I think that on the 250 mile drive from Gillette to Billings, I finally had that "Holy shit, this country is massive" moment. Landscapes are far as the eye can see, too many beautiful vistas to describe, and here are 5 pictures from our drive, purely scenic:
(Truly beautiful country)
The best part about the drive was the moment we passed a couple of bikers who had their dogs on their bikes. Pictured below:
(If you look closely, you'll notice this dog is actually wearing sunglasses. Not kidding.)
(The happiest wiener dog alive.)
Once we drove through Billings, we realized how hungry we were. Given the previous nights gorge-fest at the Prime Rib, we figured we could deal with something a bit healthier and a bit cheaper. So yes, folks, we went to the local Subway, where I got my usual. I have to admit, it hit the spot, and I'd like to think that we did pretty well not eating at a chain until day 4.
(Footlong Chicken Breast - Double Meat - on Whole Wheat, with Spinach, Tomatoes, Black Olives, Cucumbers, Jalapenos, and Spicy Brown Mustard)
Before leaving Billings, we decided to get some gas before driving the scenic route from Billings to Bozeman, via the Beartooth Highway, a road that a late television anchor (whose name escapes me) described as "The most beautiful road in America," which is certainly a ringing endorsement. And yes, Jerome talked it up as well. As I mentioned yesterday, the guy is a Montana guru.
Anyway, across from the gas station was a store called "Nine Fingers Mustard Co." that sold "Montana Western-Style Mustard" and described its mustard as "Quite Possibly the World's Best." As a Jew from New York, I pride myself on my knowledge of Mustard, which, if not the world's best condiment, is certainly top three (much respect must be given to designer hot sauces, as well as a good horseradish). We walked up to the store, asked for some mustard, and were told that they were out of mustard. Hmmm. Well, technically, they were out of bottles, and could only sell us their mustard by the gallon. No thanks. As disappointing as Nine Fingers was, I will say this: Subway's spicy brown mustard, while not great, is as good as it needs to be. And unlike Nine Fingers' hot product, Subway's mustard was actually available.
(The Mustard Store with no mustard. An interesting business model.)
Wow, that was a lot of blogging about mustard. Back to business. We just got to the quant town of Beartooth, about to get to the Beartooth Highway, which will take us right into Yellowstone National Park, so you guys can anticipate a bunch of great pictures.
One amazing detail that I can't overlook. As many of you know, I'm a big candy fan, and I'm especially fond of Economy Candy on Rivington Street, a New York City institution owned by the family of my good friend and former colleague Mitch Cohen. Well we were driving through Beartooth when I spotted the Montana Candy Emporium, which, from the storefront, looked to be just another tiny store.
(Small Montanan candy store, right? Wrong.)
The place was cavernous. Here's a video of me walking through the candy store, and the best part was this: I was already wearing my bright yellow Economy Candy shirt, so the owners took a liking to me, and I am now back in the shotgun seat, munching on some free jelly beans. Hooray.
(This place would give Economy Candy a run for it's money. Just kidding, Mitch. I didn't mean it, I swear. Please don't stop giving me free candy.)
Thanks for reading. See you next time.
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