On The Road w/ KC ~ August 6 - ?

[kcowyo]

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.

Thanks Scott, this site has been an inspiration and great motivator to flatten my ass in a truck seat instead of on the couch or in a cubicle.

Changes? To paraphrase Old Blue Eyes, I've had a few -

I don't find myself thinking very often about the responsibilities I'll face when I return. To my way of thinking, that will all be there when I get home. No sense in taking a trip and then letting the mind be bogged down with stuff at home. Might as well stay home if you can't stop worrying about things. The first few days I had to remind myself about 10 times a day to stop rehashing old arguments in my head. Now, maybe just once or twice a day do I find myself reflecting on things I can't change. I would say I'm getting there, but more research is necessary!

Stress? Other than fuel; where I'll find it, how long before I run out etc. I really have no big stress. I think stress eminates from expectations and a rigid schedule. I have neither and flexibility is a great stress reducer. I have come to find one thing about my truck I wish I could change. I would love a 3rd and/or 4th door for the ext. cab. That's the closest thing to discomfort I can think of. Oh, and maybe a fridge would be nice....

I learned from my experience in Polebridge, where I was completely out of my element ( and Diet Coke too. The horror!) that if I allow myself to be open to new experiences, more often than not they will come to me. I love having my mind blown away by the unexpected but I didn't really know that until I hit Polebridge. Now, in a roundabout way that doesn't sound like it makes much sense, I am letting my journey come to me.

From our trip to Utah, where I lived primarily for 7 days on doughnuts, Diet Coke and rice, I've learned the importance of eating better on long trips. I found myself pretty worn out by the fourth day in UT, from the steady diet of sugar and starch. I still prefer a diet of "easy to make and easy to clean up" while on the trail, but I've been trying to eat a better mix of foods and drinking more water and juices instead of 6 Diet Cokes a day. The corndog thing doesn't fit into this at all however.....

The globetrotting desertrose said something to me before we both left that I've taken to heart. Basically she encouraged taking this huge leap and reminded me that while some folks might crash, most people bounce. Over the last year in my personal life, I toiled with the choice of freedom or security. Obviously I went with freedom and I haven't crashed yet.

Spanish speaking countries? What, like Phoenix or LA? Well of course the desire to plop my pale white ass on a sandy beach with blue water appeals to me. However until my Spanish consists of more than "Cerveza and tacos de pescado, por favor", I'll probably wait until I can tag along on a trip with some of the more seasoned Baja vets. But please don't think I don't feel the gravitational pull south, especially everytime I hear George Strait sing about starting life over on the Seashores of old Mexico.

So how can I sum up the first 21 days and 2,160 miles? Fear supresses taking advantage opportunities, you can't change another person and the road less traveled that lies within, should always be your first route away from home.

Thanks Scott for the bandwidths of therapy! :beer:

 

[flywgn]

Well, KC, we're disappointed that you had to alter your plans and therefore postpone (NOTICE: postpone) your diversion by Shoshone, but we've enjoyed immensely tagging along via the ethernet on your trip.

The smoke's bad here today also. Two more fires cropped up SW of us and the Snake River is inhaling the stuff right up river toward us. Seems like the whole west is :campfire: . Smoke chased me out of N Nevada after the Vegas to Reno race as well. Spent a nice night west of Austin (I know there's an ExPo member from Austin?????) at 7000' where the air was clear and the surroundings peaceful, but trying to get up into the Owyhee Valley seemed like a bad idea.

Next time, KC. Either here or Punta Bufeo. We'll catch you later.

Allen R

PS Now just what do I do with the two cases of Moose Drool?
:beer: :beer: :beer: :drool:

 

[kcowyo]

More Montana -

After my time in Polebridge, where a new friend basically took me like a dishrag and wrung out all of the negative energy I've been filled with and then soaked me up with positive thoughts, feelings and energy, it seemed like it was time to move on and see what other unexpected gifts this trip had to offer. I didn't want to leave but I didn't want to miss out on another opportunity for a surreal experience.

