Bear and I are parked and set up for the week in Helena, Montana…94 miles south of where we were in Great Falls.

I had close to something like a panic attack last night when I was thinking through the logistics of the move. I don’t know…it was like I was abandoning Bob. Off and on, I thought…well, I will just stay here another week, I do not HAVE to go.

I thought about waiting until I had Bob’s ashes with us. (I arranged to have them mailed to my house…) Silly…Bob is in my heart and mind and memory, but I also know that sometimes logic just does not cut it in the journey through loss.

I gave myself leeway to stay if I really needed to.

Off and on, this morning, I was tempted to stay but ultimately I was looking forward to spending some time in Helena and finally told myself to buck up and go.

Which we did.

And we are now here in Helena.

It was an easy drive on Interstate 15. The terrain changes from rolling ranch land to rocky caverns. It was and is smoky-hazy, but it was still very pretty. I stopped about halfway for a walk with Bear and a pre-lunch snack.

I had planned to go to the Helena Costco before the RV park and stock a few things but I needed gas…the first gas stop was actually the road the RV park is on and while stopped, some folks were asking about Bear and I asked about Costco and they said there was not a lot of open parking. The gas spot had an on-site market: Bob’s Market. I took that as a sign, got a few things from Bob’s and we rolled the last 1/2 mile to the RV park. We’ll hit Costco in the Jeep one morning this week.

And, I am so proud of myself…I thought up a new trick to help stay cool while hooking up/unhooking. This morning as I was in and out, taking my time, but still heating up (it was 70F!!!) – I took a dish towell, soaked it in cool water and tied it around my neck. Yes!! When I was ready to leave, I rinsed it, put it in a zip lock bag and then into the freezer. Arriving Helena: 76F, I put my semi-frozen horsehoe of a dishtowel around my neck as I unhooked the Jeep and hooked up water and power. VERY successful. I was still warm but much more comfortable and it took me only minutes to cool down once back in Wild Thing. Hoo-rah!

We don’t have shade here. We are pointed due North so taking the early afternoon sun off the driver side rear, but Wild thing is keeping up and it is not to be quite as hot as Great Falls. Also, there is a better chance of afternoon showers, just this 90 miles south.

Things are a bit more exciting for Bear. There are no kids but seems like everyone has a dog and he’s worn himself out thinking about that and is now sound asleep on the dash. I believe he will adjust.

I made myself a rather large margarita for an after lunch treat. I believe I will adjust also. But right now, I’m going to take a nap.

Onward.