West. Day 29.
- patti brehler
- May 4, 2021
- 2 min read
July 7, 2016
Denton to Fort Benton, Montana
In Fort Benton, A Chamber of Commerce straddled a walking path on a levee along the Missouri River. Across the street was the city's main drag historic district. I stopped in for advice on camping. The ACA map listed two RV parks, a city park, and the county fairgrounds as likely candidates.
Like sunshine breaking through clouds, a smiling woman dressed in a long, flowing skirt and loose blouse greeted me in the dimly lit chamber. The room exhibited like a local museum--old photos covered walls and artifacts filled glass cases.
"I'd suggest the city park," she said. "It's less than a half-mile from here, between Old Fort Benton and the city pool. You can shower there."
Hmmmmm. What a polite way to remind me I've been living the vagabond life.
Still smiling, she proceeded to fill me in on her life's story, spent here, in Fort Benton. "I never had any kids," she began. "My husband is a rancher and I was a bank employee for forty-one years ... I'm retired now ... I spend my time greeting visitors ..."
Guess my "you can talk to me" sign was on.
My original Facebook post:
POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD July 7, 2016
SCORE! Free camping at Fort Benton City Park on the north end of this historic town nestled alongside the Missouri River. Large shade trees, green grass (just glad I'm not here Mon-Thur mornings when the automatic sprinkler system comes on between 2-6 am), shelters, electricity, WIFI (from the historic fort next door), and restrooms with running water.
Bonus-the city pool is on the other side ($1 for a hot shower)-and the park is within walking distance to the grocery store.
This was dinner tonight!
From my B'76 journal:
7/9/76
Failed to mention that July 7th is Tanabata Day in Japan. Yuigi spent a long time explaining to me that July 7 is the only time all year a man and woman star are able to meet.* It is a very romantic day in Japan. At night when they are able to see the Milky Way, they write down on paper what they wish for. Then they must hang the paper on a bamboo tree. Lots of food and all that, too.
*I wondered if Yuigi was insinuating something. I played ignorant.
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