On The Road w/ KC ~ August 6 - ?

Dave

Explorer
kcowyo said:
[*]Freekbass

First, amazing pictures!

Second, Freekbass! :rockon:
 

Attachments

  • DSCN1724.JPG
    DSCN1724.JPG
    120.8 KB · Views: 45
  • DSCN1723.JPG
    DSCN1723.JPG
    134.9 KB · Views: 40
Last edited:

Ursidae69

Traveller
This was some deep ******** that forced me to reexamine several things in my life. You've heard of that pop psychology craptacular book Chicken Soup for the Soul? This would be more like River for the Soul.

Man, you are in the midst of a gift my friend, a real gift. I'm glad to see you are taking full advantage. :bowdown:

Also, you need to get a kayak or canoe to hit these beautiful lakes you keep seeing. :jumping:
 

BajaTaco

Swashbuckler
I don't know which I like better, the words or the images. :clapsmile

I really look forward to your posts from the road KC - good stuff!

I think this one is my favorite - two lanterns double the light when things seem really dark :costumed-smiley-007
 

oly884

Member
KC, you lucky SOB. haha

A week from this wednesday and my camper arrives. I'll only be able to take weekend trips (work and school hinder anything longer) but I'm definitely knowing where I'm going!

If ya swing through bozeman, give me a heads up!
 

blupaddler

Conspirator
KC...

Thanks again. I feel humbled and in awe of your journey. Add to the fact that you are sharing this amazing experience with us.

My sincere and heartfelt thanks.
 
KC, Man, I am there with you in Glacier, seeing as we just went through there!! I loved that part of Montana, the lakes are sooo stunning. And the Huckleberry Bearclaws at Polebridge are the BEST! I am still working those off at the gym :rolleyes:

Long term road trips really have a way of bringing truth into your life and soul. Can't wait to turn around and the hit the road again!

Look forward to more of your great adventures and pictures :elkgrin:
 

bigreen505

Expedition Leader
kcowyo said:
This would be more like River for the Soul. Actually this past week was more like "Twilight Zone meets Big Fish" with Tim Burton in the directors chair.....

That sounds like quite a trip, love the description and the photos continue to illustrate the adventure.

Sounds like the road really did rise to meet you!
 

kcowyo

ExPo Original
Wow! So many kind comments and things to consider. A few comments I did want to try to to reply to -

Darren said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by 18seeds
I want to live your life. My first step is to subscribe to this thread.


Too funny!:D
Hey....wait a minute... Darren, should I be offended by your comment? ;)


articulate said:
The meat-n-potatoes of travel is the act of turning around and having your plans f'd up. For some reason, we keep on doing it.

....Which must be evidence of your nickname for me...
Well it's been meat-n-potatoes on the menu all week then. The fires and smoke have forced me to change plans several times over the past week. Everywhere it has been one burning, smokey haze after another. I haven't seen this much smoke since the Dead played Dark Star at Hampton in '89.

It's lines like the meat-n-taters line (and particularly the three hole punch) that has earned you the nickname. Definitely one of my favorite scribes and I'm almost glad you're not here with me or I could just see us in hysterical fits of laughter, driving right off a cliff.


flywgn said:
KC, your choice of subjects, photos, and journal entries are a treat to view and read. Many thanks!

Glad you made it to Polebridge and met Tripod.
Thanks for all of the kind words Allen. I'm so glad you speak my language. Can't wait to tell you about Polebridge in person. Hope you had a safe trip to Reno!


pskhaat said:
Dude, I am so in awe! And dearly need some stories from you over the campfire soon.
Actually I'm thinking of starting a therapy group. I've got your seat saved already, right up front. Better bring Jonathan too.....


blupaddler said:
....Add to the fact that you are sharing this amazing experience with us.
I'm happy to share it with everyone here, plus everyone at home is too busy telling me why I (read: they) can't or shouldn't be doing a trip like this. One gal friend, with a $150K mortgage, 2 ATV's, 2 snowmobiles, a new Tundra and a baby told me, somewhat snidely before I left, "You know, you're not as free as you think you are." I just nodded and thought, "Yeah, but I'm free-er than yooouuu...."


desertgirl66 said:
And the Huckleberry Bearclaws at Polebridge are the BEST!

