Friday, August 25, 2023

Jun 16 -30, 2023 The Activities at Echo Lake

June 16- Friday - We have a morning routine we follow, which includes breakfast, making the bed and walking the dogs. Then we do our chores. Today we also did some weed eating. The mornings are lovely here and so we usually sit outside and listen to the Ospreys or other birds. 

June 17 - Saturday - We  had rain overnight and part of the day. Steve and I played a couple of games of cards. Before supper we had a nice little fire and listened to music. Later we watched Longmire. 

Campfire

Pink Rock - I saw it on my walk

June 18 - Sunday - It was 57° this morning when we got up. So we were up late, about 9 AM. Then we did our routine  chores. Sydney came by about 11:15 AM. Later we hauled off the trash and went to the store for groceries. I took a nap and read my book during part of the afternoon. 

My husband had me take this picture. When you do not have a windshield wiper -improvise- use a rag!

June 19 -Monday - Another Monday has rolled around. I talked to Linda this morning and also my sisters Pam and Marsha. We did our chores and Tony P came by about noon.  Steve was having trouble with his back and I put the TENS unit on him. We also went to town to pick up mail and found out  that they were closed (Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday)! So we returned to the RV. 

This guy is in a Flathead County Truck. He is sucking water out of the lake to mix with a chemical they put on the dirt roads to keep the dust under control. I checked with our boss and he said it is OK. So these are a few of the odd things we see and I try to document them with pictures. 




June 20 - Tuesday - Today’s highlight was hauling the trash to the container site and returning to the post office. We got our package from Hazel (she sends us our mail) and also washed the pickup. I am pretty sure there was a stop at the grocery store also.

June 21 - Wednesday- We woke up to a chilly 45° today. So we started out a little slow. It warmed up some and we sat outside. After lunch Sydney brought us a case of toilet paper, and a sign to post that says NO Fireworks. This is a day use area and they do not allow camping, fires, or fireworks here.  Supper was chili tonight. 

This picture was taken at 10:45 AM. I was at the end of the dock looking north. Beautiful views out here!

Just barely getting dark at 10:33 PM. 

June 22- Thursday - Today got interesting. Some people were here and trying to launch their boat. The backing up part was not going good. So they were going to circle and come back into the chute area. As they were rounding the corner, they turned too sharp and got the boat trailer hung up on the rocks. Not the first time we have seen trouble at the rocks in the east corner of the parking lot. Well, it was a rental boat, so those people came and got the boat and trailer off the rocks and launched the boat. Then they took the boat trailer to their shop to fix.This is going to cost that customer more than the $60 fee to have the boat rental company launch the boat for you. We did some mowing today after Steve sharpened the mower blades. A little excitement today! 

Buster is on guard duty!


Middle picture is the boat trail hung up on the rocks with a broken or bent axle. The third picture is the lady who did the deed.

June 23 - Friday -Well today was more of the same, we did the chores and some mowing. We visited with the boss some while he ate his lunch (which I heated up for him). Also today  the dust control people were here. We thought they didn’t put the magnesium chloride down on the incoming road - so we chased him up the road (La Brant) and he said - “I’m not done, I am coming back through.” OK, good deal. 

This is why the curb stops get moved around! Some people don't park too good. 



June 24 - Saturday- After doing the routine things we hauled the trash and went to Sliters. We also went by the post office and drove through the car wash with the pickup. And since we were in town, we made a little stop at the grocery store. Maybe we eat too much. The boss called to check on us and we told him all was fine here. Supper was Taco Salad and Berries. 

Another deer!

June 25 - Sunday -  After completing our routine items, Steve sprayed some weeds and I picked up trash on the beach area (it’s not a sand beach, all rocks). We are starting to get busy because there were 15 cars outside the gate. 

Flower - Purple




Fire!

June 26 -Monday - Today we were up a little late. But we completed our routine and gathered up the laundry. We also hauled off the trash and stopped at Sliters. We got back to the RV at 2 PM when we relaxed and had our lunch. 

June 27 - Tuesday - Today’s highlight was going to Kalispell. We went to Blue Dog RV for a part (for the toilet - foot pedal), then to Target and Walmart. We also went to Ace Hardware to buy a can crusher. We ate lunch later after we got home. Steve fixed the toilet and put screens on the refrigerator vent to keep wasps out. All this shopping wore me out. I took a short nap. We did have a nice fire tonight. 

