I'm really excited to get back to Montana! Unfortunately the first thing I noticed crossing the state line, the highways here are not great! Both South Dakota and North Dakota had outstanding roads. Even the backroads where often paved or at least graded to be smooth. The interstate was bumpy with holes, but the speed limit is 80 mph!!
I tried in vain to find a health food store or any store with gluten-free and organic food on the eastern area of Montana. Most I could find online were no longer in business. I'm out of food after camping in one place out in the boonies, so I headed west. As soon as one gets close to Billings the landscape changes from desolate prairie to green grass and pine trees. I love this!
I decided not to rush to Billings and started searching for free camping. There are many sites along the Yellowstone River. I opted for Captain Clark Fishing Access Site just west of Custer and east of Billings. At dusk I watched otters playing in the water. Around the same time the clouds rolled in and incredibly violent winds started blowing. This cooled the hot, muggy air and I moved from underneath trees to out in the open. I don't want branches falling on my solars!!
The next morning I headed for Billings, spending most of the day shopping for supplies. I stopped in at Camping World and found out they have free electrical hook-ups to charge generators, batteries, or in my case my Bluetti who's power is once again down to nothing. I visited health stores, grocery stores, and one gluten-free bakery.
I headed to Bozeman and searched the area preparing to work remotely. Bozeman has several health food stores, several Starbucks, one gorgeous library and one spectacular food co-op! If it wasn't for the pouring rain, I would love this city.
Later in the afternoon (I try to find a camping/parking spot sometime between 3pm and 4pm), I went searching Campendium for my overnight location. One of the most enjoyable (although often stressful) aspects of this lifestyle is searching for the campsite location. It's like a treasure hunt to find the route, follow the map, and find what always seems to be a secret spot. My constant worry is the location will be filled and I'd be turned away forced to find another location, but it's still early in the season so that hasn't happened. Usually I'm the only one there! This time, however, the route into the hills is still closed for winter. I really wish someone would update Campendium to let us know. It does open on May 16th which is only two days away. There were no "no camping" signs and instead "no campfires" which indicated camping is welcomed so I just parked and stayed overnight at the trailhead parking lot right next to a raging creek. I hope once the route is opened, it's not too flooded. It's only supposed to rain for a couple more days. It poured and pounded all night with continual rain for days.
Bozeman Library is amazing! It's huge with many tables to sit at, study rooms to reserve, and a instructional kitchen where they have cooking classes. Outside the library is right next to a park and a cemetery so lots of opportunities to walk. I reserved a study room each day for two hours in an attempt to get my work done. After two hours, I sat at a table or desk. Anything to stay out of the rain and keep warm!
Bozeman also has a Swim Center. Here is a chance to get a shower and maybe some exercise! I went to the water fitness class. It cost $4 for non-residents. The shower was fabulous although not private, no curtains or separate stalls, much like junior high PE class. The chlorine wasn't too strong, but the pool water was so cold! With my inability to regulate body temperature, I am really intolerant of being cold (it's still raining) and dipping into cold water was a nightmare. I got out right away and took another warm shower.
Now for the event that has changed my life...I'm walking down Main Street checking out downtown Bozeman and this man comes out of a restaurant and starts walking toward me. He's carrying what looks like take-out. He's quite striking which makes me pay attention, sandy blonde hair peppered with gray, and tall. OMG! Is that Brad Pitt? He doesn't make eye contact with me and after he passes, I turn to watch him. He rounds the corner. OMG! I notice the restaurant and low and behold it's t(Ihe gluten-free Brazilian restaurant that is on my list to try. I had no idea where it was. What a coincidence! I had lunch at Five on Black and it was great. I've had a great time telling all my friends I saw Brad Pitt. Later I looked online and sure enough Brad lives in Montana, but I couldn't find where. Many friends say I should go into the restaurant and ask if Brad eats there, but I don't trust locals would divulge personal information about him and I'd feel stupid acting like an obsessed fan girl. Besides, I like thinking I saw Brad Pitt!
I didn't take a lot of photos of Bozeman, unfortunately. It was pouring rain most of the time.
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