Heat Wave

Mon.  6/14:
Early (5:30) breakfast, then a 50 mile ride to Custer.  Arrived before noon, and it was already in the high 90's.  The day topped out at 104°.  Staying at the Junction City Saloon and Hotel, the only hotel and restaurant in town, but unfortunately, the restaurant is closed on Monday.  Lunch was a sad microwaved chicken burrito from the gas station / convenience store adjacent to the Saloon.  Custer is a 1 stop-sign town.

Denny, the Saloon/Hotel owner was very helpful.  He left me a large chef salad in the room's fridge for dinner.  I had discussed my Tuesday problem (it's 112° now in Forsyth, the next town east) and asked him if he knew anyone with a pick-up truck that would be interested in taking me to Forsyth.  He connected me with Doug,  a retired guy who was happy to drive me in return for $ for gas and time .  

Tuesday 6/15 - Forsyth

Breakfast consisted of Cereal, left over from Harlowton, which also had nothing open for breakfast, and Milk from the gas station.
Doug picked me up promptly @ 10 and we drove the 56 miles to Custer with no A/C.  By the time we got here it was already in the upper 90's.  I feel bad for Doug.  It must have been really hot by the time he got back. 

I checked into the Montana Inn, which had a 3.1/5 rating on Expedia.  This was hands down the worst motel I've ever seen... and I've seen a lot of seedy motels in my travels.  Bad smells everywhere, worn out and dirty carpet.  The room's lights didn't work, shower dripped, bathroom floor was wet.  Carpet was filthy, and it smelled bad.  Other than that everything was peachy!

I hightailed it out of there and checked into the Sundowner, which was twice the price, and worth every penny.

I'm writing this from the Custer / Rosebud library, which serves 2 counties and is a bright, modern library with good computers which allows me to remote into my computer at home and type on a full-size keyboard.

Accuweather says it's only going up to 86 tomorrow, and the winds are favorable (16MPH from NW).  Happy trails!