10-3-98
(6:10 am) Missoula, Montana 52,467 DOW=7,784
Orion is hanging there over the garage wishing me a good journey. (It has been so very long since I have allowed myself to be touched by the nite. (Another of the many ways I have shut myself off from the world.))
This morning is the first frost of the year. (Hopefully I got the garden covered up well enough to make it through ok. (We will still get lots of warm days yet this year and I would rather see everything have time to finish ripening on the plants.))
(9:35 am) Livingston, Montana 52,706 11.82 gallons
Twas clear to the Butte hill, but once I crossed the divide there was heavy cloud cover and I started running through rain. I had wanted to stop and take a picture of the Bridgers, but they were socked in and it looked like it was snowing up there. (Kind of sad to miss them.) (When I die I want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered up there on the saddle.)
I really miss Bozeman. (I have never seemed to fit in over in Missoula, but then I haven't really tried. (I had promised myself I wouldn't go out until I had money, and I still don't have any.))
On the bright side, the statue of the Virgin overlooking Butte was visible, so I got to say good morning to her. (Hopefully that is another sign of a good journey.)
(1pm) Sheridan, Wyoming 52,962 12.67 gallons
Whoever came up with the idea of putting McDonalds by the Interstate was a genius. (Once I start driving I hate to stop.) (I wish I had dual fuel tanks, so I could make 600 miles between stops. (Oh well, I needed to pick up a couple of burgers.))
(4pm) Douglas, Wyoming 53,170 9.11 gallons
I am still running in and out of rain and I have picked up a little wind down here. All the construction zones are slowing me down.
(8pm) East of Denver, Colorado 53,427 10.93 gallons
I thought for sure I would beat my old record of 13 hours to Denver, but it took 13 hours 20 minutes. (Must have been all the construction.)
(9pm) Limon, Colorado 53,500
I felt like driving all nite but I have made 1,000 miles today and I better eat and sleep.
I stopped at a truck stop for some dinner. (The truckers are all telling winter stories and trading short cuts. (I am pretty much ready for winter. (All that is left is closing up the garden. (And, I think I will go ahead and open up a new section of garden space so it's ready for spring.))))
(10pm) Finally at the sixth inn I found a bed. (Nothing great, but all I need is a bed and a shower in the morning.)