Canola Fields and Blue Sky on the way to Kalispell


Sky at 9:20 PM - So lovely!

June 28 - Wednesday - After the chores, we cleaned up the outgoing road. Somebody had made a mess over there. We also placed a bicycle flag at the corner where people run over the rocks. We have done this before and the flag got broken and then stolen. Maybe this time we will have better luck with it. Steve also fixed the awning (it was squeaking) and a hinge on one of the cabinet doors.

June 29 - Thursday- Pretty routine stuff today. Tony P. was here about noon. He told us about this new conservation license that people need to buy to recreate on Montana State Lands. It costs $10. As far as I know the purpose is to help keep up these fishing access sites and who knows what else. This year they are educating people on it and next year it will be enforced. He had a Life Ring and mounted it down near the beach. Steve tightened bolts on the Lifejacket sign, and we put a rock back in place. I monitored the dock 3-4 times.

June 30 - Friday- Today it got up to 87° by 5:30 PM. Steve did some weed eating. Tony P was by here about 1:00 PM. I monitored the dock. There was a dirt bike through here and that is OK unless they drive bad! I had a discussion with some kid who was diving off the dock - supposedly getting out trash  from the lake. But he was kind of a smart alec. Anyway I could not get him to stop so I left it alone. We did drive to town for a few odds and ends at the grocery store.


A few of the pretty boats!

We see the moon coming up over the mountains at 10:25 PM





Jun1 through June 15, 2023 Getting Settled in at Echo Lake

June 1 - Thursday - We did routine things this morning. Today we started our caretaking of Echo Lake. This consists of cleaning one outdoor bathroom and picking up the trash in the parking lot. We put out our mat in front of the RV, and did a few other thing to finish setting up. Tony Powell was here and brought us the lawnmower and weed eater. Steve straightened out the shed. We had leftover chili  for lunch and then went  to town and did laundry. 

Pretty little flowers

June 2 - Friday - Today we cut the morning routine short and headed to Walmart for supplies. We had lunch after everything was put away. Steve washed the bugs off the RV. We were able to do some mowing and weed eating. 

Our Site at Echo Lake

Sunset

June 3 - Saturday - We did routine things today. Sleep was’t great because Poopsie cried off and on overnight. Steve worked on the rock area that he made a few years ago. A post had rotted and it needed to be replaced.  

June 4 - Sunday - Today was pretty routine. Steve finished his rock project. About eleven, Sydney came by and checked on us. Later Tony P called. We finally got our perimeter rope put up. I think we are finally about to get our site fixed for the summer. 

Some of the visitors to Echo Lake. It looks to me like those rocks would hurt their hooves.

 

 


The Infamous Parking Lot! We were pretty busy today!

 

A view of the Lake


Doo, Doo, Doo  Lookin Out My Front Door!

 

June 5 -Monday -Today we mowed from 10:30 to 1:00.  This was after we had completed our regular chores. It was kinda slow here today, which made it a great day for mowing.

Orange Flower


June 6 - Tuesday - After the morning routine - we went to Sliters and Harvest food in Bigfork. We filled the freshwater tank in the RV - just in case we lose electricity and can’t get well water. 

We noticed this had been hit and moved when we were on our walk.
Reported it to our boss and he reported to Flathead Elec Coop.
Before we knew it, Flathead Electric was out here fixing it




Another Sunset - Tuesday Evening at 10:03 PM. It stays light for a long time here in June!

June 7 - Wednesday- Today we did weed eating in the parking lot and along the road. For supper we went to Rosa’s Pizza. It is always good. 


Pretty Yellow Flowers

Pretty little Orange Flowers


See how they treat our curb stops? They manage to hit them and drag them all over with their boat trailers!

 June 8- Thursday - We completed all our routine things today. Today Steve’s back is bad. The kids from Swan River School rode their bikes out today. And then they kayaked around the lake. It is always fun to see them have a great last day of school. We drove to Kalispell and went to Harbor Freight and Walmart. We were back home by 4:00 PM. It rained later in the evening. 

June 9 - Friday -It rained this morning, so we stayed inside. Then Tony P came by about 11:00 AM. He brought us a new litter picker upper, which we needed. Today was pretty slow. That makes it nice for us. 