I've somewhat recapped my route in a previous post so I'll just mention some impressions from my trip south, back to Wyoming -

• On 8/20 I found a great campsite on Lake Koocanusa, north of Libby, MT. Clear, crisp water, the loons were calling (and I keep thinking Katherine Hepburn is right behind me. "It's me, you old poop!"), the trout were jumping at dusk and a warm breeze joined me for the evening. Don't get too excited, but after dark I even went for a quick naked swim in complete defiance of my inhabitions. As I splashed around, looking up at the stars, letting a lot of inner crappola float away and completely soaking up the experience (and dealing with shrinkage....************** glacier water...) I could only think how proud my new friends in Polebridge would be to see me so relaxed and not trying to make sense of everything
• Paid $3.46 for a large chocolate shake in Sandpoint, Idaho. When I asked if I had been accidently charged for 2 milkshakes, I was told the amount was correct. I asked if there was a milk shortage or a shake shortage or a foreign war with cows for milk, but all I received was a blank stare. When I explained that I could get a gallon of 91 octane gasoline next door for only $3.35, the hapless counter wench simply said, "Oh. But we don't sell gas." Unreal. In an attempt at being discreet, I won't mention the name of the restaurant, I just took my McFleecing and got the McHell out of there
• Obviously many of our west coast members are familiar with huge fires and what the smoke does to the sky. For the mid-west folks, the sky looks like a huge dust storm has just blown through and the east coasters would think it similar to when a big factory is on fire. Occaisionally a blood red dot will peak through the smoke. This is cool for about 10 minutes. After that you start to feel like you're driving on faith with a blindfold on. It also makes everywhere really, really hot which I'm not into
• The postmaster in tiny Wisdom, MT has no arms below his elbows. This gave me reason to pause when I needed postcard stamps because it seemed like it was going to be an effort just to mail something. He did wear a unique looking set of prosthetic arms, including one that looked like it had a pintle hook on the end. He capably provided me with my 2 stamps and change, then as if reading my mind (or more likely, having seen the look on my face a hundred times before) he stated, "Yup, I can do anything with these that a normal man can do." He paused and then added under his breath with a snort, "Except spank the monkey like I used to!" I thought about asking how that worked out for him, but he was still grinning from his joke and I didn't want to kill the obvious highlight of his day, shocking a tourist. So I left, content with the thought that somewhere out in this vast country, there is at least one government employee who was actually working instead of jerking off
• You have to love a western town like Ennis. They have a greeting sign when you arrive that reads, "Welcome to Ennis! Population 600 - Trout 11,000" This is a good place to spend some time
• Why do campgrounds have Men & Women's vault toilets? Is there something special in the women's outhouse not offered to men? Seat liners, feminine products, gas masks? Before I finish this trip I'll work up the courage to ask a ranger or peek in one for myself

On the side of the road, near the town of West Yellowstone, I met Dan. Dan is a vagabond carpenter living out of his custom '84 Toyota truck and camper with his big ass German Sheppard, Rugun. He referred to himself as homeless (which I won't because I think it has a negative connotation) and has been living out of his truck for 6 years. I stopped because the camper and snorkel caught my eye as I passed but it had the hood up. The truck looked like a well outfitted old school rig. This was one interaction I was going to force. Two hours later I had completely checked out this truck and got an unintentional lesson on living life so close, or far depending on your perspective, to the edge.

Wired and wirey Dan had from a distance, this cobbled looking truck made of a homemade steel camper body, homemade bumpers and homemade snorkel. But in the ultimate proof of "it's what's underneath that counts", this thing had the most tricked out 22R and engine bay I've seen. Thousands and thousands of dollars of Downey and LC Engineering upgrades, a custom air and fuel system, I mean the thing was unbelievable! All the parts and ARB compressor were powdercoated black and complimented with red finishes, plus stainless steel lines and hoses. The suspension was all AOR springs & shackles, Bilstein 7100 remote resevoir shocks, u bolts flipped, diff cages, etc. Dan spends a lot of his off time in Moab, living and rolling. His truck and his dog are his life and he's not asking for anymore than that. Very interesting guy and after a two hour discussion left me with, "I'm 53, never been married, no kids and no home. I am spiritual and I do a good job for people. I don't have much and probably never will. I just think we should all go through life with grace."

I swear I can't make this ******** up.


