Day 8 Elko, BC to Eureka, Montana

10% though already! And the adventure continues.

My day started with sharing a coffee at the Elko store owners Jack & Jim. Both grew up here in Elko moved away but were drawn back by its beauty & strong community. They remember the times back when the lands south of here was prairie wilderness with an abundance of wildlife – fires naturally replenished the land every 7 years or so keeking things in balance. In the last 40 years, man’s intervention in controlling fires to protect property has created the parent huge fire issue. All man made & nothing to do with climate change.

Meanwhile Jack believes the area is in the middle of the 3rd occupation. First the native Indians, then Europeans & today, a influx of people from everywhere.

Today you can smell & taste the smoke – fires feel really close & the main topic of local conversation. Jim directed me to Hwy since my route along the GDMBR to the US border was not fully open Both share the responsibility of managing the motel, shop, gas station, campsite, etc,, and gas filled their lives, they have rarely travel. But since they both hunt, fish & enjoy the wilderness, they see no reason to. That I do understand!!

jack believed the area is experiencing. first the native Americans, when the Europeans, & now it is outsiders with their cosmopolitan ways. Not for the better.

I’ve ridded worse highways that Hey93. Stunning views

Plumber with a sense of hummer

Arriving at US border at Rooseville where insisted that the valid entry date for my ESTA was when I entered Pittsburgh, 30 July & not today, 12 August. Since my ticket home was for 3Nov, I needed to reschedule my flight there and then before going any further. The logic enforced remind questionable, especially since ESTAs allow multi entry.

The delay at the border had me arrived in the town of Eureka early evening. Having ridden past miles of ugly billboards since entering Montana, this place was a very pleasant surprise.

I stopped at Mad Jack’s burger bar To treat myself to a few Deadman Irish beers & a burger special. Daniel Beltram entered alone soon after so invited him to join me.

We could lots to talk about & discovered him to be a very interesting & inspiring individual. Shaped by his fathers religion, Victorian discipline, & work ethics, he took his dads humble knife sharpening business into a multi-million $$ enterprise – covering manufacturing, construction, restaurant outfitters & much more. Up on a business trip from his Tamper home, but had a place nearby. After his wife checked me out over the phone, he invited me to stay over. My sincere thanks Daniel!!