Jun 10 - Saturday- After we did the chores we did mowing for about two hours. Then I monitored the site and dock. I had a short nap today. The weather was nice and we sat outside this afternoon. 


I am pretty sure these are noxious weeds, but I love the flowers!


June 11 - Sunday - We sat outside and listened to a podcast today after doing the chores. We like to listen to the Dear Bob and Sue Podcast. It’s about visiting National Parks and other public lands. There was a wind storm this afternoon. We are so glad we have a power awning so we just roll it in when the wind comes up. We also walked up the loop road some.

Jun 12 -Monday - After doing the chores, we hauled off the trash. Then we stopped at Sliters and Harvest Foods. Today when doing the chores, We found a Crawdad Trap. Which wouldn’t be so bad - but for bait they had used old meat bones. I wasn’t happy about that find. Talked to Tony P about it. And later the trap magically disappeared. Hallelujah.

Crawdad Trap - See that icky bone?

Orange Flower

Sunset

June 13 - Tuesday - After the usual morning routine was completed, we loaded up the laundry and went to town. That took until about 12:45. Then we went home and put away the clothes and had lunch. Later we went on a drive and looked for deer. 

June 14 - Wednesday - Today we got up late. It was chilly - 50 degrees, which makes sleeping great. We did our chores and putzed around. Sydney came by and visited. When evening rolled around we took the dogs along on a drive to town for Berries and ice cream. Yum.

June 15 - Thursday-After the chores, we went to Kalispell. We stopped at Bish’s RV for a part and then on to Walmart. We got home about 2 PM and put everything away. 

Our view as we start our walk.

We see deer most days when we walk



May 16 - 31, 2023 Preparation for Trip, Graduation, Wedding, and Drive to Montana!

 Tuesday - 16th - After breakfast I started mowing the front yard, while Steve did weed eating. Then we rested a bit and took turns mowing the back yard. After lunch it was off to the beaury shop to get my hair colored. Then we had supper with Linda and Hazel at La Macarena. 

Wednesday - 17th - We got around and  did some routine things around the house. This included paying some bills. Later we went to Stillwater so Steve could get his 2nd Shingles shot. Of  course we also hit up Walgreens and Walmart Market. 

Thursday - 18th - More bills to pay and then some bookkeeping I typed up two special messages today. One for Logan and his graduation and one for Kristi and John's wedding. We started packing clothes, food and other items in the RV. We took a few breaks so as not to get too tired.

Friday - 19th - Today we did the final loading of the RV. We left Perry at 11:00 AM. On our way out of town we gassed up the RV. We drove to El Reno and stopped at Walmart for some groceries before we parked the RV.  Steve & I set up the RV at El Reno Lake, then took a short nap. We had to return to Walmart because Steve didn't bring his clothes for graduation. I made us sloppy joes and we ate chips with them.  

 Saturday - 20th -Today was graduation for Logan. So we were up at 7:15 to walk the dogs and get dressed. We arrived at the football field about 8:30 and watched Logan graduate. He had over 200 classmates. It was over at 11:00 AM. Then we went to Kristi's and headed to Outback Steakhouse. After lunch we had cake and ice cream to celebrate the graduation



 


Logan Singletary with Honor Cords and National Guard collar

Logan with cake

Kristi, Logan and Austyn

Sunday-21st - Today we kind of took it easy in the morning. Then later Kristi, John, Austyn, Logan and his girlfriend came out to the RV and we had a fire and cooked hamburgers and S'mores. Everyone had a great time. 

Monday 22 - After breakfast, Steve worked on the light in the closet. Then it was back to Walmart for more supplies. After lunch I went with Logan and his girlfriend to get the oil changed in my car. Then we relaxed. Kristi and John came to the RV for a visit. I made us supper and we finished the evening with TV. 

Tuesday 23 - Today we  made a trip into OKC to go to the VA. Steve had a checkup with the SCI clinic. Then we waited in the pharmacy to get his medication for the trip. They didn't have the injections, so we will have to call tomorrow and return to pick them up. We took Kristi and John to Hideaway pizza for supper. 

