We are at the Dillon Koa. I must say this is a nice campground, run by a very nice man named Bob, who will bend over backwards to help you out. There is only 1 50 amp spot and of course it was taken so we got a full hookup 30 amp spot. Now 30 amp is ok and you can run your air conditioning, but don't try to use the microwave at the same time, that's right, 30 amps can't do that. Believe it or not because of all the big gorgeous trees here, we are fully shaded and didn't need to use it but for a couple of days. At night the temps go down into the 60's and that's good. Tomorrow is our anniversary, 21 years and decide to celebrate and go to the only steakhouse in town and have a nice dinner. We had the prime rib special. Salad and potato and bread were great but meat was a little tough, atmosphere ok, it is in the basement so there is some ambiance. Oh, we can't get our satellite dish to work in our spot but the koa has great 61 channel cable and it comes in great, so we are grateful for small favors.
On Sat. we go to the town event called "Sizzlin Days" and walk around and play some games like shooting for hoops and dunk tank and have some fun, it is all for charity. Then we decided to go to "Sparky's Garage" for lunch. It is a cute diner made out of an old gas station and they give you your eating utensils in an oil rag (it is clean of course). I have the brisket sandwich and mashed potatoes and gravy for lunch and it is great.
A couple of days later we take a ride way up in the mountains to the towns of Wisdom, Jackson, and Wise. On the way we went through the town and saw about 6 corvettes parked on the street. Well, we had to stop and we went inside the only hotels and saw the owners. They were all on a road trip from North Dakota and very friendly. We talked for a little while. Then we went across the street to have lunch at a place called "Rosas Cantina) just like the Marty Robbins Song "El Paso". Literally on this street there is only a hat shop, this eatery and the hotel, now that's tiny. I had a patti melt with a salad and Joel had fish and chips and salad. It was ok. By a neighboring table was a huge basset hound. Dogs are welcome everywhere in Montana. We lazed around the rest of the week.
Then on Saturday Night was the Demolition Derby. I haven't seen one since I was little and I could hardly wait to go. It was in the fairgrounds where they hold the rodeo and was only about a mile from the koa. We got there at 5 and didn't leave till 9. It was still light out. We had hot dogs and pop and had a great time. One car rolled on its side and another had a bad crash and the emt's had to come and rip the roof off to get the guy out and take him to the hospital. Then we saw some kids on motorbikes doing barrel racing and then the atv drivers did it too. Then it was time for the powder puff event when the ladies do the driving. They turned out to be more aggressive than the men. Great nite.
Well, its Sunday and we get an early start to go to Bannack State Park for Bannack Days. Bannack was the first territorial capital of Montana. Gold was discovered there and few years later when the gold ran out, so did all the people. Today the original ghost town still stands, preserved by the people of Montana. It was wonderful to see and walk through all the original buildings. We saw candle-making, soap making, blacksmithing, logs being hewed for a cabin, gospel musicians, honky tonk piano in the saloon and I got up and sang about 7 songs for the folks and got some really nice applause. A lot of folks were dressed old style for the event. We saw a cavalry camp, and old schoolhouse, suffragates debates touting womens right to vote. I panned for garnets and got about 10 tiny ones. All the things to do were for no extra charge. We had lunch. Joel a smoked turkey leg and me a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. The place was so reasonable, water and sodas were only $1.00. I even had fresh raspberry cobbler made fresh in a dutch oven for $1.00. Had a great time and spoke with nice folks from neighboring counties and some on vacation. We bought a book about "Women Homesteaders", which tells of their day to day living.
Oh, I forgot, earlier in the week we took a ride to Nevada City and Virgina City, two old ghost towns and took some nice photos. Well, in a couple of days we will be off to Idaho Falls, Idaho, enjoy the pics.
This is our huge site at the koa
Nevada City schoolroom
All buildings are kept preserved
Below is "Rosas Cantina"
Lots of pics of demolition derby
Gunfight at Bannack Days
Sheriff tell folks not to let women get the vote
Wonderful gospel music
Me in the saloon belting out the oldies
Yoked long haired steers for heavy work, each weighs about 1700 lbs
Joel saying goodbye to the old great ghost town
Another interesting blog, Esta. I really like the photo of the long-horned steers too. It sounds like you and Joel are enjoying the western sounds and flavors of Montana. We're wishing you continued safe travels. Congratulations on your anniversary. Ours was the 21st. :+)
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