Not Rocking R Bar

July 6-7st, 2004

Bozeman, MT

GK) – Happy hour was a especially happy today as we pulled into Hysham, MT and found a park with a horseshoe pit. Sparky and I got waxed again. We just don’t have the spirit to win. Hysham was deserted so we took off towards Billings. I never want to spend more than 15 minutes in Billings at any one time and we ran over that edict by stopping at Hardees for hot ham n’ cheeses. Bozeman was sleeping by the time we got there so we paid KOA fifty bucks to park for 8 hours and use their electricity. Had breakfast at the Western Café, all you could want in a diner. By 2pm the next day I had already broke the fly rod I had rented (no fault of mine) and spent the remainder of the day staring at the gorgeous rivers and mountains around Bozeman. We had cocktails at the Crystal, still a dive, and had two cocktails and an Oly for $4.50. Dinner was at Looies, which was overpriced and the salmon overcooked. We ended our tour of Bozeman at the once grand Rockin R Bar, which is now reduced to a frat boy sports bar. I guess eight years changes a lot. Too bad, it was a super cool place. Now we are off to Missoula…

Now I’m Yellin’ Domino

July 2-5st, 2004

Sherwood, ND

(GK) – Fargo now a distant memory, we strolled our way close to the Canadian border and parked Powder Blue in the sleepy town of Sherwood. The itinerary was already set for us and we just needed to follow the dots. Happy hour went down on the Farm, thanks to Byrle and Don, et al. Gin and juice out on the farm never tasted so sweet. We then headed to town; we weren’t in town more than 34 minutes and we sat down to play a game of “84”. Lots of good memories lurk around Rich and Rondi’s hometown. They frequently dumped Jellybean and myself off there with the Grandparents many a summer. Great to see the Miller boys again. Pat’s place was rockin’; the only bar in town was packed with street dancers and farmers. We had a blast with my parents and their friends. Sparky and I destroyed some boys in pool. July 3rd went down much the same; hour long parade down main (captured on DV). Breakfast and dinner at Sherwood High School, numerous games of dominoes, and more beer drinking. Culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Sunday night we headed back to the farm for dinner and two games of “Nickels” with Don & Byrle. Always a blast. Breakfast the following morning and back to the cocoon to continue the westward momentum…

(STA) – 4 days and 25,000 calories later we’re back on the road outta the ‘wood. Sherwood rules the school from the deep end of the pool, and we were treated to the utmost in hospitality by all 112 members of GK’s extended family. We made ourselves regulars at Pat’s Place, whose slogan is “Where Rumors Get Started,” and considering it is now the only bar in town, it probably has good claim to such although the basement of the Lutheran church is a good guess as well. I think all drinks and bottled beers are $2.50 for easy math purposes because I don’t remember ever paying anything other than multiples of $2.50 despite varied orders. Bloody Mary Sunday at Pat’s was a good base for a good session of tossin’ tiles with Rich and Rondi before heading back out to the farm to see Byrle and Don. After ingesting about another 5K calories, it was time for Nickels and Windsors with 7-Up. After a great night’s rest in country quietude and a full-frontal breakfast barrage, it’s westward-ho with adventures in Montana forthcoming.

Things to do in Fargo when you’re dead.

July 1st, 2004

Fargo, ND

(GK) – We spent today participating in the 1st Annual Fargo Triathlon. Since we stayed up playing Pitch until 4am it was difficult to make the first event at the El Zagal Golf Course; arrived at noon and promptly completed the first event in 1.5 hours. Then off to a quick lunch in expansive downtown Fargo. Next event started after a stop at Steve’s Package for a sixer of Old Mil pounders and a forty of Old English. Horseshoes at the Oak Grove park was fruitless for a two of us as we lost 4 of 5 matches. But still, we were not at work… Dinner occurred at the Speak Easy in Moorhead which was delightful; then back to the scene of the crime(s) circa 1992-97, Chub’s pub. Still a damn fine establishment, not a chair has changed. Stopped for one drink, the newly named Peter Sellers (previously mentioned), at the new Hotel Donaldson. We had to drive down to the Bowler to find and karaoke and arrived too late to display our talents. The Triathlon was saved and the third event completed thanks to Devon who allowed us to bowl a few games after hours. A truly spectacular event…

“It’s ‘Go Time”

