LIVINGSTON, MT to BELGRADE, MY

This morning Tim and I joined the ranch hands for a tasty cowboy breakfast of coffee, pancakes and sausage. It really hit the spot and so nice of the ranch to make this event happen. 

Next up this morning was another ukulele lesson with Nancy. I was so excited to get someone else’s hands on teachings and for her to be so enthusiastic and willing to teach and pass her knowledge on to me. 

Just as the gospel music was starting Tim and I decided to get moving. We had a long day ahead of us. Even though the actual drive time was only 45 minutes we needed to find a laundromat. This makes two weeks on the road without washing clothes. I’ve decided the next house I build will have a minimum of 3 washers and three dryers. I knocked out six loads in no time flat using six washers and dryers. 

After I had all the fun I could stand at the laundromat we ended the day at my sisters house! They are the best hosts ever! We had a fabulous dinner of delicious smoked baby back ribs, fresh Caesar salad  and perfectly roasted potatoes. 

Tomorrow we head even farther north. Jett has continued getting sick every day. So in the morning we will make the final decision to take her to my sister’s vet in the morning. 

‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ - Ferris Bueller 

Temperature - 90*

Elevation - 4,490’

SATURDAY’S FIDDLERS PICNIC

As mentioned yesterday Tim and I were to have very special visitors arrive to basecamp today. And they did! My sister JoAnn and her husband Spencer live just 45 minutes away. 

They came and spent the day with us. We had opportunity to catch up since we haven’t seen each other in almost a year and a half. The weather was perfect and we were able to enjoy a delicious BBQ, adult beverages and pot luck with everyone here. 

Late in the day, after a spectacular sunset, I was lucky enough to get a ukulele lesson from one of the lovely people who have inspired me to play. I briefly met Nancy in Albuquerque, New Mexico almost five years ago. It’s just so fascinating how life comes full circle. 

Late this evening Tim and I made our last round to all the jam sessions around the ranch. Yet another goal of mine is to be able to comfortably play among and with a group of musicians. Nancy has yet again inspired me and has (hopefully) taken me to that next level. 

Today’s quote - ‘I often think the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.’ - Vincent Van Gogh

DEVILS TOWER, WY to LIVINGSTON, MT

After having left Devils Tower ...

We have found our people! Reporting live from The Fiddlers Picnic in Livingston, Montana. Oh yeah! This is where the action is. 

Currently we are on the Mercier Ranch right on the Yellowstone River. Tim and I will be here a few days. Here they will have impromptu jam sessions lasting the entire event. They will play old-time fiddle, bluegrass, Western swing, country and folk. No known bands just good live music as it happens where it happens. The musicians will continue to play until the wee hours of the morning. 

Tomorrow will bring many new musicians here to play. Over 500!!! What happens is little groups begin to play all around the field. It’s very organic and happens on a whim. Then another group begins to play, group members move around and there is usually a group or two gathered and always playing in the barn. The barn is very magical. Even the port-o-lets demand attention! Tomorrow will also bring a very special visitor to our basecamp! I’m so very excited to be hosting both her and her husband. Cheers!!! 

Todo quote - ‘The power of imagination makes us infinite.’ - John Muir

CUSTER, SD to DEVILS TOWER, WYOMING

Just a reminder that you can follow us on Instagram: alice_wymer

For a summary of our adventure by pictures. 

Travel day! Tim had a very ‘close’ location to take us to today. It’s out of this world and looks to have encountered a being from another planet. I can’t believe we are in Wyoming! 

Devils Tower is a spectacular place that Mother Nature created. It was on the bucket list and is an iconic set location for the movie ‘Close Encounters of a Third Kind’. Since our internet connection is very sparse I will only post a few pictures from today. 

Tomorrow is yet another travel day for us. Farther west we will venture!

Film quote of the day - ‘If this is just nerve gas, how come I know everything in such detail? I’ve never been here before. How come I know so much?’ - Close Encounters of a Third Kind 

Elevation - 3,860’ (basecamp) 4,230’ (tower base)

Temperature - 80*

CUSTER STATE PARK, SD - DAY 5

What a way to spend our last full day in Custer! This morning Tim and I loaded Jett up along with some hiking gear, water and a light picnic lunch. With many trails to choose from we decided on the Grace Coolidge Trail that starts at Center Lake off of the Needles Highway. 

