September 15, 2024

Fort Peck Campground ($0)

Fort Peck, Montana

September 15, 2024 750 AM

Boy, I haven’t paid to camp in several days. Not in Williston (3 nights), not outside Circle (2 nights) nor last night. I’m getting to be a free-loading bum!

Lots of people here in their RVs and many with boats. Fishing boats. Met Terry last evening, a grandfather with his family here from Glasgow, about 18 miles north. He was born in Great Falls, Montana but has lived a long time in Glasgow. Can’t imagine living in Great Falls now and hates Billings which is where he needs to go only for medical reasons. He worked the rails for BNSF for 34 years.

Today is the beginning of Week Six On the Road. I’m still having trouble working into a groove. This morning I snuck into a Corps of Engineers campground and got a long hot shower. The Corps tends to have among the best campgrounds, as I suppose they are playing up the recreational benefits associated with their dams. Back to the shower — first one in five days and I feel refreshed. Took advantage of the running water and washed my shorts and t shirt. Wow— they were rather filthy!

I’m still not sure which way to head today. Do I follow US 2 or head back south to take MT 200? Is it worth trekking to the headwaters of the Missouri (I’ve done the Colorado and the Mississippi). Something magical about being at the beginning of rivers that become so large and important.

Wahoos lost to Maryland last night in football. As much as I don’t want to care about college football, checking the scores on Saturday seems to be part of my DNA. Here in Eastern Montana, nobody gives a hoot. They do give a hoot about their local high school sports teams though. It almost seems the smaller the town the more important their high school teams are. The Glasgow Scotties and the Terry Terriers.

Still no access to wifi so I can’t post some neat photos I’ve taken over the past two (or is it three?) days.