Didn’t sleep well last night. Had a hard time getting comfortable and falling asleep. Not sure what it is but I had this same problem the last time I slept in a hotel in Helena. Seriously thought about getting out my sleeping bag, pad, tent and climbing in that just so I could get some sleep.
The hotel included breakfast so I figured this a perfect time to load up and get my belly full. Well the waffle and muffin didn’t sit well with me. I had to tap out of breakfast much earlier than hoped. Had visions the night before of taking my sweet time eating massive quantities that they eventually would ask me to leave, saying I’ve had enough.
I had been in Butte before, 18 years ago nearly to the day when we made a cross-country journey from Michigan to Seattle. My son Matthew was 7 years old at the time and daughter Emily was 11 months. I called Matthew the night before and told him about where I was staying. One of our memories of being in Butte was taking a picture of Matthew drinking a root beer that looked very much like a regular beer. As for Emily, on that trip, the first order of business when checking into a hotel room was to disconnect the phone and hide it in a drawer, or she would keep picking it up saying “hello”. A little investigating this morning revealed this is the same hotel we stayed in 18 years ago.
Before leaving town I had two things to take care of. First; I needed a new tire pump because the one I have is crap! Never did like how it worked anyhow. The bike shop was just a couple blocks away and soon I had a shiny new tire pump… Yeah me. NOT!
Second order of business, finding somebody to weld a bracket, that I discovered yesterday was broken. A motorcycle shop right next to the Super 8 gave me directions to a machine shop a few blocks away. At the shop, I showed the guy what I had and asked if he could fix it? He was intrigued by my trip and we talked a bit. Said he could have it done in about 20 minutes. Since it was close to lunchtime now, told him I was going to head to Subway while he fixed it.
A broken rack. Not good. (hard to see but it’s on the left side of the “O”)
By the time I got back to the shop he had it welded up nice and pretty, but wouldn’t let me pay him. His name is Don! Alright, now I know my grandpa is taking care of me during this adventure. I swear, if I meet another Don on this trip that does something nice for me I’m gonna cry like a little girl at a One Direction concert.
Don at Marathon Machine in Butte MT
Made Divide crossing #6 today and while coming down the other side of the crossing it was looking like rain. Several miles later found myself in a lot of wind from an approaching thunderstorm. Just as it started to rain I was able to duck behind a small building for one of the local utilities. Well it didn’t last long at all. The rain stopped just about the time I was able to get behind the shelter.
This makes Divide crossing #6 since leaving Banff AB
About 10 miles after missing a soaking, I made it up to Beaver Dam Campground. This is the first National Park campground I’ve stayed at that has water (handpump) and trash cans. Boy, do I get tired of carrying my trash.
Scott, I love that you keep being “friended” by Don’s. That’s your sign. Run with it. I’m loving your blog, man!
I love reading about your trip. See any cool clouds?
Seriously love another Don in your path! Your grandpa is definitely riding with you. I have similar Grandma Jo moments at times and I love it. Can’t wait to read more!
PS…was up north a couple of years ago on a wine/brew weekend with my sister and our husbands. There was a little brewery that had old games available to play. Of course we had to choose Yahtzee…I still love the sound of the dice and always think of all of the old McClure girls in Aunt Squeak’s kitchen playing and yelling at each other. Ride on!
Yup, grandpa is with you! How nice! 🙂
Watched a movie called”Ride the Divide” this weekend. It is about racing the divide. A must watch. Gives you a great look of where Scott has been and going. Rented it on Amazon.