June 30th, 2004

Minneapolis, MN to Fargo, ND

(STA) Outta Minnie, heading to Fargo. Had the largest Bloody Mary ever yesterday. Last night was a pretty rockin’ good time, despite the majority of it being spent around the MPLS yuppie set. I think I may have approached intoxication while drinking only Pimm’s cups, something heretofore unheard of. It very well may have been the gimlet at the end that pushed me toward the precipice. Had a nice dinner at Zelo with RV crew plus Alex, Veronica, Heather and special appearance by Kosel the Youngest. We were sadly denied entry to Nye’s Polonaise by an “Under Repair” sign, so we went back to the Monte Carlo in hopes of a repeated Matt Dillon sighting. That endeavor was unsuccessful, but most of the crew managed to maintain their spirits with spirits. Thanks again to Heather for the hospitality.

(GK) – We are currently in Fargo, waking up from a late night of Pitch (cards) and martinis. Four free tix to the FM Redhawks game, found us in the ninth row for nine innings. We split after regulation but discovered later the game ran another two hours and into 15 innings. Saw two thirds of the Rose family last night and got the scoop on the Fargo scene. We promptly went to Duffy’s and got carded by Billy the 21-year-old bartender. We were scheduled to golf this morning but the late nights have taken its toll on some of our older members. Thanks again to Heather and Alex for going out in Minneapolis despite your busy schedules…

Chilin’ Like Matt Dillion

June 28th, 2004

Minneapolis, MN

(GK) – We arrived in the Twin Cities on Sunday evening shortly after Happy Hour at some rest area without bathrooms. We met some friends here from Seattle on their way to Denver and back home. Learned how to eat shrimp and scale corn on the cob. Very friendly here in MN. The next afternoon we spent a good amount of time at the Uptown waiting for just about everything. I had a good time with my sister and Stash at dinner. Thanks to Mr. Zyka for driving down from the Cloud. Powder Blue had been parked for two days now and seems ready to bolt at any minute, but we have one more night in Minneapolis…

Call to Arms – Tonight, 8pm and on, Nye’s Polynaise by the Hennepin Ave Bridge. Call us if you have any questions; otherwise we will see you there. Bring you $10 for the new Duct Tape Todd shirts. They are going super fast.


(SB) - Minneapolis is a cool town. We’ve been here two days and I have to say I was draggin’ at first but now am at full steam. I got a pace down now and believe we could extend this trip a few more weeks. Slept in a bed for the last 2 nights (no…..all alone). So I’m having some Powder Blue withdrawal. Nothing a Bloody Mary won’t take care of (I’ll see you soon old friend).

Last but not least, what a treat, Sherm took us to a little hotel bar last night called the Monte Carlo after a BBQ at Rich and Annette’s place (Rich you could make a livin’ servin’ them ribs). Who was there, why it was Matt Dillon. We felt a charge in the room of say fifteen people when we entered. Sherm looked over and saw Mr. Dillon so we knew then and there why. He had kind of the “Singles” look going on, only with short hair and 10 years on him all the while having let his sit-up program lapse (I’m with you on that one Mattie). He’s a super nice guy. As we were leaving he had no qualms about signing my chest with a Sharpe.

(STA) Back in Minnie…seems foreign and familiar at the same time. The accent hasn’t changed and the CC is still smoky as hell.

Omaha Matrimony and Jaegerschnitzel

June 24 – 27th, 2004

Omaha, NE

(GK) – A vacation from our vacation. We rolled into Casa de Loeffelbein at reasonable hour and parked the RV for what would be the longest immobility to date. She was itching to leave the driveway once we got on the road again. Daddy Don took all the boys to the golf course for a fabulous round of golf on a perfect day of weather. One highlight of the stop was Happy Hour at the Holiday Lounge. A cozy room and some supple drinks was mere foreplay for the eastern European confines of the Bohemian Café. If you can fry it, they can serve it. Sparkle nearly ate through the table when devouring his dumplings and schnitzel. We met some old friends and proceeded to close the Homy Inn, somewhere hidden in central Omaha. Half of the team had wedding duties to attend to the next night, the other half gorged on BBQ courtesy of Don and Mary Lou. Brunch the next day and then off to the Land of 10,000 Lakes…