More pics of things I've seen -

 

[HongerVenture]

I just can't get enough of this KC. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Mlachica]

This is an outstanding thread KC!!!

Your pictures are all :Wow1:

Very very inspirational, I can't wait till I collect months of vacation time

 

[datrupr]

Keep it rolling KC, I am loving your facts, tales and pitures. Try and make your way south to AZ and perhaps even Mexico while you still have the time and positive energy. I would love to hook up with and hear your stories first hand around a campfire.

 

[p1michaud]

Love the title

KC,
I'm living vicariously through you as I sit at my desk staring at the screen, reading your adventures and wishing I could do the same.

I hope this trip will bring you what you have been looking for and that you have the chance to keep travelling.

All the best and happy trails!
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[kcowyo]

you know you are on vacation when you can do it in your own town

Greetings from beautiful downtown Lake City, Colorado!

The welltraveleddude makes a great point and it is with immense pleasure that I return to another hometown as the journey progresses. For six years I called this tiny Colorado mountain town, nestled high in the San Juan Mountains, home. I was married here, opened my own Mexican restaurant and had my firstborn here.

It is a special place for me that I was a little nervous to return to. This is my first visit since moving to WY, right after 9/11 almost 5 years ago. I still receive the weekly newspaper from Lake City and I was hoping to find in person, that not much has changed. Indeed Lake City, pop. 450 & 8600 ft elev., has not changed much at all. I find that a great comfort. The mountains still hover near and over the 14Kft mark, the second largest natural lake in CO, Lake San Cristobal is still clear and blue. Best of all, the town had rain almost everyday from July 1 to Aug. 27, so the hills are green, the sky is clear and there are even leaves starting to change in the higher elevations.

I'll be here for a few days visiting friends, running some trails over to Silverton and of course taking pics. I had lunch today at my old restaurant and it was a very wonderful feeling to see something I created still prospering in this small hamlet. I even found my old CJ-7, that I rolled outside of Silverton years ago, still sitting in the Conocco graveyard. Talk about temptation!

I wish I had more time to spend roaming the hills but I don't want to get sucked back into this town. Not yet anyway.... It's a very secure feeling being here as I've spent so much time in these mountains on foot, Jeep, 4 wheeler, bike, horseback and snowmobile. Who says you can't go home again?


"You can't make a rock from a rolling stone"
- Waylon & Willie


Lake City has some of the most truly unique business names -

• Shot & Hung in Lake City Photo Gallery
• Curl Up 'N' Dye Beauty Salon
• Lost Sock Laundromat
• The Cannibal Grill
• Hardtack Mine ************** Line tours
• Mammy's Kitchen & Whiskey Bar (where the locals get vocal)
• Poker Alice Pizza Co.
• Tic Toc Diner (a 1938 Valentine's Diner immaculately preserved)
• Mocha Moose Coffe House

More pics of things I've seen -

 

[articulate]

Sweet pictures (as always). Thanks for the list of hilariously named haunts in Lake city. Made my day.

Livin on the road my friend, is gonna keep you free and clean
Now you wear your skin like iron
Your breath as hard as kerosene

 

[BajaTaco]

Greetings from beautiful downtown Lake City, Colorado!

Cool! If you see my sis, give her a hug for me. :wavey:

Curl up n' Dye... LOL! That's the best hair salon name I've heard yet!

 

[Desertdude]

Like the "Burger Den" we saw up north - how can you sit around and make this up...


Great update and photos - KCmanaboutthestates

 

[desertgirl66]

K.C.,

That is sooo "Rocky Mountain High"!!!

:campfire:

 

[OverlandZJ]

KC, your adventures and how well you relay them always leaves me in awe.


I hope our paths cross someday. :campfire:

 

[cruiseroutfit]

What a great thread :Wow1:

I'm envious of you ability to pick up and hit the road. I long for the day I am able to hit the road for a month or so... Until then I will get my fix through your adventures.

Lake City is a neat town, we had lunch there a couple weeks back at the Tic Toc Diner.

Keep up the good work!

 

[Scott Brady]

More great stuff KC!

Please don't hesitate to let us know how we can help in any way. Maybe a few days in Prescott before the DV trip? We would love to have you :beer: