Butte to Lima, Montana

Warmshowers John, Butte Montana

Our warmshowers host John is a wealth of information and generous with his hospitality. He roasted, ground and brewed up one of the best cups of coffee either of us has ever had, served with 35% cream! Thanks again, John.

Sparkling sunrise

As we rode from Butte to Divide we were stopped several times by people offering us a place to stay, making sure we had enough water and asking about our trip. The guys at Great Divide Outfitters let us know that the trading post we were looking for is closed but they had some leftover sandwiches and we could have’em (we did, they were awesome). That was just after Fay came out from her house to give us a couple of Cokes. Just cuz. Thank you Southern Montana.

Three pools, one inside called ‘the sauna’ (106 F)

Our route planning from Butte centred on our arrival at the Elkhorn Hotsprings. Leigh was set on it and my knees needed a good hot soak.

The Dangle

Rustic is one way to describe the property – might be a tad generous, truth be told, but the folks running it were all fun and the breakfast was AYCE breakfast sandwiches and omelettes.

Ghost graves at Bannack ghost town

From there we stopped into Bannack, a mining ghost town now abandoned except for the state park staff. Cool, but not cool enough for the entrance fee nor did we have extra time for touristy things today. Pushing on to Grant, Montana for ther night. There is no sign that says you have arrived in Grant. When we entered the saloon/hotel/camping office I met who I thought might be the only person living there. Was his name Grant? that would have been funny. Turns out Eric is working long days running the whole show along with Mark who tends bar. We upgraded from camping ($30) to a room ($50) and had a fabulous meal cooked by… Eric. Talented man.

Barren lands heading south from Grant

Next day was serious business. There was no indication we would find a water source for the next 24 hours. The views as we rode were stunning as we could see for miles all around but that made for a scenery that changed ever so slowly. Not exactly stimulating. We pushed on to an area marked for disperded camping and eventually found ourselves at Morrison Lake, 2506 m above sea level (our highest yet) about to stealth-camp for the frist time this trip, like for real, with no one anywhere near. Leaving the next morning we found out from a nice local guy driving up that we are in prime grizzly territory, along with two wolf packs.
“Ya got somethin’ ta protect yerself?”
“Bear spray and a multitool?” to which he flinched before mentioning that “archery season starts Saturday.”! Noted.
All but 10 of the next 50 km into Lima were a casual downhill ride with incredible scenes on all sides. A ride that was as soul-soothing as a hug from Mother Theresa.

We made it to Lima, the only proper stop to resupply before continuing on. We’ll take a rest day here, do some laundry, recharge everything and catch you up.

3 thoughts on “Butte to Lima, Montana”

  1. Dillon, Montana! It brings back great memories – don’t they claim to be the trout capital? @ Jeff: If those knees keep bothering you, I can recommend diclofenac – 50 mg a day should ease the light inflammation of the joints. You’ll be crossing the Trans America a couple of times. Gorgeous countryside all the way down ????.

  2. That scenery is MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!!
    I am really enjoying your trip and stories and adventures, BUT, the scenic tour is beyond belief. Thank you so much for sharing with me (us, all of us, whomever we are). Jeff you should be a film producer. Stay well and safe!!!!

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