(SB) - Thursday was my turn to be the DH. We left Topeka having made an Exxon oil tanker captain look like Wayne Brady making Bryant Gumble look like Malcom X. Translation we had an awesome time seeing old friends and making new ones. A quick shout of hello and thanks to all of you in Lawrence and Topeka. After a night off as the DH. We proceeded with more of the same in Omaha. Visiting local establishments while partaking in merriment in the form of food and beverage along the way. Seriously, If I had a penny for every calorie I brought in, we would already have enough money to buy this RV. Conversely, if I had a penny for every calorie I burned then I’d have to borrow one to chuck it at that Omaha cop that stopped us last night at 12:30am and then called in back up to cite us for malfunctioning reverse lights.
Omaha treated us well. I saw the Barron’s parents for the first time in years ….their hospitality was deluxe (I never realized this but I’m a big fan of “The Shower”). Congrats to the new couple and thanks to them for inviting me to attend the wedding and reception with Sherm and Meg even though they never met me.
Just cruised through Des Moines on our way to the Twin Cities, which like Omaha is another great American city I’ve never been to but look forward to leaving is satisfied.


(BVW) On a dark and lonely highway, east of Omaha…
Actually, it is 4 pm. Leaving the Big O a little homesick. Had a great visit with Ma, Pa, sister, brother and their respective families. The RV crew was a big hit with my family. This visit will certainly live on in family lore for quite some time. Was able to visit hallowed ground (the Bohemian Café) for schnitzel and kraut. The meal was met with the highest praise from SB and GK. If ever in Omaha, one must make this place a stop; though I must say love/hate of this restaurant divides sharply along gender lines.
Played first round of golf in 5 years. Kept score by how many balls I lost (3), I considered it a very successful outing. Had a fine time at wedding reception and Sunday brunch. By the way, if you are ever in Omaha, driving at 1 am on a Saturday night, 3 of Omaha’s finest will be more than happy to pull you over and bring a faulty taillight to your attention.

“T” is for Topeka, T-bone, and Donnie

June 23, 2004

Topeka, KS

(GK) – Yours truly was the DH today. Slept in the shade while the other boys played in the pool. We lounged around Shirley’s pad and waited for the anticipated trip to the Topeka Steakhouse. I finally came around when we got to the Saint Gregory lounge and had some monster vodka and soda’s from Donnie, the world’s friendliest bartender.
Then it was on to the steakhouse, which did not disappoint. My eight-ounce sirloin turned out to be at least 10 ounces and a huge Long Island Ice T brought me off the DH and into the game. There must have been about 50 people eating with us. The night again ran late and we closed down the patio at the Goose. Three AM is becoming a strange friend to us…

(STA) T-town is my town, for better or for worse, but if my life were filled with plenty of trips to the St. Gregory and the Steakhouse, one would probably not hear too many complaints. Chillin’ in Mom’s pool drinking Miller Lites while watching a combine thresh the back yard is fun too. The St. Gregory Suites is a residence hotel in downtown Topeka that boards many of the legislators when the state Congress is in session and houses a good number of Busch League T-town arena footballers otherwise. Donnie is the main bartender there, and he is an absolute angel of a man and hellion of a drink-drafter. Only honest pours to be found there, mind you. After a few drinks, on to the Steakhouse for gizzards and beef, both of which are excellent. I can only assume that my first dining-out steak was at the Topeka Steak House, seeing how my family has been going there for my entire life and a goodly bit of time before that. Wednesday is all-you-can-eat fried chicken nite, something I also highly recommend. Thanks to all the friends and family who showed to wish us well at the cost of their health.

Larryville

June 22, 2004

Lawrence, KS

(GK) – We left Lyons after a hearty meal at the Ranch House. No one working there had real eyebrows. STA had to make a few unwelcomed trips to the bathroom at Chez Ranch House. He’s a survivor. Consequently he was awarded the DH (designated hangover) or the remainder of the day. We went through Topeka on the way to Lawrence. The gang had dinner at the Free State Brewery and waited for some folks to show up. I was pleasantly surprised with the town of Lawrence, KS. Very collegiate even in the summer; it was a beautiful Midwest Summer night. We hit some of the locally owned establishments met some really cool old friends including a guy from WhyNot Minot, ND. The night ran late and the bars closed so we headed to an outdoor establishment called The Terrace. Stayed up way to late and took about an hour to set up the tent in the backyard. Next morning the Kansas he had arrived…

