Hit the road after a breakfast burrito at the Taco Bus. First time I cranked up the bus this morning was the first time I’ve attempted to drive anything remotely close to this size.
The sparse, two-lane roads across Montana are pretty ideal for getting the hang of things. Already inured to impatient motorists passing me by. Going the speed limit is more aspirational at this point.
Couple rookie mistakes along the way. The only true nerve-wracking stretch was climbing a steep incline, when I couldn’t get the bus over 25mph, and the temperature gauge was steadily rising. Putting it in a lower gear and chanting “ohpleaseohpleaseohplease” did the job, and the bus has taken hills like a champ since. Having a couch to kick back after a harrowing road experience — real nice.
Stopped in at Lu’s Lost Cavern Bar in twin forks for a Coors Edge (acceptable), and the bartender gave me turn-by-turn directions that stretched through at least four states. It wasn’t like, “Just take interstate whatever” it was granular to the point of “when you see the Conoco at the fork in the road in Wyoming, hang a dogleg right, and follow that until you reach Bluhbluhbluh”
I had no idea if I was even heading the direction he was talking about, but I nodded along anyway. Great bartender, out here giving BOGO drink coupons. Montana, man.
Stopped in an RV park last night — not quite confident enough to just park wherever and take it from there. Baby needs a power hookup and some wifi for now.
Was hanging out at a picnic bench and struck up a conversation with a girl that worked at the park. She’d been up here for six months — prior to that she said she’d never left the state of Florida in her life. Homeless for the past 7 years. Starting a new life up here.
We talked about where she was from, and how it was in the path to get the worst of Milton. I told her I hoped her family and friends were safe back home, and she responded with, “It’s nothing but a bunch of tweakers out there, man.”
Fair enough. Best of luck to them.
Grateful for the propane heat that kept the bus toasty. Dropped to the mid-40s last night, but I stayed plenty warm. Bus came furnished with fresh bedding, although I’m not sure what that stain on the pillow is (who cares).
Off to West Yellowstone tomorrow, then crossing into Wyoming.
bus.hair 