Wednesday - 24th - This morning checked with the VA and the shots had arrived. So we drove to the VA and pickup up the shots. Then it was back to the RV. We prepared it to move and hooked up the pickup. We are staying at Mustang Run RV Park in Yukon until the wedding. Also, we had to stop and get a new fan motor resistor, so the Air conditioner will blow on all speeds. Steve fixed that. Then it was over to Kristi's for supper and back to the RV. 

Thursday -25th - This morning we putzed around a bit after walking the dogs. I made taco meat for a taco salad for lunch. After lunch we went to Kristi's to work on the sleeves for her dress. We were there til about 2:30 or 3:00. Then it was back to the RV. We had supper at Chili's with Kristi and John. Then returned to the RV. 

Friday - 26th - Today is the  big day, Kristi and John are getting married. We got dressed and walked the dogs. Next we went to the event center to help decorate for the wedding and do the rehearsal. We ate lunch with Kristi and Austyn after we picked up the wedding cake at Walmart. We got to go back to the RV and took a much needed nap.  We walked the dogs before getting dressed up in our wedding finery. I did my hair and makeup and returned to the wedding venue for pictures, rehearsal, wedding ceremony and  reception. It was great!




Steve & Logan


Steve

Mary

Kristi - Our Bride

Steve & Kristi - Father Daughter Dance




One of the decorations made by Kristi

Austyn, Kristi and John

Saturday - 27th - After doing all our routine things we unhooked the utilities and hooked up the pickup. We drove to Perry . We got gas again and dropped off our fancy clothes. We picked up a few items we had forgotten and were on the road to Montana. We spent the first night at Russel Kansas, Triple J Campground. We just hooked up the Water and Electric - so we could get a good start in the morning.

Sunday - 28th - We were up at 7:30 and had our breakfast and walked the dogs. After unhooking our utilities we got gas and hit I-70 West. We drove about two hours then made a stop at a rest area. We drove another hour and had a nap. Then we drove on to the KOA at Strasburg, CO (East Denver). We parked and hooked up the utilities. We got pizza delivered for supper. Then it was resting and relaxing. 

A pretty little flower!

The cabinet got jumbled on I-70


Lovely Old Homestead at Agate CO

Single parent household

Monday - 29th - We ate the KOA breakfast of pancakes, sausage and orange juice. Then we got ready to travel after walking the dogs. Steve drove through Denver like a pro. Then we crossed into Wyoming. It was a lovely travel day. We made it all the way to Buffalo, WY and stayed at Deer Park Campground. This place is about 1 mile east of the interstate and it feels a hundred miles away. It is out in the country and has nice trees. The weather was lovely. We watched two Tom Sellack movies because the trees blocked our satellite. 

These are pictures out the window of the RV as we were driving alon.

Watkins, CO





                                                                        Erie, CO


Crossed into Wyoming!


Chugwater, WY - I love these rock formations!

Slater, WY




Flowers at Wheatland, WY

Douglas, WY



A few Pronghorns, my favorite!
Casper, WY

Buffalo, WY


Buffalo, WY

Tuesday - 30th - Today we left Buffalo and drove to Deer Lodge, MT. We stayed at Indian Creek Campground. We have stayed here many times. It has a nice place to walk the dogs and also a view of the mountains. We are pushing really hard to get to our volunteer camp host job at Echo Lake, MT. Steve did two days of more than 400 miles. This is not our usual mode of travel, but we are in a hurry.

Parkman, WY



Ranchester, WY


Crossing into Montana at 10:00 AM

Big Timber, MT


Big Timber, MT 1:22 PM


Crossing the Continental Divide - Homestake Pass near Butte, MT 

Wednesday - 31st - We did all the usual things this morning. After walking the dogs, we unhooked the utilities and made the RV ready to travel. We have not unhooked the pickup since we started this journey. We got propane before we got on the road. We got to Echo Lake at 2:30 PM. Then we unhooked the pickup in the parking lot. Next, we parked the RV and hooked up our utilities. We started getting things set up for the summer here. Later we went to town for a few groceries and to wash the pickup. We had Chili for supper.  It was yummy!

View of the Mountains from the RV Park at Deer Lodge, MT






Homestead at Garrison, MT


Ovando, MT


Swan Rive at Ferndale, MT almost to Echo Lake our summer place!



That's it for this drive! We made it to Echo Lake!