montanapalooza 2002

“newgirl- There are some sets at the Base Camp on waterproof paper with all the trails annotated. I don't have mine right here, but there's double 15 minute series with two maps on one sheet. I think it's the Cooke City-Mt. Maurice Quad. You might not have to worry tho, there should be plenty of maps along on the trip.

Bring sunscreen!!”

“No, Malinda and I both worked. She's on nights so didn't want to attend alone. I heard from Scott at Basecamp that it was great.

I can shuttle to and from to begin the hike but if possible I'd like to leave for Billings when we get out. I work that Saturday and start at 5 A.M. I'd like a little time to clean up and rest. So, the time it takes to get over the Beartooth Hwy to Cooke City and then back to Billings might be pushing it. However, I can cowboy up and do whatever it takes to make sure everyone has a great time.

I appreciate the invite!!!!!!!”

“Aero,
Isn't it Alpine/Cooke City?”

“Aero, I just want to be able to see the trail ahead of time. I can understand in my head where we start and the first part of the hike, from what I know of the Beartooths, but I am confused about where we come out.

I will bring sunscreen. Hell, w/ this burn I should be just about Indian tanned by that time (this is not meant to be offensive and I hope no one takes it as such).

Also, I would love to go to Pug's on the 13th. I could probably arrange to have some dinner and a drink, before I head back home to get Newergirl situated. You can count my vehicle as a shuttle vehicle. It's got room for probably three people and gear.”

“Yeah, I think that's right (Cooke City/Alpine). Anyway, the ones that Ralph Saunders publishes have the 2 quads together so you can get the whole trail on one sheet.

I'm figuring out what we'll need for the barbeque and am working on getting some Rocky Mountain Oysters......”

“Newgirl,
I'm almost certain the map you need is Alpine/Cooke City Quadrangle. Just ask the folks at Basecamp and tell them the hike. As Aero mentioned the map is $7.50. They're waterproof and will last you for years.”

“Aero,
We need to go out for coffee, or breakfast, one of these mornings.”

“newgirl- The start of the trail is right off the highway (212) just east of Cooke City. It's near the Chief Joseph campground. We'll come out at East Rosebud Lake, which you get to from the highway (78) between Red Lodge and Absarokee. I'd guess it's about a 35 mile drive from red Lodge, but takes about an hour because of the road up the east Rosebud. I'll try to get a map to you that shows the BIG PICTURE!”

“Yeah, we should have a trip planning session sometime. Maybe we can get newgirl to join us!”

“I never turn down the chance to meet a newgirl, even at my age.”

“Danke Aero! I think Geezr has a good idea. We should all meet up for breakfast, how about Sat. morning? Maybe Chief could come up too?! The MT/WY TT Chapter 1st Annual Breakfast Meet . . . you guys can show me the map and the explain the shuttling process. Geezr, Aero, what do you say?”

“If you meet her, you'll be part of an elite group of two!!”

“I'm up for it--can't make it this weekend, but let's get something worked out. I can envision Stella's cinnamon rolls some morning....”

“Yeah, very, very exclusive!”

“What about next weekend?”

“newgirl,
I work Fri-Sun so breakfast for me is a bit harder. It can be the weekend but it would have to be a bit later. I start at 5 A.M. and normally I'm done and out around 10 or 11.

I sure would enjoy meeting everyone.

Does everyone work mon-fri?”

“Geezr, I work a wk. on, wk. off at a lumberyard. Next weekend I will be off (I just happened to be off this weekend, 'cause of Memorial Day). We could do a brunch thing. What about a Sun. brunch at Pug's?”

“I forgot about this being a holiday. Plus, it sounds like Aero has other commitments for this weekend. Weekends are fine with me, like I say it just has to be mid morning rather than early. When is your next weekend off newgirl? What time is good for Pugs?”

“My next weekend off, is next weekend (June 1 & 2). What would you guys say to June 2 (Sun.) at Pug's for brunch/lunch at 11?”

“I think that would work for me.”

“I need to check and see what's on my, or more importantly, my wife's schedule for me that day, but it might work out. We might be down in Buffalo, WY that weekend but it may be just for Sat.”

“Bring your fams. I would love to meet them. I will bring Newergirl. She loves to socialize!”

“OK, sounds like fun. We'll finalize plans in the near future.

Off to run some errands AND the vacumn. If Malinda finds out I spent the entire morning on this computer and didn't acomplish anything I'll be talking with a high voice!

Later!”

“First, Gojo, did you get that last e-mail I sent to you? I'm beginning to wonder if it came through or not.

Sarabelle, you mentioned that bringing snacks for you was totally acceptable. What kind do you like?”

“Hi Folks,

OK, let's try this. I exported map segments from my TOPO! program of the maps I'm using to plan my own private Montanapalooza (same route, different month). I uploaded them to webshots as user "martyb83." Can I figure out how to post a direct link? Here goes:

Try this!

