The running of the sheep...

It took 2 hours this morning to get our drivers licenses renewed.  We brought every piece of identification we have ever had, every receipt for everything we've purchased in the last 25 years, birth certificates going back 8 generations, passports, Social Security cards (originals only), utility bill receipts, a dog license (and we don't even have a dog),  and a certified foot measurement from the shoe store... it was almost enough.  Seriously.  Because one receipt was in my name and not Joan's, they had to have a BIG discussion as to whether they could let her renew.  Even though we've had the same mailing address for years, and they could see we've had licenses in the state since 1977.  On the bright side, they helped a grand total of 6 people during that time... and sent two of those packing to go find more paperwork to prove they are who they say and they live where they say.  The terrorists may not have won, but the bastards have sure made everyday life a lot more complicated.  Those who like more red tape have definitely won.

We have been checking weather along our route.  As of two days ago, the route portion across Montana, Idaho, and eastern Washington has been looking problematic: night time lows in the 20s.  We have water in all the appropriate systems... below freezing is a problem.  So, we decided a 400 mile day was in order today (our longest this trip) to position ourselves for getting to a lower elevation and warmer temps for Thursday night... and a 500 mile day tomorrow.  That's a long damn day when towing the boat.

Our only stops after we hit the road were for fuel, food, and potty - and we tried to combine those as much as my bladder would allow.  No sit down lunches or leisurely fuel stops today.  When we reached mid Wyoming, we could see the Big Horn Mountains, the first snow we've seen in a while...

We carefully picked our stop over for the night, based on location, weather, and an inexpensive Passport America campground... the metropolis of Reed Point, Montana.  The RV park has only 16 sites, most empty, and it's located between the highway and the train tracks... OK, 'cause Joan loves train noise.

After getting us plugged in and the satellite TV set up, I took the camera and walked through town.  I saw some old buildings when we pulled off the road and wanted a closer look.  You know it's a small town when deliveries are made by...

I enjoy interesting architecture.  This place has real wood sidewalks...

And real old buildings (not the fake old-time stuff)...

Yes, there was only one car in front of the bar down the street.

And the modern claim to fame for the town: the sheep drive.  I visited with a gentleman who was pruning a tree in his yard... Mike told me about the sheep drive... "It started pretty much as a joke.  You've heard of the Running of the Bulls?  Well, we had some guys who dressed up in white shirts and pants, with red sashes, and ran with the sheep.  Over the years, it has become an attraction; last year, we had 5,000 people in town to watch or participate.  If you find yourself in the area in early September, you should come by."  Mike likes living here, but is really looking forward to retirement in 5 years, and: "No more SNOW!  We're moving to Phoenix!"  Yeah, I get it.

Yep, Reed Point Welcomes Ewe.

The sign above was on the door to the library.

And then back to home sweet boat...

Getting close to sunset by the time I got back.  Hard to imagine it's going to be cold tomorrow, since it is still 80º currently.  With the low humidity, we don't need the a/c - a fan to move the air in the boat cabin is enough.  It's supposed to get in the 40s overnight, so we'll need some heat.

We're planning to head out first thing in the morning, and will come head to head with the on-coming cold front as we head west.