smile back with a big embrace.

Glacier-25

Glacier-26

The days are so long now. I want to go to sleep but it is still daylight. “Remember winter” I keep telling myself, enjoy it. It does takes quite a bit off the pressure finding a new home on the road before dark sets in. The creek is near by, it is getting close to that time the sun is going to hide again behind the crest ahead and the mosquitoes are out again buzzing around. Not as bad as on Grassy Lake Rd, but bad enough. It is all part of the outdoors. We just might ride late and eat sandwiches.

Logan's Pass-2

Glacier! We are finally here…  an evening ride with no traffic changed my mind about the raw enormity of this space!

"I have had a great deal of interest in my photography over the years, for which I am grateful. Their sales are of much importance funding this Journal. Yes, please feel free to purchase one or two… or a few. I have been adding some photos lately, there will be more as I sift through about 100,000 of them.

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Be well, always.

Ara & Spirit