Windy day on the road

Sunday, May 17, 2015
Hardin, Montana, United States
Our RV park had excellent wifi even though it was so near the highway I heard jake brakes all night. There are 5 GAH RVs in this campground. We head out to gas up and get groceries. There is rain? We soon cross into mountain time. We are seeing lots of cows on these hills. AND THAT IS WHEN IT HAPPENED! The winds picked up, yes, that is all I talk about because this was the worst yet. Poor Ed was doing all he could do to hold it on the road. We were encountering many new noises and rattles in the RV. We pulled into a scenic overlook where there was another GAH RV. When Ed spoke to the man he told him his slide out had come out slightly while he was driving. When Ed looked our slide out was also out an inch or two on one side. Calls to the GAH brought directions to square up the units again. A third RV pulled and they also had a slide out partial out. It was quite scary just waiting inside. It felt and sounded like parts were being torn off the vehicle. Since the winds did not die down we took off again. The winds are horrendous. After particular gusts the slide out comes out of its track. We have stopped 6 times to correct this. Needless to say when Ed was planning his next stop he did not anticipate have to floor board the unit to go 55 mph instead of the suggested 80 speed limit???!! In a car maybe. The day was much harder than we had imagined. In the middle of this wind tunnel there is an Air Force base that houses the B-1 bombers. I guess they are safe out here! None were flying around on this Sunday. As we top one hill in Wyoming we see the sun shining over vistas as far as the eye can see of hills, valleys, high and low. He said we have arrived on the moon. As you might also guess that we are getting about 2/3 the usual gas mileage. We have had to stop 3 times for gas today! Hard to get anywhere making so many stops. At least the price of gas is much lower than last year.

We do think it is a good year for beef cattle as we are seeing lots of calves. We have been through the top of the badlands and the black hills. We are seeing from flat vistas to tall rolling hills. Spring is different states of arrival. Lush greens give was to barren hills with only scrub bushes. We did finally see oil wells in Wyoming. The temperature has taken a dramatic drop. We have seen antelope and maybe two elk, but we think we have caught the pronghorn migration. We have seen numerous herds.We press on and arrive at Hardin, Montana at dusk. Ed has been behind the wheel way too long. We are all exhausted so I decide to cook . AND THAT IS WHEN IT HAPPENED! I put the baked potatoes in the microwave while I sautéd the chicken breast in a skillet. Potatoes came out perfect. When I try to heat a cup of water for a hot drink. POP! No microwave! Anyone who knows me I do not do well without a microwave. I have decided that one must always travel with a maintenance man. A long story involving removing the microwave and checking wiring leads us to shop for an extension cord tomorrow. Seems that microwaves are not critical to GAH. What are they thinking. While I was finishing the chicken the smoke alarm goes off! At my house that means dinner is ready! This time, Just sensitive alarms in a small space! 

The weather is supposed to be 35 tonight! And tomorrow is another long day. I hope I am finished with 'and that is when it happened.' I made a few photos out the window but have not looked at them yet.I hear the train so this must be an official RV park. Stay tuned......This RV park wifi is not cooperating...I will try.
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Comments

dwlp.travelkids
2015-05-18

Nope...not an official RV park unless you are also on an airplane flight path AND close to a Wally World! Having said that, we are so sorry that the wind has been so bad. We were in terrible wind about three summers ago heading back East towards home through Wyoming, etc. This was after John had bunged up his knee jumping off of the front bumper while cleaning bugs from the front of the cab-over of our RV. Not fun driving. Seeing the antelope and other animals had to be a thrill, and all those beautiful vistas make the occasional "and THEN it happened" stories all part of the total fabric of your trip. After all, what fun would it be to not have the funny (at least looking back on them!!) tales to tell!!

Melissa
2015-05-18

Betty, you are such a vivid and descriptive writer! I feel like I am right there with all of you. I hope today goes better. It sounds like the Midwest is beautiful, despite the horrendous storms. Stay safe! Love, Melissa

Melva
2015-05-18

Betty - I can hardly wait to read your blog each day. I feel like I am right there with you. Give Susan a big hug for me. I hope you have a GREAT day today. Love from Mt. Juliet.

Benny Maggart
2015-05-18

I hope this trip will be remembered with fondness as a frontier experience. Think how much better you have it than those traveling in a covered wagon! ...Or maybe that's what they gave you? How many horse power does it have? You are giving me many additional reasons to never take a RV trip. Just give me a car and motels. The adventure and scenery, I'm sure, make up for the minor inconveniencies. No microwave?

Dave
2015-05-18

And why couldn't the wind be a TAIL WIND!! Can't believe it was trying to suck the slide right out of the MoHome. Sure hope that's done for the rest of the trip. Hope the microwave situation clears up too, Pat wouldn't survive without her's either. Jake brakes or trains, you guys seem to find the best spots, lol. Hope today is a better day and Ed gets a break from the wind tunnel.
Be safe, have fun and hope nothing else fails or falls off. HI Susan!!

Nancy Yartz
2015-05-18

Wind is not fun in an RV!! But you are making it sound like fun. Enjoy your trip and stay safe......I am looking for your next Blog!

Suzanne
2015-05-18

Hi, Coons!!
I am enjoying so much the Info as you travel like a pioneer!! Betty, you are so talented with your blogs...they always bring a smile or a laugh which is so good for the soul!! Keep them coming!
I love all 3 of you!

vistasbygod
2015-05-19

Wow, you guys surely have encountered more problems than you deserve this trip. Feel guilty laughing, but it's hard not to. Betty, you have the right spirit that's for sure. Ed is quite the handyman .. just like our Dad. :)

cathy
2015-06-03

Awesome read Betty. Thank goodness you have Ed along to fix things. There aren't many men like Ed that are so smart and able to fix just about anything. The perfect travel partner. Bothnof you take care of yourselves and watch your health.

2025-02-06

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