August 8 -August 21, 2022 Things Might be Slowing Down a little

 Monday (8) Today we gathered up the laundry and went to town. After finishing up with laundry we went to the grocery store and back to the RV. We had lunch and put away the groceries. It was another hot day , so the afternoon was spent working puzzles and watching TV. I had to get some kids off the dock two different times. Sometimes they just don't cooperate. Tuesday (9) After doing the routine things we got some rocks off the dock and did a little weed eating. The remainder of the day was just putzing. It was overcast and the high was about 84°. After supper we walked down to the causeway to enjoy the nice evening. 

Wednesday (10) Today we took the dogs and walked up around on the loop area after doing our chores. Later we drove to Ferndale and got ice cream. The dogs were so happy to have their own cup of ice cream. They are not spoiled! Then we returned through Bigfork and mailed some birthday and anniversary cards. A stop at the grocery store finished the trip.  Supper was turkey bacon, eggs, toast and berries. It's so easy to fix and we enjoy it quite often. 

These pictures are dark - but it is a little fort or tree stand up in the loop. It was here last year and is still here. 

Thursday (11) This was a pretty blah day. In fact not many people were here today. We enjoyed sitting outside in the peace and quiet. Friday (12) After we completed our routine chores we also picked up trash on the north beach. Then it was back inside for lunch. Steve got his remote control boat out and zipped it around  in the lake. That was fun. The DNRC Fire Crew was here for a little while to be ready to respond to any new fires. I guess they just came to park and take a little break. I talked to them, but they didn't need anything. We went to town for pizza at Rosa's and when we got back there was a note on the door. It said some guys were having a fishing tournament, but would be out by 2 AM. It was fine - the fishermen are no problem. 

 

Saturday (13) Today was trash clean-up day all around Montana. So the boat volunteers were here and picked up trash in places we don't check. I took their picture when they finished. Tony P was here about 11 AM and stayed about an hour. A wake board had turned up at our site and he found an address on it, so he found the place up on the loop and returned it. He was getting brownie points with the people who live on the loop. Today was busy but not crazy. The high was 89°. We put the TENS unit on Steve this afternoon - so his back would feel better. Sunday (14) Today was rough for me, because I had a lot of pain in my arms and shoulders. When we finished with the chores we made a run to Walmart for supplies. After we got home the lake was pretty busy. My pain finally resolved after I took a pain pill later in the day. I wonder if I had a pinched nerve giving me trouble. Monday (15) I woke up feeling much better today. We did all the routine things. About 9 AM my sister Pam called and said she got the cards we sent her for her birthday and their 60th anniversary. I called and made an appointment in Kalispell to get a steroid shot in my shoulder. I also called the VA for Steve an appointment with the pain management folks for when we return home. 

I let these people sit on the dock because they were older and we weren't busy.

Tuesday (16) Another regular day. We emptied our tanks (a weekly thing).  In the evening we took a drive on Foothill Road and a little walk on DNRC land. At 10 PM there were no cars in the parking lot! That is very unusual. Wednesday (17) After chores, I sat outside with the dogs, while Steve played with his remote control boat. Later I worked on email. My laptop was not letting me access email. I got tired of messing with it and will try to figure out the problem. tomorrow. We did make a run into town to haul off the trash and pick up some groceries. Thursday(18) We didn't sleep too good last night but we were up at 8:30. We drug the hose over to clean the outdoor toilet. Also someone moved another curb stop - I guess these people can't figure out when to stop in those big pickups. Tony P was here and he has hired a seasonal worker. Her name is Sydney and he was getting her oriented to the job. They stayed about 30 minutes then had to get going. It was 94° at 5:15 PM. It's almost too hot to fish. 

See how they abuse the curb stops?

Friday (19) Today the bathroom was a bad mess. We had to drag the hose over again and and really clean it out good! Then we sat outside and enjoyed the rest of the morning. About 1:30 PM, Sydney came by and visited. I checked the dock and then stayed inside. It got hot again, 95° at 5:15. This has been a hot summer here in Montana. Saturday (20) After the chores were completed we hung outside in the shade. Tony P drove out but didn't get out of his pickup. Today we watched Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes on the old TV movie channel. It wasn't quite so hot and we had a little rainstorm later. Sunday (21) We made a drive into town to get a few groceries. then it was back to the RV for lunch. Our afternoon was occupied with TV, puzzles and a short nap. There were kids jumping of the dock - So I had to educate them about that. It was overcast by about 5:00 PM and people left a little early. I guess that sports have re-started and the Northwest State Fair has also been going on and our crowds have lessened. 

Deer

I thought these young men were going to be trouble - but they were fine.

Another pretty sunset!

July 25 - Aug 7, 2022 Summer Continues

A forest cabin you can rent.  Swan River guard station.