Long term road trips really have a way of bringing truth into your life and soul.
Mmmmm... bearclaws......arrrgghhh
Those damn things tasted so good they made my tongue erect!

As usual, dg is right on with her comments. There is a very good reason desertdude wrote such a nice tribute about her in his Alaskan blog. Wish I could have caught up with the dude and his good-vibe girl in MT. Soon enough I suppose....

I've got to download and resize some pics, but I should have an update from the road ready by later this evening. Thanks again to everyone for the comments and compliments!
 

VikingVince

Explorer
KC,

I don't know how I missed this thread...but I'm glad I found it. Echoing everyone else - beautiful pics and great narrative...you should write the next "Blue Highways"!!! I'm serious...I think you could do it and it would be a bestseller (think $$$$$$):Wow1: thanks, dude. Hey, if you're still on the road next week(after Labor Day) and thinking of heading south, would love to have you crash at my southern CA mountain cabin...I think you'd love it...it's an entirely different experience than you would think of re southern Cal (which is probably way down your list):wavey:
 

kcowyo

ExPo Original
Greetings from beautiful downtown......Lander, Wyoming!

(Yes, this is where I live, but no, the trip is not over. )

Thanks to a great link posted by flywgn in another thread, I've been watching the progress of several fires burning through Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The smoke last week in Montana was getting worse and worse everywhere I went. A quick trip into Sandpoint, ID forced me to change my loose itinerary when I came to realize this isn't the best time to see Idaho or explore its many backroads and trails through the 2 million acres of Frank Church Wilderness.

I started backtracking back south through Montana, but even the areas from the first week in Ennis and Dillion, along the Madison River were now in a thick haze. In an effort to see some blue skies I retreated as far south as the town of Big Sky, just north of the west entrance into Yellowstone. Along the Gallatin River the smoke was thinning out so I proceeded into Yellowstone, taking the northern route, east, till I exited at the NE entrance at Cooke City, MT. The smoke was mostly gone and so I opted to take a trip over Beartooth Pass into Red Lodge, MT. The pass was breathtaking as always and the weather was much more agreeable than when I passed through in May.

I camped at Island Lake, elev 9600ft, in the Beartooth Mountains and it got down to a brisk 38 degrees overnight! I mosied (it's a western thing) into Cody, this past Saturday, 8/26 and by then had decided Idaho would have to wait till I could see it, but what next? According to the Nat. Fire site there are currently no fires in Colorado. Sounds like its time for a little Rocky Mountain High, so Colorado here I come!

From Cody, I called home and made arrangements to spend the weekend with my children and for a quick visit Monday to the local Toyota dealership to get a popping ball joint checked out. I also needed to do some laundry as the camper has started to take on a malodorous air of dirty socks and propane.

Another issue I had to take care of that should be considered by anyone planning a month long or longer trip, revolved around my finances at home. I had paid my bills for August before I left and I left a few signed checks with the gal who's getting my mail and sending in any other bills that may arrive while I'm gone. My one oversight before leaving was not looking to see if I had another book of checks for her, if needed. Well I was actually out of checks and not able to order more until I was already on the road, so I needed to come back to sign a few more to cover September bills. Between needing some time with my wee ones, laundry, a popping ball joint and paying bills, it seemed to make sense to spend a couple of days here, on my way south to Colorado. Plus I still think Lander is as scenic as anywhere else I've been so far.

Now that we're up to date, pics and details of the last week in Montana are up next -
 

Desertdude

Expedition Leader
you know you are on vacation when you can do it in your own town :)

yes I understand about being gone an paying bills - I do most everything online - Only one company still refuses to get into the year 2000 - health insurance - and when they do not get there money they will drop you like a hot potato covered in aluminum foil right out of the fire...

good writing... still planning DV ?
 

Scott Brady

Founder
Your trip is an inspiration KC!

Have you noticed any changes as the time passes: Reduced stress, discomforts, more/less energy, the desire to keep driving south to Spanish speaking countries? :elkgrin:

It is always interesting to hear how a long trip begins to shape people.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,557
Messages
2,918,225
Members
232,524
Latest member
CharlieGreenT
Top