Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Kuwait City, Kuwait on March 31st.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Hello, Montana!

Another new state for us. Too bad we're not getting to spend more time exploring, but at least we're seeing a new part of the U.S. that we've never been to before. In fact, this whole drive has been new for us, so despite the length of the drive, at least it's been different scenery.

We said goodbye to our couchsurfing host Ashley and her dog Sebastian. It was a good visit, but too short. I guess we'll have to come through this area again someday. Thanks for your hospitality Ashley!

Ashley and Sebastian.

Ashley suggested we can't leave the area without playing tourist just a little bit, so outside the city of Gillette, Wyoming is a huge coal mine. And the mine has built a little viewing area over the pit. It was pretty close to the road we were taking out of town anyhow, so we stopped to see the mine.

Huge coal mine.

Huge shovel. Scoops out 23 cubic yards of material at a time.

Huge tire. It weighs six and a half tons, and a new one costs $38,000.

Huge truck that those tires go on. Notice that everything about this coal mine is huge!

The huge mine makes the trucks look tiny.

From there, we headed north. The sky was overcast, but it wasn't that cold. We got a few drops of rain, but otherwise it was a nice drive. Temperature was about 40F (4C).

Getting near the Montana border.

Hardly any traffic on the roads. It was a pretty relaxing drive compared to the day before!

This is our Montana border crossing! About five miles (8 kms) of road construction!

The little blue car REALLY needs a bath now!

Montana scenery.

We stopped at a little motel in the town of Terry, Montana. The lady wanted $55 a night and I figured we could do better so we continued to the town of Circle, Montana. Middle of nowhere! Stopped at the Travelers Inn and ended up paying $57! Oh well. Really old motel, with old furnishings etc. But a really comfy bed and everything spotlessly clean as can be. Not a bad place really and even a new flat screen TV. 

The little blue car at the Travelers Inn.

Today, we will cross the border into Canada. We're heading for Moose Jaw tonight, and then Saskatoon on Sunday.

Yesterday's drive, 264 miles (422 kms).


15 comments:

  1. You are making pretty goos time and better weather. Nice to see new countryside, enjoy!

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  2. You traveled through the part of Montana I grew up in. Except I was a little further east in Sidney. Someday you need to take the time to explore Montana. It really is a beautiful state if it's not under snow or on fire.

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    1. The part of Montana that we saw we loved and would love to see more especially up in the mountains. Hopefully we will make it back to this area when the weather is nicer.

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  3. Jeez, here I thought tires for the Merc were expensive! Gah!

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    1. Good thing you don't have to buy these ones, then!

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  4. I can't believe that road is that bad. You would think that they would at least put a temporary paved road to drive on.

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    1. Really it wasn't that bad but they were working on it so they couldn't really put a paved surface.

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  5. You may want to stop at a thrift store and get some sweaters!

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    Replies
    1. We do have some sweaters but we will be stopping at a thrift shop all the same.

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  6. Wow I would have thought Montana would have snow. Glad for you that it doesn't. On the roads I mean.

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    1. Nope, not too much snow up there and luckily the roads were nice and clear.

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  7. Love Montana, one of my favorite states. You should check out Southern Idaho sometime. So much open space and amazing scenery. Craters of the Moon area in particular, loved it.

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    Replies
    1. I think it will be one of our favourite states too! Don't worry we will definitely check out Southern Idaho sometime in our travels. Thanks for the suggestion.

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