 Monday (25) We got up a little later today. After Steve showered we walked and did our chores. I guess we just putzed around this afternoon. Later we went to town and got chicken strips and shakes for supper at the Dairy Queen. Then we drove to Lost Creek (a forest road). It's down by Swan Lake across from the Wildlife Refuge. When we drove back to Echo Lake there was a beautiful sunset and we saw a lot of deer on the way back. 

Squirrel!

Lost Creek

 

The sunset pics are out of order! But I can't get them arranged correctly without messing things up!

Just another spectacular sunset! Tuesday (26) After doing our routine things we got the laundry ready and went to town to wash it. Then we stopped in at the grocery store before retuning to the RV. Buster seems to have hurt his left front leg - so we babied him. He finally went outside. Later we took him for a ride. He also trembled in the night and would not eat all day. Hopefully he is better tomorrow. Wednesday (27) Today Buster is better. He ate and drank later in the day. It was hot here so we stayed inside during the afternoon. 

A deer hiding in the trees!

Thursday (28) Pretty much the same as yesterday. We have been having our hot meal at noon and eating cheese and crackers or peanut butter on bread for supper. The high today was 93°! Friday (29) Again we made a trip to town to get some fresh chicken and romaine for our lunch. Then it was back to the RV. We had to download the pictures off the trail camera card as it was too full. Our boss Tony came by and we visited with him. We told him it was too hot and we were just letting the people do what they want in the parking lot and on the dock. He laughed, I don't think he believes us. He is going to spend his weekend rafting and will be unavailable. Today's high was 96°! Saturday (30) Today was pretty much the same story as yesterday! There were lots of people here and we let them enjoy the lake! Sunday (31) Today was also busy plus I was awake about every 2 hours because my shoulder is giving me fits. The bathroom was a mess and we had to drag the hose over and wash it out! We continue to have high temperatures in the mid to upper 90's. At least the mornings are nice and cool so we can walk and do our chores. Also it cools off in the evening. Monday (1) Just another routine day. We finished the evening with burgers and shakes at Burgertown in Bigfork. We had a 40 minute wait for our burgers. But it is worth it. If you are ever in Montana, get a burger at Burgertown, pizza at Rosa;s and try to go to the following cafes: Echo Lake Cafe, Pocketstone, and Grateful Bread. They are our favorites. Hopefully you aren't in a hurry because there is usually a wait involved. Tuesday (2) Today we got up and around pretty good and finished our walk and chores a little early. We headed out to Walmart at 9:30 and were back home by 12:20. We put away our supplies and had lunch. In the afternoon we pretty much just relaxed.  

It's smoky from the fires! Their smoke is drifting up here.

A really cute pickup that rolled through.

Moon shining on the Lake. 

Wednesday (3) We   completed our chores and that included dragging the hose over again to clean the outdoor bathroom. Steve dumped our holding tanks and I paid bills. Later I also worked on the blog. I have been very remiss in updating the blog and I really don't know why. I guess it just hasn't floated my boat this summer. We did have a nice drive this evening to Krause Trail and Strawberry Lake Trailhead. It was 88° and breezy today. the evening turned out nice though. 

I am utterly fascinated with the rocks and clear water here in Montana!

On our way back down the mountain, you can see the smoke laying in the Flathead Valley.

 

Finally we see a buck!

Thursday (4) Today we did a short walk because they put fresh dust control solution on the road where we usually walk. It seems oily when it is put down and we didn't want to mess up our shoes. We walked up the loop road a bit and as we were coming back down we saw A1 Sanitation here to pump out the outdoor toilet. Then we did our chores. We also drove to town to haul off our trash, wash the pickup and go to the grocery store. After finishing all that - we took it easy. 

A1 Sanitation to the rescue!

Friday (5) It was 49° at 8 ish. so we were a little sluggish this morning. When we walked there were 2 guys with a flatbed trailer dumping some logs/branches on the side of the road. We couldn't really tell what they were doing at first and we didn't confront them. But they shouldn't have been doing that. They were gone by the time we arrived back. Sometimes we don't know how far to go in confronting these people because we don't really have any authority. I didn't even get a picture of their license plates to turn in. I guess the FWP guys will have to burn it this fall. It was so hot today - nice about 80. The game wardens were here about 3 it was Chris and a new guy. Also another highlight of the day included finding a bag of recreational pot near the bathroom. We saved it to show our boss, then discarded it the next day. It was 3.5 grams and appeared to have cost about $30. 

Saturday (6) We did all the usual things. Tony P was here and he pulled out the dock .Then we talked to him about the guys who dumped the branches/logs and showed him the pot. 

We see some pretty nice (expensive) boats out here.

Sunday (7) After our chores we sat outside. It was a nice morning. Then we were inside to relax and have our leftovers for lunch. About 2 PM we were back outside monitoring the dock and checking up on folks. 

Buster (left) and Poopsie (right) are doing fine and they say Hi!