(STA) Ahh, ah…Kansas! The above should really be amended to say that I felt ambivalent about one trip to the bathroom and perhaps even thankful for the second, but that is enough of that. After a good nite’s rest at Casa Markle, a quick chat with Dad and stepmom, and it’s on to Lawrence, a town entirely accountable for the higher erudition for half the crew and responsible for about 90% of the aforementioneds’ drinking ability. Glad to know the Cheddar Ale soup at the Brewery is still par excellence and that there’s always a good chance that they will serve your beer in a warm glass fresh from the dishwasher. Apologies to Marc Mc for never seeming to have the ability to actually see each other. Wonderful conversation and drink were had at the Taproom, and we can’t thank Sidener, Mans, Davis and Bliss enough. We should also thank the Outhouse for closing at 2am so those shenanigans were thwarted…

On Through the Night

June 20-21, 2004

Start = Vernal, UT
End = Lyons, KS

(GK) – From worst to first in less than 8 hours. This was going to be an easy day for us and it turned out to be the best day, like ever… Left Utah downwind and headed for the golden lands of Colorado. Steamboat Springs. Our first major thunderstorm. We uploaded our blog outside of JJWEB Technology offices whom despite there name didn’t encrypt their network. My favorite part of Winter Park was the stuffed squirrel hanging overhead at the Gasthaus. The Baron took MVP this day with his driving endurance rivaled by no other; his only downfall was the constant whistling of the theme from “Alice”. Two words describe Kansas; the Classic. More about that later, but I ate half my body weight…

Addendum: We were stopped by the fuzz just inside of Kansas for no apparent reason. It all became clear when I heard the latexed finger tap on the driverside window. It appeared that he was just lonely and looking for a good time. We left without incidence.

(STA) Vernal, UT…f*ck, let’s get the hell out…Ahh…Colorado, Hwy 40. Some of the most beautiful land around. Steamboat Springs was ever so hospitable. But we really found kindred spirits at the Gasthaus Eichler in Winter Park. If you are there…go. Great old line German/French/Classic American. Of course I had the escargots Provencale. Heather, the bartendress, about the nicest folk around and a helluva mixer behind the stick. You could do worse on a Sunday night in almost anywhere. Missed the RV park she suggested, so the Baron took up the torch and I awoke in my beautiful homeland of Oz. As serendipity would have it, it was the one day we didn’t have few red beers under the belt when one of Kansas’s finest pulled us over under mysterious circumstances. Sparkle B is now a 1-year member at Charlie’s Bar in Great Bend. Although the bartender had never heard of bitters, he made a great sans-bitter Peter Sellers anyhoo. As a final note to be flourished upon later, if you don’t go to the Classic Inn in Great Bend when opportunity avails, I’d have to believe you couldn’t find your ass with both hands. Almost had a Wal-Mart checker joining us, but the lure of her cush job at Waltonville was the immovable object to our irresistible force. To think that some people have never heard of a three-week party…


BVW – Our broadcast day ended at 5 am at a rest stop just outside of Goodland KS. I started my driving at 11 am in Vernal UT on 6/20 and ended at 5 am on 6/21 in Kansas. One hell of a drive, with good times encountered along the way. Steamboat Springs, Old Town Pub-- had the spicy Elk Sausage Po boy sandwich. Pretty good time, except for the 10 kids at the table right next to ours, plus the 2 adults engaged in a compare/contrast discussion of Catholicism and Protestantism. I was hanging on every word.
Winter Park, Gasthaus was a great stop, eating while being eyeballed by a stuffed tufted- eared squirrel (local roadkill?) was a fine dining experience. Bartenderette was very helpful,---best Manhattan this side of STA’s place in Fremont.

Arrival in Kansas was triumphant, with SB s initiation to Charlie’s pub in Great Bend. We were proud to be his guests to comply with local liquor laws.
Had a delightful meal as guests of S B’s parents, now arrived at their homestead played cards until 2 am…and so to bed.


(SB) Nostalgia…Nostalgia…Nostalgia. No that’s not the name of my eastern European mail order bride. The flashbacks of my slipping youth were all abound. SO we drank and played cards till 2am. Thanks to the rents for taking it easy on us. All for now.