Three flats and a storm

We knew they were coming, anyone who rides bikes knows they happen, usually at the most inconvenient time. They come in clusters like cops writing speeding tickets, bug bites and death. We've gone about 1,200 miles so far without a flat but with a severe weather watch out for the area, an ominous looking blue/black sky, the timing really didn't surprise us. We had been trying to stay ahead of the weather all day, visions of whirling winds and golf size hail keeping us moving. The first flat was actually a double (2 for the price of 1) slowing us because we thought we had it fixed. Then the next flat, the rain starting and then the third. Thankfully the really bad weather was somewhere else and we just got a little wet.
These events also can lead to other opportunities if you take a look around. Glasgow, MT had one bike shop 'for small repairs' 'with irregular hours' as described on the Adventure Cycling map. It was a Sunday morning and the owner Ron came down to help us out, the most charming 78 year young gentleman. Filled with love of bikes and restoring them he told us stories and walked us through his shop or 'museum' as he called it. Not only did he have the supplies we needed (big odd size tubes most shops might not carry ) but Ron had the attitude we needed to keep us moving. Not just moving to out race the storms but to remember the simplicity of biking and the joy it can bring. That may sound corny, but after 7 straight days riding, refocusing can help avoid a lot of unnecessary frustrations that tend to cloud the big picture.
Montana is almost behind us, maybe 3 more days to North Dakota. The Hi Line, as route 2 is called in this area, follows the rail line. It's pretty much the only reason a lot of these towns are here. Trains have been our companion now for 3 weeks appearing in the middle of no where and hearing them in your dreams. Seems, like roads, campgrounds like to be right next to the tracks too.
Big skies and big terrain, the size of the state scaring me at first but with it' s diversity and the tailwinds it flew by. We had bad weather climbing Marias Pass, 3 hours of nonstop rain with it clearing after lunch, cold but no snow! We ended up riding the next 5 days, who can say no to 10-20 mile an hour tailwind. Lots of miles ridden but relative to the hours spent slowly climbing the passes earlier in the month it felt like a free ride at times.
We are taking the day off in Wolf Point, MT, home to the Lakota Sioux and Assiniboine tribes. They are very friendly and not afraid to come talk with you and find out what your doing. I've already been nicknamed Freckles and prayers are being said for our safe travels ( I think ETOH was involved with that gentleman ).
Poncho's is the RV park where we are staying. The owner told us about another biker who after a few days of rest disappeared, leaving his tent behind. They came to find out he had a change of heart and took the Amtrak back to CA telling the depot to let the RV park know he was done with the tent too and they could have it. I wonder which way he was traveling, just starting and heading east or almost done and ran into the western headwinds and he cracked? I can picture it either way.
Everything changes, for better or worse, even the winds so we'll have to keep that in mind as we head to North Dakota. I hope things are blowing the right direction for everyone. Kate

P.S. iPhone charge controller broke. Squawking may be sporadic till I get the new parts. John