July 11 - 24, 2022 Summer is Here and We Are Busy

 Monday (11) After we did our routine morning chores Steve did some mowing at the entrance. We also went to town and dumped our trash and bought some groceries. There was also a stop at NAPA to get struts for the pickup topper. The lid kept falling on Steve's head and giving him bumps. Not good. Guess what? - They were $69 for them. In other news, I dyed my hair to get that gray out. Later in the evening, we drove to Horseshoe Lake and walked. Something must have bit Poopsie because when we got back to the RV her little face was swollen and she threw up. 

Tuesday (12) Poopsie was better this morning.  We are so glad! Then it was a pretty routing day for us. It was hot outside (88°) so we stayed inside a little more. Steve fixed the bathroom fan again! Wednesday (13)The morning was pretty much as usual. We sat outside and about 12:30 Tony P was here to put up more No parking signs. He left about 2:30. We went to Walmart lat so I could pick up my medications and other stuff. On our walk every morning we go by this spot on the road. There used to be an older white house here. It was here one day and gone the next. I guess someone moved it or tore it down. We will see next year if someone puts something in its place. 

Thursday (14) Today we gathered up the Laundry after we finished the morning chores. Then we were off to town to get everything clean. We had a short nap after lunch and putting away the laundry - not much excitement. 

Princess Poopsie on a Pillow - relaxing

Friday (15) Steve was up early to weed eat. Then we completed our other chores. Tony P was here about 2 PM and we visited. There was a little rainstorm - so it cooled us off. This morning there was an airplane landing and taking of on our little lake (Echo Lake).

Saturday (16) It gut up to 91° here today. but we were up early , like 7:20 and I did the chores so Steve could have an early sower. Then we walked and sat outside. Tony P was here again about 2 PM. We were all outside til 3 or 4 PM. It was busy but not crazy. After he left - Steve & I took a little nap.

Young guys skipping rocks. They all do it!

They were with this group. A well-behave group.

A beautiful sunset to finish the day.

I'm not kidding about the cars parked outside the gate!

 Sunday (17) Again we were up at 7:15. It was another hot day 90°!.We did our chores and walked the dogs. Someone came  to see if his phone was turned in and it was, so I gave it to him. There were lots of folks here enjoying the lake. Our parking lot was full and there were 31 vehicles outside the gate. WOW!

More folks enjoying the lake. Some just below our RV. This was taken through the screen door. They are here! They are there! They are everywhere!

 Monday (18) It rained after we had finished our walk and chores. 

We usually see deer everyday, which is nice.

We went to town for groceries and dropped off our trash at the container site on our way. It was only 57° at 1:15 PM! For our evening entertainment, we went up the forest road a ways to noisy creek. It's really nice there. 

Noisy Creek

Tuesday (19) We did the routine stuff this morning. Then I got on the computer and ordered some things for our grand daughter's birthday. She let's me know things she likes on Amazon - then I order some of them and get them shipped to her. I also paid some bills - that never goes away. Steve defrosted the RV Freezer - with a little help from me. 

We see these geese quite often. They are lined up nicely.

Wednesday (20) It must have been a very routine day. I don't have anything written in my book. Thursday (21) Today we completed our morning routine, including a walk and chores. Then we went to Bigfork to pick up the mail that was sent to us by Hazel. I had been checking the tracking number and it did not show that it had been delivered. So we went to the post office to check in person. Guess what? It was there and had arrived on Monday. So much for being able to track it. Our next stop was Walmart in Kalispell for groceries. Then it was back to the RV. We had a couple of complaints this evening - One about reckless boating and another about boat trailer that got hit in the parking lot. I always report these to the boss - in case they call him. We also ate pizza at Rosa's in town. It was yummy as always! Friday (22) Steve was up a little early and he did some weed eating and mowing. I slept until 8:30. Then we did our chores. I talked to the boat volunteers this afternoon. there were two ladies here today giving out the education about invasive species. It is my social time! I love to visit! Tony P was here about 3 PM. I ran some kids off the dock (for their safety). Later in the day the Game Warden showed up. Saturday (23)  The morning was pretty routine as usual. Again the boat volunteers were here and I chatted with them. Later Tony P was here about an hour. We were busy again - but not crazy! Sunday (24) Another routine morning. We sat outside and listened to a podcast before we had lunch. The Dear Bob and Sue podcast about the national parks is always a fun listen. We walked out to the stop sign about 3:30 and there were 11 vehicles on the wrong side of the road! The parking problem here is still a mess - but it has improved some with the new no parking signs. We restocked the bathroom toilet paper and monitored the dock and parking lot. It was 85° at 4:30 - pretty hot in the sun, but OK in the shade. Everyone  should appreciate the shade. It really helps keep things cooler. 

A view of the cars outside the gate (parked on the wrong side of the road).

Looking west of the dock. It's a beautiful day!

Looking north from the dock.

Another photo looking west.