Yesterday’s drive was more of a “positioning drive”, getting me farther along earlier in the trip so I can take advantage of some favorable weather heading west which did look good on the news this morning.

It is looking like a nice morning outside after the sun came up and I have taken my time getting around to leave. I feel like I can finally take a breath and relax after being so busy the last many months. I got a nice, hot shower this morning after coffee and that felt great after yesterday’s door issues. The dogs were living the good life, sleeping in the trailer and sprawled out on the floor; a big change from sleeping in their crates the last two weeks.

Today was supposed to be a much shorter driving day thanks to my thoughts of going farther yesterday in better weather.

Until it wasn’t.

The winds really picked up pretty strong about halfway to Spearfish. My truck was working hard to fight that wind, and about 50 miles east of Rapid City it started to overheat so I had to stop a few times but it did little to help since it was 84° F.

So, in that 84° F I had to go “old school” and turn on the heater full-blast & roll the windows down to drive the rest of the way. At least I was able to finally get here. Alas, I do not think the truck will make the rest of the trip so I am looking at vehicles tomorrow. It needs to be some things done to it and I cannot see putting any more money into it at this point. After all, it IS 23 years old.

I went to a local campground but they were still closed for the season so I ended up in a real gem – Spearfish City Park Campground. Unbelievably reasonable off-season rates for electricity & sewer; water is still off for a few more weeks. In summer the rates do go up so if you come this way be aware of that.

I always sing the praises of less-commercial campgrounds and this is a prime example of a great campground in a city park. Clean grounds, friendly staff, toilets/showers…all sitting in a canyon with a stream on both sides. The is also a US Fish & Wildlife Service National Fish Hatchery as well.

So I got the trailer unhitched & set up then went to unload a few things into storage here. I am sure the dogs are glad to have room to lay down in the back seat again. I will go through the trailer to see what else I can put into storage to get rid of even more stuff.

It was a stressful few hours getting the last miles here but it is a good place to be. I have always liked Spearfish for the most part and the people are friendly. It is close to all sorts of recreation opportunities and has most things you need. If not, Rapid City is fairly close. But, there are things that have always been a dealbreaker for me…plus, I really liked Washington.

I talked to Meghan earlier and she said the weather next week in the Kalispell area and other areas around Montana looks bad so I need to figure out something pret-ty shortly – like tomorrow. I really do not want to backtrack south any but I may have to a little. And no…not as far as Kansas.

Anyhoo, gonna have a busy day tomorrow doing lots of things. I guess there’s a chance of rain and maybe some snow, but it is not even a quarter-inch between the two. After that a few nice days, but then some snow comes this way so I gotta go someplace.

Well, I am done for the day. I will see you again soon!

Shawn