093009

                                                                                                      Gateway to Rexford, MT

Wednesday September 30, 2009

     2:12am  I woke up right before it started raining again. It was weird. I was able to throw up my tarp pretty good right where I'm at. I'm going to try and go back to bed. After I smoke a cigarette.
                  
     7:30am  I've had a really productive time here. I'm perfectly dry. I am so proud of my tarp. The river did put me to sleep last night. I only got five hours of sleep. I woke up at two right before it rained, again. I'm doing that a lot. Oh yeah, and I think it's snowing. I can't see outside too well, but I think it's actually snowing. Look at the flurries on my Camelbak.

                   Holy shit, it's snowing!

                   It's weird. I must've layered up good or something. It didn't feel like it had gotten down to freezing. My stuff wasn't frosted over in the morning. I had an awesome little camp here. I love my tarp. I have everything I need.

     9:03am  I should make another entry. I'm in the snow, everybody. Merry Christmas everybody. It's snowing. I'm even paranoid of getting a ride. I don't want to be riding in a car with all this slippery snow everywhere. Anyway, I woke up and had another magical relaxing morning. I had perfect shelter. I stayed bone dry. It's always hard to get up and gather everything in the morning. I was waiting for the sun to come up when it stopped raining, but then it started snowing! Snow is a little better than rain, you don't get as wet. Anyway, I packed all my stuff up, except for the snow covered tarp which I dragged. By the time I got to the gas station my hands were frozen. I spent three bucks on a microwave chimichanga thing or something. There's not barely any cars around so I'm just waiting for someone to offer me a ride. Maybe I'll tell my story to somebody. I've got like four bucks left. I wonder if the people who work here will be cool with me seeking shelter from the snow in front of their store. I heard them talking about hunting when I went in earlier, they might be anti-marijuana rednecks.

     9:52am  Michelle just walked up to me and volunteered me a couple of bucks. I appreciate it, Michelle. Everybody gets credit.

     11:25am  I am getting a ride to Big Sky from Scott, nice guy. It's snowing! First snow of this trip. I appreciate it, brother. Everybody gets credit, thanks.

     11:59am  I am in the town of Big Sky at the Conoco here.

     1:11pm  I should make an update. See, I got a ride to Big Sky. I was standing out in the snow thumbing it. Brrr, I'm cold.

                   A cool dude pulled over but he's not going that far. I told him forget it.

     1:30pm  In no-time Kate pulled over for me! Everybody gets credit. Thanks a lot.

     2:13pm  What did you think of my story, Kate? Kate: "I think your story is, umm intended." What about your trip today? Kate: "My trip today I headed South from Livingston about fifteen miles into Paradise Valley, Hwy 89. I changed my mind, turned around and took the interstate and came back through the canyon where I saw Victor Antonio from San Antonio. It's snowing and I chose to take the harder drive, the more scenic drive. I've been working in Yellowstone for about seven years. I am very transient myself. Very little money for myself, very little possessions. Just about two weeks ago I moved to Livingston and my better half works in Yellowstone, so I'm on my way to see him right now. Umm, everything that you've been talking about today, I've been, you know, you know how it is, everybody encounters that. But I understand everything that you're saying and I've thought it all before. I think your story is fantastic. I love what you're doing, but I cannot do you the favor of doubting you. I cannot do you that favor. I don't doubt you and I don't think you're crazy."

     2:22pm  Hell yeah, I'm in the town of West Yellowstone already! This beautiful girl Kate! She gave me a fifty dollar bill! Way to support the cause, sister. I'm getting a bus ticket...or a motel room tonight, I don't know.

                   I told that beautiful girl my entire Odyssey story. She said she couldn't doubt me. She told me she believed in me and gave me a fifty dollar bill.

     3:08pm  I'm going to thumb it 20 East now. Right at this gas station I saw a laundromat sign. I dried off some stuff that got damp last night.

     4:35pm  John, driving the Parker's Portable Toilets truck, I was just thumbing it at the corner next to the gas station and I see this truck hauling portopotties pull over. I totally didn't think he had pulled over for me. I eventually walked up and to my surprise he did pull over for me! How far are you going? John: "Oh, I'm going down to Saint Anthony's." That's great. I have to follow the signs, Saint Anthony.

     5:30pm  Look up the High Plains Drifter on the internet.

                   John told me there was a college town nearby, Rexford. He's going to drop me off there instead. Maybe I can get caught up on my typing and update my website. I've got money for food so I'll be alright. Hmm, this is a college town after all, so I might get something other than food, hehe.

     6:04pm  I just got dropped off in front of the Walmart in Rexburg. Sweet, I'm going to go do some shopping. I've got money.

     6:44pm  I just bought some supplies. They didn't have any more tape recorders in stock so I couldn't buy a new one. I would've blown all my money if I got it. I bought two compasses so I'll have a backup. I also bought some ShoeGoo for four dollars.

     7:49pm  I already made my camp. I just went in the woods behind the Walmart and followed this trail. I set up my lean-to in case it rains. I'm going to go to sleep pretty soon.                   

Next day..