| We arrived to Choteau in the early evening, and we were the only campers in the town park. The dogs helped me go pay for the site as we got our RV parked and leveled. Such a difference from the Wal-Mart we slept at last night. Trees and grass and stars rather than fake lights, radio music and concrete. It also smelled liked rain and dark clouds were coming over from the west but we could still make out blue sky and fluffy clouds that make up the 'Big Sky Country'.
The next morning we went on our errands. Me, doing the endless tasks to get ready for being a Vagabond Nurse which have included over the last few days, various body fluids and today a test for TB. Anyway, with that done, we got our propane and headed out for Kim's parent's house. You never realize how narrow a road is until you travel in a fifth wheel. The road to Punky and Caron's house does not have a shoulder and the trees have branches in just the right spots to ensnare a good sized RV roof. But we made it through, pulling over at the appropriate times with approaching traffic (all of whom I might add , waved to us.) We saw a herd of deer just beyond a fence and as they realized our presence began hopping off with their long legs to safety. Choteau has beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and one in particular watches over Punky and Caron's house. It is called Ear Mountain and it is named that because just above the chiseled lines of the rocky crest a small bump sticks up, looking just like the mountain is listening to all nature below. When the sun hits it, the view is stunning and a few remnants of snow light up with the touch of rays. A narrow, narrow bridge led us over to their Arrowleaf neighborhood, named that because of the yellow flowers that make a home there, and just below these flowers, the leaves point in every direction. At Punky and Caron's house they have pets. Not a cat or a dog, but pets that consist of Ravens, Chipmunks, Bunnies and an occasional Bear that is an unwelcome but lately, consistent visitor. So our dogs, Sam and Ginger get to stay on leash here. Caron knows a lot about RV's. And since we have just bought one, we get help in doing what I thought we could never do: Put Out The Awning. Yes, we went through it on our inspection day, and the guy did it singlehandedly, bing. boom. bam. And all the while I was thinking, mmm hmmm, I'll never be doing that. Not without detailed idiot proof instructions. Well today, I did it all by myself. And so did Kim. Ok, with a little help from Caron. :) The awning is beautiful burgundy striped color at the end tapering up to white. I have a lot better understanding of it now. I guess the true test will be when Caron is not here. After that we took the trike and bike down from the roof. At Kim's brother's house they spent all day improvising a winch to get the trike up and down from the roof. We have only done it several times and could feel the pressure as Caron taped us bringing it down. I think we all had the idea that whatever was on that tape may end up on America's Funniest Home Video's. And win. But we did just fine and of course once the bike and trike was down, it was impossible not to go riding! We got our doggy docks and harnesses and our dogs were excited to go exploring with us. Grassy meadows and upper views of the mountain peaks were around every turn of the gravel uneven road. At one point, in slow motion, Kim had a small accident when her bike tipped over on a really nasty rock. She was fine, actually laughed the entire time she was on her side in the brush. And she got righted shortly afterward and she was back on the trike ready to go. At one point we let both the dogs off for a rest on top of a small hill, with shrubs and meadows all around. The dogs just bounced from smell to smell, sniffing and prancing. After we all rested, it was time to head back. I have a feeling that there will be many more trails in store for us on this adventure. It is so much fun! We had fish and potatoes for dinner tonight and afterward rested. Tomorrow, we have some more errands to do and we'll probably do some juicing. Yes, we have a new hobby every since the realtor we met gave me a juicer. We are both addicted to it. Fresh pineapple, oranges, apples and bananas are my current favorite. Alright, more when we get a chance. :) |
| 5/26/05 Thursday |