Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 13: August 25th, 2006 Lemmon — Baker

Because Benny’s also serves breakfast, I decide to go there this morning. My server is really nice and I assume she goes to school, which will start shortly. Unfortunately I wait an eternity for my check. Therefore I just walk up to the cashier. All in all I slowly need to leave, The weather is pretty mixed today. The Conoco, where I stopped for gas, is one of these very old gas stations, were you cannot pay at the pump.

Highway 73, Flat Creek Lake, SD

Around half past ten I am ready to depart. First I take Highway 73 over the Grand River.

Co Rd 4/Bakke Rd, SD

Co Rd 4/Bakke Rd, SD

Then I continue on Co Rd 4/Bakke Rd.

White Butte Rd, SD

Highway 20, SD

Next is White Butte Rd and finally Highway 20, on which I pass Bison, South Dakota.

White Hill Rd, SD

White Hill Rd, S Fork Grand River, SD

Now White Hill Rd takes me over the S Fork Grand River.

Then I continue on backroads.

After a short distance on Highway 79 I take the Hackamore Ranch Rd.

Hackamore Ranch Rd, SD

Hackamore Ranch Rd, SD

Hackamore Ranch Rd, Slim Buttes, SD

Hackamore Ranch Rd, SD

Also this time I am blocked by Private Property for a couple of times. Finally I end up in the middle of a property and the owner also arrives just past me. When I see his questioning look I explain, that I am trying to follow the trail of Wilson Price Hunt. This is something very interesting for him. He explains, that the “road” I planned to follow, almost does no longer exist. But I could drive to the other end. There lives someone, who is also interested in history. He is sure, he would allow me to enter his property. But that would cost my too much time in the end. I say thank you and good–bye — not before promising to say Hi again the next time, I am in this area!

Highway 20, Reva Gap, SD

Highway 20, Reva Gap, SD

On Highway 20 I pass the Reva Gap.

Highway 20, SD

Highway 20, SD

Highway 20, SD

Highway 20, SD

Then I continue on Highway 20 and 85.

Gilbert Rd, SD

Gilbert Rd, SD

Gilbert Rd, S Fork Grand River, SD

On Gilbert Rd I cross once again the S Fork Grand River.

Highway 20, SD

Then Highway 20 takes me over the Little Missouri River and through Camp Crook.

On Tie Creek Rd I cross the state line to Montana.

Exie Rd, MT

Exie Rd, MT

Exie Rd, MT

88 S10 Blazer, Forest Rd, MT

Forest Rd, MT

Next I continue on Exie and Forest Rd. Now I am in the Custer National Forest. Because I am already running late, I only drive for a short distance into the forest. The road does not really looks promising, especially with the current bad weather. I don’t want to risk to get stuck somewhere. This would definitely kill my schedule. Therefore I turn around and drive back.

Tie Creek Rd, MT

Tie Creek Rd, MT

But I still take the backroads and drive on Tie Creek Rd.

Highway 7, MT

Slowly I am approaching my destination of today: Ekalaka. But this village is not really convincing to spend the night there. I just drive through, then I decide to take the extra 35 miles and to continue up to Baker.

This village looks way more promising. But due to a wedding almost everything is booked here. Anyways, there is still one room left at the Sagebrush Inn! But when he wants to finish everything he realizes, that this room is already booked after all. The only thing left is this small house on his property — which he would give me for the same price — perfect!

However, the small trailer home is not really convincing me. Everything is pretty much worn out and broken. Into the bargain, there are big black bugs everywhere, which I kill before they are able to enter my luggage.

In the meantime it is past six and it is still a bit too early for dinner on a Friday evening. Therefore I start to check the first set of my today’s video taping. Then I drive over to “Thee Garage” to have a steak. The reception recommended this restaurant to me.

But the steak is not really convincing, because it is pretty much marbled. Only my server is really nice. Around half past eight I pay and drive back to my “bungalow”, where I kill another two bugs. Then I check the rest of my video taping. Around midnight I am eventually able to go to bed…