Who We Are

We sold our home in June, 2007, and spent the next 7 1/2 years traveling full time in a Cross Roads Fifth Wheel. (We had been traveling during our summers for several years before going full time.) We loved the full-time lifestyle! Each summer we spent a month or two volunteering in State Parks, first in Indiana at McCormick's Creek State Park, near our family, then in later years as the grandchildren got older, at the Bluewater Lake State Park in New Mexico. We spent 6 months each winter at Cactus Gardens RV Resort in Yuma, AZ, where I worked mornings in the park office. The remaining months were spent on the road, seeing this great country of ours. Our favorite places are our National Parks. Anita loved photography and the freedom of digital photography, taking sometimes hundreds of photos in a day. We hiked as much as our legs will allow. We also really enjoyed square and round dancing as we travel across country, and meeting all the wonderful people who dance and/or travel.

But as in all things, there comes a time for change, and we decided it was time to create roots once more. In the fall of 2014, we purchased a home in Cactus Gardens, and in the spring of 2015, sold the 5th wheel. Anita also retired in the spring. We will continue to travel each summer, but for a shorter period of time. We hope to continue blogging about those trips, but it will obviously be on a more limited basis than in the past.

Please explore our past posts if you are interested in traveling this great country. You'll find an index in the left column. We hope you enjoy our blog, and appreciate all comments

Monday, August 24, 2009

Reed Point – the Little Town that Time Forgot

Reed Point, Montana is a sleepy little town that leaves you feeling that you’ve stepped way back in time, as you walk its main street.  Once a booming town of homesteading sheep raisers from Norway, Sweden and Germany, drought soon convinced the new settlers that they were not given enough land (320 acre allotment) to make a living, and most began the migration farther west.

Now all that’s left is a few small businesses, some farmers and a friendly RV park.

re1 re2 We spent the night at the Old West RV Park.   The park is owned by a young couple who live on site.  He was very friendly and even came by later to see if I’d gotten online with the wireless successfully.re3

After dinner, we explored the town.  The homesteading began in 1891.  By 1912 Reed Point had a bridge over the Yellowstone, a railroad depot, post office, general store and a one-room log schoolhouse. Progress was on the move!  Once boasting 54 business, there are now only a half dozen or so. 

The Hotel is under renovation currently.  We looked through the antiques shop and glanced into the Saloon, still open for business. re4 re5

  Two grain elevators stand near the railroad, one still in use (right).

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The sidewalks are still made of board.

re9We had to chuckle when we spotted the town Library.  It’s sign in the door reads “Open Wednesdays, 1-4” . 

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The only time this little town wakes up now is for it’s annual “Sheep Run”, an autumn festival that still pulls in over 2000 people each year.  I found this photo online:

re10 Proceeds from the festival go to improving the town. In the past, the sheep drive has paid for a fire truck, refurbished the town library and supported children's educational programs.re11

 

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