August 24 I awoke finding myself near Spokane Washington,
my back was killing me. The van she wasn't too happy, but she struggles along. While
at a rest area I heard a woman ask for a litter bag. The greeter said that they were
all out. I offered her one from my van. She came over and I gave her a plastic shopping
bag. She said no thank you I want a real litter bag. I did some shopping gassed
up and made my way to Silverton Idaho, where I set up camp for the night. I worked
up my report on Seattle Hempfest and did my laundry. I went to bed rather early.
I awoke at 3am, as I was freezing my butt off. Awoke again at 4am same problem.
August
25 I again awoke at 4:30, My back was still quite sore. I Packed up and hit the road,
I made a slow but warm trip to Missoula, Montana. I thought it was interesting that
Montana has speed reasonable and prudent for it's day time limit. Although I saw
I sign at at rest area that said " Yes Mario there is a speed limit, if you
can't figure out what reasonable and prudent means a police officer and a judge will
help you out. Fine $500
I checked into a motel, with a real bitchy owner. She
asked me, How many people you got in that van?, you got dogs in there? if I smoke,
if I planned to drink, if I expected any company? I said no no no no no no do you
want to rent me a room or what? I guess so, she replied I am really picky about who
I rent to, you have any questions? I asked about local phone calls, and if there
was bathtubs in the rooms. She replied sorry no tubs, have a nice day. I said excuse
me, I still want the room do you have a particular reason you don't want to rent
me a room. I'm just very picky, alright I'll rent you a room this time.... I really
wonder what her problem was? Did she not like people, who drove vans? Men with beards,
ponytails perhaps early check ins. Maybe it's guys wearing t-shirts. I still have
no idea. Other than the manager being a bitch the room was very nice. It was air-conditioned
spacious, even had a coffee maker and a refrigerator. I took a shower and got down
to work.
August 26th - 28th Drove drove drove, saw a lot of cattle, not much
else to report...
Wall Drugs signs began in Montana. On the 27th took time out
to see Devils tower in Wyoming, I even got to see what may have been a herd of antelope.
August 29th Back in Sioux Falls, checked into a nice motel for a change, spent
the day watching movies, answering email and working on the web site.
August 30th,
and 31st Traveled through Illinois and Indiana the ditch weed was in full splendor.
September 1st and 2nd South Bend Indiana spent a couple days hanging
out in a cheap hotel, usual stuff. Went to a pool hall wednesday night, played a
series of 9 ball racks with a woman named Sharon. She was mid fifties and and became
so interested in what I was doing and the marijuana and hemp movements, she couldn't
believe how we denied the sick, and the conditions under which people were losing
their properties and freedom. We chatted until the pool hall closed.
September
4-6th Roach Roast 98 Where I met the man I want to be when I grow
up and a weekend I will never forget.