Big Skies of Montana (2,417 miles)

Driving across Wyoming and Montana is an entirely different experience than getting here any other way. It’s only by traveling through the miles and miles of wide open spaces occupied only by antelope, livestock and prairie dogs and the occasional small town that you really appreciate the beauty and vastness of the landscape.

I’ve noticed that small towns primarily have gravel roads both in town and neighborhoods. Only the main streets are paved. It’s funny how you tend to think whatever is true for you is true for everybody. It’s easy to take everyday conveniences for granted without appreciating what it would be like to do without them.

After seven days on the road and a long day yesterday, we decided to drive straight through to Three Forks, Montana where we’d camp tonight. We also needed to take care of a few housekeeping chores like laundry, grocery shopping and a quick stop at Target to replace our folding camp chairs after Riley’s collapsed on him last night.

Three Forks KOA is one of the nicest campgrounds we’ve stayed in. The views were incredible, the hosts were great and the bathhouse had been recently renovated so everything was shiny new and beautiful.

Three loads of laundry, including sheets and towels, took a lot longer than I’d like. I’d seen reviews for Iron Horse Cafe and Pie Company and knew that sounded like Riley’s kind of place. “#1 best restaurant in Three Forks! 2023 winner Bozeman’s People’s Choice Award! Made-from-scratch pies!”

It’s just a 3 mile ride from camp and storm clouds were gathering. I checked the hourly forecast and we had just about 20 minutes before rain would start. We left the clothes tumbling in the dryers and started out on our bikes, fully expecting to be soaked when we returned.

The camp host said there was a bike path that we could take into town. After first starting out in the wrong direction, we oriented ourselves with the help of Google Maps and eventually found it. I was glad to get off the 65 mph highway with tractor-trailers whizzing by and safely on the bike path.

We managed to beat the rain with only a few sprinkles on the ride. We briefly considered ordering takeout but in the end decided to take our chances and have a proper sit down meal. The rain started in earnest as we waited for our dinner. I was glad we’d decided to stay, we would’ve surely been soaked otherwise.

The cooked to order tri-tip sandwich and salad was by far the best meal I’ve had on this trip. Of course we had to have pie for dessert. I chose a slice of double cherry pie and Riley had Dutch apple pie with ice cream. Yum!

Miraculously, the storm had blown through and sunshine peeked out from the clouds as we rode back to camp. Perfect timing!

We folded and put away laundry, getting everything ready for another week of adventures.

I thought you might be interested in seeing inside Charlie. It’s perfect for two people with all the things we need to be comfortable and able to live off the grid for 3-4 days at a time.