7/24:Three B's: Billings to Bozeman to Butte

Robert and I enjoyed our hotel bed for one more night and it was great. In the morning, we knew we had to accomplish our town business, but it was a chore. We found a cabelas and paid them a visit to return the gazebo. They mistakenly gave Robert trouble about getting a replacement part for the broken arm of the gazebo. At least they were gracious about taking it back. We were also looking for maps, which they amusingly did not have. We asked about an REI. The man responded with, "that's an outdoor supply store?" we knew we needed to leave. 

There is an rei in Bozeman, so we headed there. The rei was huge and new, with really nice people there. One sales associate helped us pick out our next hike and a remote front country campsite too. He also talked to us about how he doesn't pass up calories along the trail- eating any and all wild food he can find. He also thinks if you can't drink from the stream, you shouldn't bother camping there. He was a little extreme, but interesting all the same. We sat for seemingly forever in front of the camping books. I ended up with a vegetarian backpacking food book and an edible plants book. Robert got maps. A lot of maps. And we were happy. 

Next we found a burrito place to eat. It was very tasty indeed. There is a college in Bozeman, so there were lots of young people and we felt at home. Finally a meal of real veggies and good sauces. 

On to Butte, where we planned to camp for the night. We got there and had some trouble finding a campsite. The place we wanted to camp was all locked up. Thankfully, with loads of national forest around, we found an alternate camping site easily enough. Others had found it too, but we were happy enough in the last level spot, right next to the creek.