The north end was where we started and  headed south from there. This trail is 3 miles one way. The trail follows the Grace Coolidge Creek, crossing it many times. As Jett discovered it was a great way to cool off! The creek meanders through a small valley here in Custer State Park. 

Along the trail we took a side spur trail (straight) up a ridge to see a waterfall and get a good view of Center Lake from a higher elevation. 

Back down we went and continued out the creek trail making many of the crossings along the way. Our adventure took us just over half way out this trail until we turned around. By the time we got back to the truck we had hiked just over four miles. Perfect. This is what I had been training Jett for in the months leading up to our departure. 

All was well until we got to the end of the trail and Miss Jett got a little sick. No big deal. She had a hard hike at elevations she is not use to and had been drinking a ton of creek water when she was crossing and eating who knows what kinda weeds and grass along the way. And I know that I did not hike through a bunch of poison ivy. Eeeek!!! It was everywhere! 

Then in the truck on the way back to basecamp we had an incident on aisle 2! Meaning Jett got sick again but this time in the back seat!!! Ugh. She seems to be fine now and has had a few hours of not getting sick. Phew!

After the clean-up of half the truck we decided that Tim would stay at basecamp with Jett to monitor her and I would drive to town for fuel and a few basic supplies. This would allow time for items to dry out that had to be washed. While I was in town I came across a few more sitings of bison! 

Tomorrow we will depart Custer and travel even farther west. We are hoping to land at an iconic landmark that everyone will recognize. It should be close and an encounter like no other. That’s just a hint! 

Today’s quote ...

‘... Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.’ - Unknown 

CUSTER STATE PARK, SD - DAY 4

Late last night after my last post we had a jam session in the Airstream. Even Jett got in on the action! A light rain shower chased us in for the evening. 

Today we decided to drive the Wildlife Loop Road here inside Custer State Park. The loop was beautiful and a very relaxing drive. We saw several different packs of the bison herd but they were too far away for decent pictures. The open prairies, rolling landscape and green grasses make for perfect grazing for the herd. 

The only other wildlife we saw were prairie dogs. Once Jett spotted them it was game on. She loved looking for them from the truck window and would bark when she spotted them. I put together a fun video of our outing today around the loop. Notice our elevations. Click the link ....

https://www.relive.cc/view/rt10006975742

Once back at basecamp we had to quickly get Jett settled in the Airstream. Then off to dinner at The State Game Lodge. We had reservations for a linen dinner! Dinner was great! We even popped into the lodge bar for an after dinner drink. 

The State Game Lodge had originally started being built in 1919 and officially opened in 1921 then burned down 72 days later. They rebuilt it in 1922. It then became the ‘Summer White House’ for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Another shower is on us now and I think everything is too wet again for another campfire this evening. Guess it will be a jam session inside again. Just practice for next weekend! 

Today’s quote -

“A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.“ - Helen Keller

CUSTER STATE PARK, SD - DAY 3

Today we took a road trip outside the park and made a big loop through Custer, Hill City, Sturgis, Deadwood and Lead. A stop along the way at a Camping World was needed to get a new propane sensor. They only last about ten years making ours a bit overdue for replacement. About every other night it beeps at around 2AM. Ugh! 

In Hill City there is the 1880 Train and Museum. The train had already departed by the time we drove through. Plus we had Jett with us so not sure how much we could have seen. 

Next stop Sturgis. Crazy place! The BIG Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts on Friday!!! Tons of bikers were there and vendors are already set up. It hasn’t even started yet. With having been to Daytona’s Bike Week we kinda knew what to expect.  This is on a much grander scale. They anticipate 500,000 to 700,000 people to attend over the course of the ten day rally. We enjoyed walking around town. Grabbed a bite eat at the famous Iron Horse Saloon. Even Jett had a good time. She did fine with all the loud motorcycles. Glad we visited when we did! 

The next planned stop was Deadwood. Deadwood is much smaller and was super busy as well. Cute town. Lots of motorcycles here too. We just couldn’t make ourselves stop with the crowds there. 

From there we drove a short distance to Lead, SD. Through a quick Google search before we left basecamp we discovered a dog park for Jett to get a run in at! She was a happy girl!!!

Tomorrow we plan to stay inside the park for a fun driving adventure. 

Today’s quote -

“If you never go, you will never know.” - Anonymous