If that didn't work, just cut and paste this:

http://community.webshots.com/user/martyb83

I can post other parts of the maps, or without my notes, symbols, etc. if anyone wants. Enjoy!

[Yes, I am a map nut. I am a planning nut. OK, just a nut.]”

“Especially "sketty and pi".

The last e from thee was 5/14.
I responded on the 15th...

BTW, Chewy -
Would you please price the following items? (I'm shopping around trying to find the best deal).
4x8x5/8" T1-11
4x4x8 PT
2x4x12 PT
2x4x16 #2 or btr
1x8x12 #2 spruce
8x8x16 CMU
50# 16d CC Sinkers
5# 8d galv spiral (NOT ring shank)

Thank You!
(BTW - is there a delivery fee?)



20 peeps?
Hmmmmmm...
Sounds like a permit just might be required.


As SLOOOOOOOOOOOW! as this computer is, I'm still able to check out TopoZone. Impasse Falls sure'nuff looks like quite a drop! What? 150 overall feet?”

“A friend of mine is fond of saying, sometimes it's better to ask forgiveness than it is permission. I think we can spread out enough not to cause any problems. Not sure where Aero wants to camp each night but I recall lots of room throughout the route with the exception of perhaps Twin Outlets. Like he mentioned, on the trail hiking speeds should spread everyone out.”

“Martyb,
The maps came out great. 3A is a tad out of focus but the rest should give everyone a good idea of what the route has in store for them”

“Geezr, I think you're right; just go in, let the group spread out and meet up in the same general area for camping.

I was planning on getting to the Ouzel-Bald Knob Lakes for the first night; Fossil-Fizzle Lakes the second; Dewey the third; and Rainbow the fourth. All those places would have enough area for say, 10 tents so it wouldn't look like Woodstock! I thought that by getting to Ouzel-Bald Knob the first night and just going as far as Fossil the second, it would give everyone a lot of time to explore all the lakes and side trails up top. Plus fish a bit too.”

“Gojo, first of all I think we might have some different terminology so you're going to have to help me out here. What does T1-11, PT, and CMU stand for? Does this have to do w/ treating?

In general here are some prices:

4x8x5/8" - Silly Weirdo
4x4x8 - $489/M bd.ft. or $5.21 ea.
2x4x12 - $539/M bd.ft. or $4.31 ea.
2x4x16 - $561/M bd.ft. or $5.98 ea.
1x8x12 - $533/M bd.ft. or $4.26 ea.
8x8x16 - $561/M bd.ft. or $47.87ea.
16d sinkers - $25 (50 lbs.)
8d galv.spiral - only ringshank

This is all Ponderosa Pine, we don't sell Spruce, but there is a possibility for Doug Fir. Add $100 per M bd. ft. for Fir prices. If the other symbols stand for treating the price goes up as well. There is definitely a delivery fee for smart a$$es in Georgia!”

“I'll be stopping to fish, smell the roses, rest, or whatever (as I'm sure others will be doing too).

I may even do some quasi-solo stuff, too. Frankly, I anticipate slipping into an altered state of conscienceness where I become, like, as one, like, with nature. I will prolly get scarce on occasion for a lil'solitude and medatative crap. I may even camp remotely. I grew up going solo, and sometimes crowds get on my "noives".

Don't get me wrong, though. I know from all my previous TT hikes that I will enjoy the comaradery social lubrication. I 'spose it's kewl to be able to both socialize and dematerialize on the same trip.”

“Aero - Probably would be a good idea to have a meeting place set up, for Billings, on the Saturday night. Something in, or near, a hotel would be ideal. Should I book a room in advance? It's nice to have an actual destination set, before a long drive

Perhaps you could also send me info on where to reach you, on Sunday, just in case I get delayed (or otherwise screwed up)”

“There's no bad spots along the route, but I'd say you picked out the best of the best to camp and explore! Bald Knob offers lots of space and good fishing, as does Dewey. I've never explored much around Fossil so I'd enjoy some extra time spent there.

Gojo, not to worry, there will be plenty of SPACE to find your inner self, or the meaning of life.”

“A few will be flying to Billings on Sat., but I think Chief had some plans for taking some of them up to Red Lodge to camp out. We have room for a few at our house for Sat. evening. I think a few of us here (newgirl, geezr and me) want to go out for dinner and a few beers at the local Irish pub on Sat. night. So come on over, we'll put you up, I'll get you details later.

But, we were going to try (cross my fingers) to get EVERYONE to Red Lodge on Sunday morning so we can figure out who, and how many, have vehicles we'll need at either end. This has the potential to really get messed up because of the long shuttle (about 3 hours from one end to the other). We need to drop off 4-5 vehicles at the end (East Rosebud) then head to Cooke City for the start.

