With no fanfare, we snapped a quick shot through the front windshield of the interstate-worn GORUCK truck as we entered Oregon, our 48th state of the Summer of 2010. Though the adventure never ends, we kicked back and soaked it all in as day beers in a café that luckily reminded us nothing of Bagdad turned into night beers across town at a locals spot that, you guessed it, came recommended. With good reason Portland is called the beer capital of the world and thus a great spot to celebrate.
We came to Seattle expecting to check out the space needle and the pike place market, both of which we did, enjoying every second of it. But we really enjoyed our downtime with the people, walking the side streets, sharing the relaxed vibes of summer in a very cool town – something you have to …
Idaho fries, casseroles, etc – we tried potatoes in all forms, but surprisingly the best bite we had was at a local favorite, Hudson’s Hamburgers, an old-fashioned kind of place which is noticeably absent even fries but serves a special burger that pretty much comes as it comes. We each had two and risked whatever it is you risk when you go swimming in a beautiful lake on a full stomach. Thankfully a lifeguard was around, though, and thankfully we let her twirl her whistle around, and perhaps lament the approaching end of summer – without having to come in and save us.
Flathead Valley’s natural beauty didn’t disappoint, even with Yellowstone barely behind us. Destination Bigfork, MT, a small town on a lake in a state that calls itself ‘the last best place’, we picked some cherries that became a Flathead cherry pie. As we say, local is always the right answer, and the pie proved us …
Clean air, clear waters, and bison were everywhere we went in Yellowstone. We camped out before driving through the park, though at a stop and go speed entirely out of our control. And while we didn’t see any bears this time, there was a look-alike who enjoyed a nice vertical drop in a game of fetch, Yellowstone style.
“Buffalo Bill” Cody’s namesake remains very much true to its roots, on display every summer night as the “Rodeo Capital of the World”. Being a cowboy is a way of life out here, and all ages get a chance to showcase their talents at ropin’, racin’, and bull ridin’. These adventure seekers kept the clowns (who distract the bulls once the rider is thrown off) busy tonight, but alas all was well and the cowboys none the worse for ridin’ hard.
