I-90 Trek North by Northeast - Where are the Dickens?

On the Road Again! October 1st 2020

We left South Prairie, WA at 11:00 am heading east on I90 with the end game to be in Elkhart, Indiana at the Grand Design factory by October 10 for a couple of service issues on “The Beast”. We have a general idea of where we will stop each night, but the plans are to let the roads, weather, and the scenery dictate. The weather was clear and the roads quiet as we started out. The fall colors in the Cascades as we drove over Snoqualmie Pass were gorgeous! We wound through the wine country of Yakima Valley over the Columbia River Gorge and into the grasslands of Eastern Washington.

Our overnight destination was just over the Montana state line. Free ‘dry’ camping at 50,000 Silver Dollar Casino, named after the silver dollars that line the walls. They may need another name change as the collection is now past 70,000 coins! (Camper Tip #1: Water is available at entrance of RV park. Some sites have electricity. Arrive early and/or be prepared to share!) We had a great French dip sandwich in the casino diner, wandered the “largest gift shop in Montana” and chatted with the regulars in the casino.

Traveled 402 miles. 8 1/2 hours.

October 2

Left at 9:45 in a fog, continuing our trek eastward. Stopping every 3 hours or so to stretch our legs. Kept thinking I would read my book, but the scenery was too amazing. Snapped lots of pics from the window and had to filter through the best of the best. After 2 long travel days we decided to stay 2 nights at our next destination in Columbus, MT. Found this city park on Campendium, Itch-Kep-Pe park, another free boondocking site. Water spigots are available to fill tanks. (Camper Tip #2: Join Campendium! It is a great travel app and easier to filter sites based on your specific needs…size, price, WIFI…)

203 miles. 7 hours.

October 4

After a relaxing 2 night stay, we were back on the road. Next destination The Badlands in South Dakota. We left at 8:15, knowing this was going to be a long day of driving. And long it was! My math was way off when planning this stretch! We did have about an hour break in Wyoming dumping waste, filling propane and water tanks, preparing for boondocking in the Badlands. Some friends recommended Badlands Dispersed Camping site near Wall, SD. From the pics we saw online (Campendium), we knew we had to go! And we weren’t disappointed! JUST WOW!!

485 miles. 9 hours 15 minutes.