So, if all else fails and you just want to head straight to Red Lodge , we'll meet in Red Lodge, MT at 9:00am Sunday 7/14. Tentatively we'll meet at the Red Lodge Cafe, right on Main Street, at 9:00am.”

“Most of the linear lumber here comes from Canada, so I guess it makes sense that MT prices would be comparable. Pressure treated is regional yellow pine, tho. Some plywood plants around here, too.

Spruce, ponderosa, etc - it's all "west coast pine".
toe-may-toe, toe-mah-toe.

T1-11 is grooved plywood siding
PT = pressure treated
CMU = concrete masonry unit (ceement block)

Aren't all your 4x4s PT?
PT is on the way out, BTW. You know - chemicals.

Hey! I bet you could put me to work in MT. I figure I could at least land a job at a Home Depot until I secure a teaching job. Do the schools out there have "shop"?

Oh wait! I remember stopping at a school in north-central MT last year. I found the shop and peeked through the window. I said: "Holy cow! This place is as messy as my shop!" LOL!

...I'm going to get arrested doing that someday. You know... zero tolerance.”

“Aero - From the map I'm looking at, it looks like a toss up (distance-wise anyways) for me to get to Billings or Red Lodge, on Saturday. The pub idea sounds pretty good though. Please do send the details

Is East Rosebud close to where we'll already be, in Red Lodge on Sunday morning, or is there a drive involved there, before we go 3hrs to Cooke City?”

“Gojo, I know a few contractors. We could find yaz' something. We don't sell plywood, that is why I didn't understand that. All our post and timbers, S4S or rough come in treated or untreated. And yes I know treating is on the way out. You should see the paperwork I have to file over it. Craaazy! The boys around here just call the 8x8's . . . blocking. And finally, we do have shop. Come to think of it the shop teacher up here is probably getting near to senility. Maybe the h.s. will be looking for someone new soon. Hey Saaarabelle, do you want to move to Montana and help my sawmill doggie catch bunnies?!?”

“Hodgeman- The East Rosebud trailhead is about 30-40 miles from Red Lodge, but a portion of it is on a slow gravel road which adds a lot of time. I figure by the time it takes to get 20 people mobilized and on the road you can add about a half hour! Once we drop off the vehicles at East Rosebud, you back-track through Red Lodge (so I guess a few folks could hang out until we come back thru) then head up the Beartooth Highway (US 212) to Cooke City.

I'm planning on leaving Billings a little before 8:00am on Sun. and meeting up with everyone in Red Lodge at 9. People could grab breakfast then or whatever. The big hurdle is just getting the vehicles up to E. Rosebud, after that it's a piece of cake.”

“Nice pics Geezr! I live in the WRONG part of the country. I'm usually brimming with Texas pride, but I'm becoming more and more disappointed with the Gulf Coast...it's 10hrs. plus to the nearest mountain! Sheesh....I'm jealous!”

“Thanx Aero - I plan to leave Vancouver early on Friday, to shorten up the Saturday drive as much as possible (depending on China Chas). With luck, I'll hit Billings by afternoon Saturday. I'm thinking maybe 14hrs drive time, but that's just a guess.

I'm happy to help out with transport, but the space in my Wrangler is kinda limited”

“I can not understand these maps. I am not a good map reader and I'm going to need some help learning.”

“Let's see..Seattle is about 825 miles from Billings. we made it out there in exactly 12 hrs. once, but we had the "reasonable and prudent" speed limit law in MT at that time so we could drive 100 mph through the state. Once we hit ID and WA we had to slow it down to 70.
Seattle to Spokane about 275 mi?
Spokane to Missoula, MT 200 mi
Missoula to Billings, MT 350 mi
all on I-90 from Safeco Field to my house!

I'll email you directions to my place (or geezr's or newgirl's lumber yard HA!) along with phone numbers, cell phones, Pug Mahon's number (the pub) and all that stuff later.”

“That's great Aero - I'm less than 2 hours (depending on the border) to the I-90 cut off from I-5, so my guess was probably pretty close. It's about 1500km from here. Hopefully I'll be meeting China Chas at the cut off, to share the drive”

“I love that drive across WA, ID and MT!!”

“I drove to Clarkston, WA last summer. The drive from here to there w/ Idaho in between was pretty nice. Although, I drove alone w/ Newergirl, so at times it was a little nerve wracking.”

“I haven't been east of Spokane, on the I-90, so I'm definitely looking forward to it.”

“Do you think this thing is going to get over a 1,000 posts by the end of the day?”

“perhaps!”

“newgirl,
I checked the schedule at work and I'm off Sunday, June 2nd. So, breakfast at Stella's would work for me. That's about the only opportunity I'll have for awhile. I work 14 days straight while the other tech is on vacation.
That stretch begins June 7th.

How does that work for you? Would you prefer breakfast to brunch? Plus, even if my wife works the night prior she could still have breakfast with everyone before turning in.”

“Hey martyb thanks for the maps they'll come in handy.”