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Faith is, and Perhaps isn't, Enough. (Riverton, WY to Red Lodge, MT)

29/9/2013

8 Comments

 
Picture
Meeteetse, Wyoming. The cowboy bar that has gun shot holes in the walls and 'Panama Red' is the lady with the knife behind the bar.

It is Sunday. I have not been to church since Pennsylvania and I want to go. Doctor Google informs me that the local Presbyterian  Church is PC(USA) so I pass. Liz grew up a Lutheran and we attend that church from time to time so the local Lutheran Church got my vote.

The folk were welcoming and friendly and the service was uplifting. It is a good thing to affirm one's faith by fellowshiping with other believers. After a chat over a cup of coffee I hit the road.

Contrary to yesterday, it was quite balmy with the temperature rising during the day to 21.5 C. But the wind! There were occasions when I was seriously discomfited by the gusts and I did a lot of leaning while riding in a straight line. I passed through Shoshoni and Thermopolis and continued to Meeteetse for my lunch stop; and decided to give my custom to the Cowboy Bar Established 1873. The lady bartender was a tough looking character, carrying a great big knife on her hip.. After lunch I asked her about it and she proudly showed it to me. It was a gift from her husband. She informed me that she carried  .44 revolver and under the bar had a billy club and a taser. Apparently it gets quite rough in there at times. She also pointed out bullet holes in the wall and ceiling. Her name was Panama Red and I treated her with extra respect!

I thought that having had a chicken salad for lunch I could afford a dessert and went over the road to a rather nice chocolate shop. At $1.75 it was an expensive mouthful.

I went through Cody, Wyoming. Tourist trap.

On the turn off to Red Lodge I noticed some derelict buildings. It was the site of the Smith Mine, which closed in 1943 after Montana's worst ever mining disaster. 74 dead and three survivors. The buildings remain, abandoned, as a memorial to them.

Soon I was in Red Lodge Montana and having my expectations of riding the Beartooth Highway dampened. Perhaps my faith, expressed by riding two days from Utah to Montana, was not enough. This may become clearer tomorrow morning. A possible alternative is the Chief Joseph scenic byway, but it involves me retracing my path 50 kms.

Red Lodge is very pretty and very rural. I found a deer wandering the streets. Have a look at the photos.

Dinner at the Pollard Hotel was really interesting as I had a long discussion with some local folk, which was great fun. I am sorry I didn't get their names, except for Emma, the bartender. Smart, smart girl!

8 Comments
Charles
29/9/2013 06:21:25 pm

Long time no comment, but I keep reading your blog. Some amazing photos in there Duncan. What a beautiful country it is.

Reply
Duncan
30/9/2013 10:50:30 pm

Hi Charles

No need to apologize. Indeed, thank you for the comments you have made; and you interest in the trip. Liz has already started sorting photos for the album and I am sure you will get to see it when next you are in Melbourne.

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HeinrichVoges link
29/9/2013 10:12:11 pm

USA seem not only to be New York and Los Angeles etc, but also full of beautiful country sides. It is a pity that I am not a bit younger - and then with Hanna.
Thanks for thew good marks you gave my Lutheran brethren - and sisters.
Take care
Heinrich

Reply
Duncan
30/9/2013 10:59:31 pm

Hello Heinrich

Thank you for this and the other comments you have made during the course of the trip. Your interest and prayers - and those of many others - have been greatly appreciated.

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Karyn Ervin
30/9/2013 05:32:02 am

We enjoyed visiting with you at St. John Lutheran Church in Riverton, WY. I mentioned your visit to my husband (the Goldwinger) and he said he had noticed you on your bike in Riverton earlier. Bikers notice others in the brethren! Have a safe trip home. and come to see us at St. John if you travel through Riverton again.

Reply
Duncan
30/9/2013 11:03:50 pm

Hi Karen

It was a privilege to be welcomed at St John's on Sunday and to enjoy the fellowship over coffee afterwards. If ever we are again in Riverton, we will most certainly visit.

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Aernoud Jalink link
30/9/2013 07:43:54 am

Duncan, we met on the Indepence-pass last week. I saw your site, realy wonderful. hope you will have a good stay in the USA. regards. Aernoud Jalink, the Netherlands

Reply
Duncan
30/9/2013 11:08:08 pm

Goede Day, Aernoud

Thank you for your comment. It was a pleasure having a short chat with you at Independence Pass. I hope the photos I took of you and your wife were use able. Apart from the glare on the screen, that wind was really cold !

If you ever make it to Melbourne, please contact me mcduncan@bigpond.net.au

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    Author

    Duncan learned to ride a motorcycle at the age of twelve on a 50cc Honda belonging to his older brother, Ronald. The arrangement was a short ride in return for cleaning it. He has graduated over the years owning and riding many different bikes, but he has never ridden a Harley Davidson.

    Liz is a more recent inductee to motorcycles, her preferred mode of transport being a VW Golf. Although she rides pillion quite frequently, her luxuriant hair needs careful consideration. On a bike trip her best friend is her hairdryer; and a hot shower every morning is a sine qua non.

    Having grown up in South Africa, home for Duncan and Liz is Melbourne, Australia

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