Even the best laid plans get foiled and you can’t argue with mother nature. We need to move on or risk getting cut off at Donner Pass by snow and cold temperatures in the Sierras this weekend. We leave Livingston early and pass through Billings and Bozeman. I find Bozeman to be a lovely city surrounded by snow dusted mountains and full of fishable rivers and creeks. I hear that winters are brutal with below zero temperatures and mounds of snow.
We do stop at least once to fish on the Gallatin, a gorgeous meandering river. The last time I was here, it was muddy from rain. Today it is clear, and the surrounding foliage is rust colored. My casting is just as rusty but it feels good to be out there.
I have always loved the clouds in Montana and today is no exception.
The town of West Yellowstone is empty and the quietness is such a contrast to the crowds we have seen in August. It is obvious that the season is ending and winter is knocking at the door.
The winds pick up to around 22-24 mph as we pass Island City and Idaho Falls. I monitor wind speeds on the Weather Channel in real time an relay them to Ray. After a while we start guessing and find we are pretty accurate – it helps to pass the time!
Surprisingly, the Alto does really well with its weight distribution sway bars and we hardly notice any difference in towing but the trees swaying in the breeze are a bit disconcerting. We breathe a sigh of relief when we reach Pocatello where the air is much calmer.
The road construction never ends and this one is the messiest.
Tonight we reach Twin Falls/Jerome and the KOA is small with many large trees. I prepare sausages we bought in Wisconsin-Octoberfest brats. I have to say, the best brats are in Wisconsin just like the best pizza is in Illinois.
I am excited to see an Alto drive in late at night and hope to meet them tomorrow.