Where in the World has Wandering Ward Gone Now?

30 June 2013; Spearfish Creek Inn, SD --

Last afternoon, Grumpy arrived here after a gruelling 17 hours (1111 miles) of freeway driving from his Castle to this vacation Mecca. In previous years, especially when accompanied by the Grand Mother, Grumpy set the cruise control on 65 and patiently waited for the miles to roll by. This year, due to a reminder of a good old-fashioned Dupree (my one-time hometown) reunion and picnic, Grumpy rather hastily left his digs in order to arrive in time to participate in this reunion. So the cruise control was set at 70 mph.

As the reader may recall, a few years back, at the behest of the aforesaid Grand Mother, Grumpy reluctantly reduced his usual "race car" habit, of driving 70-90 mph, to the cruise control moderated 65 mph. The resulting 34 mpg was astounding (to Grumpy at least). This year's cruise at a steady (mostly) 70 mph was equally astounding: Grumpy topped off the Red Rocket at his favorite fuel stop on Grady Way and needed to refuel only once all the way to Spearfish! He also learned that, filled to the top of the filler pipe, the tank holds about 18.5 gallons (yes, I was just about down to fumes!). Average, 33+ mpg.

The weather during the two day drive was typically hot -- both in Western and Central Montana (92 degr F)  as well as Eastern Montana (92 degr). It actually got a little cooler as South Dakota neared (85 degr F). However, with the A/C turned on (not full blast), Grumpy remained comfortable -- and awake. Grumpy stopped for Friday night at a familiar motel in Deer Lodge MT; also the location of his refueling stop, a little over halfway to this destination.

Pastures across Montana and South Dakota (as far as I have gone so far, anyway) are all verdantly green. Cousin J.Z. tells me that they have had a lot of rain since I was here last month (see Prairie Safari). The pleasant morning, celebrated on the porch with a hot cup of coffee, promises to continue into a moderate to warm afternoon.

More later. With pictures this time.