Red Shale Campground, Near Ashland MT

Some change in my plans today. I was looking forward to the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Sreak Fondue on Thursday. I had reservations at the Medora Campground for arrival tomorrow, July 1st, and depart July 3rd, with reservations for the fondue and musical on the 2nd. I’ve been there twice before. The first time with Rosanne. The musical is about the life of Theodore Roosevelt, particularly in the North Dakota Badlands. The fondue offers some good steak and fixings. The steak is actually cooked on pitchforks, on a grill. The second time I was solo, returning from a trip in the PNW, and I actually saw the season’s opening show. While I very much enjoyed it also, I felt there were a few sets that didn’t really go with the theme. More like they added some pop music to entertain the younger crowd perhaps. They have since come under new management. The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation partnered with RWS Global, out of New York, to take over the production and revitalization of the show. That change brought with it some howls from locals. I was looking forward to see what changes may have taken place with the musical. However…. Last night I learned that Trump is going to be attending the grand opening of the new Roosevelt Presidential Library tomorrow. This canceled shows on June 28th through July 1st, due to logistical and security considerations. I really didn’t want to deal with the security and delays that are already being warned about. Normally, tickets are not refundable. However, under the circumstances, the Foundation did agree to give me a full refund. So I also changed my routing home, and am now taking I90 rather than I94. I stopped at my favorite overnight campground when driving this route. The Red Shale Campground is a free National Forest campground in the pines. I have never seen more than just one or two campers when I’ve stayed here, and that is the case this evening. On this routing, I will also stop and spend a few hours at Wall Drug tomorrow, another favorite stop of mine. Not sure yet where I plan to stop tomorrow night, and rather I will get home on July 2nd or 3rd. It’s still 1000 miles to home from here.Read more