Summer - 2021 NP Wanderlodge Trip - North to Glacier NP (maybe)

Leaving Riverton, WY after getting the Raycor replaced, with Glacier in our sites, back out 26 toward Casper, The winds sweeping over this area are pretty profound in a section labeled as "High Winds possible" and they are not kidding, had a gust hit us heading into Riverton 7.19.2021 that moved us into the oncoming lane, we are 40,000 pounds plus, so impressive gusts. We had a similar gust on return, Danny was ready and managed the wind better.

After getting to I-25 and heading north toward Helena, MT a 440 mile drive; the Wanderlodge again exhibited the loss of power that prompted the replacement to the raycor. We had traveled about 20 miles up I-25, Danny found a Stewart & Stevenson in Casper, another well known Diesel shop, but was unable to get anyone on the line. Danny milked the raycor and we headed south to Casper & Stewart & Stevenson Shop. We got to the parking lot about noon, he talked to the lead mechanic and we will be able to get in a bay tomorrow, as a Prevost will be completed in AM, and we are in then.

So an overnight in Casper is in our plans now. We discussed what to do at that point, as traveling north another 1,000 miles with fewer options for repairs was not something either of us wanted to weather at this point. Yes Glacier was a bucket list for the both of us, but we both believe in Godwinks, and after finding diesel shops to facilitate our needs, time to heed the signs and head toward home. So we spent 2 days here, (boondocked 1 night, Marriott Residence Inn one night) the shop went over our transmission, swapped to synthetic fluid, replaced a front driver tire seal found leaking and validated our raycor was functioning. Transmission was good, felt water in our fuel was our power moving problem. We both felt it was time to head south toward home. Many lessons were learned on our first long term distance & time away trip, which I will outline on my final blog for this trip.

1) None purchased

2) 122 miles driven today to Casper; 2,909 miles traveled so far from home. Next we are heading south to Colorado , as Cheyenne has no RV sites available due to Frontier Days. ( large 9 day Rodeo festival held yearly, link here )

3) We boondocked one night in parking lot at Stewart & Stevenson, so 0$; Residence Inn another matter, as had to pay extra for Jojo.

4) Found a Mexican place about a mile from the parking lot and brought back to the Bird for supper. Had a fantastic breeze and slept great. Our second night at Residence Inn, we ate carryout from local pizza restaurant, so Jojo could enjoy an evening in.

So now we will head South to Hobbs, NM