As noted in the previous post, I had booked 6 nights back in Columbia Falls to keep an appointment. After arriving, I started thinking about next steps because of Labor Day holiday. Short story is that I extended here in Columbia Falls until September 8 (leaving on the 9th). That gets me past the holiday and into hopefully cooler weather as well as most park fees drop to “off season” rates.

I arrived in Columbia Falls on Saturday, 8/22 to a forecast of severe afternoon thunderstorms.

Not severe, but thunder, lightning and thankfully a lot of rain with the storm so no new fire starts.

And then sun and bits of blue sky with lovely fresh air.

Per usual, my traveling companions were exhausted…

I had to move sites the next day. Not a surprise, I had booked my favorite site and then realized I messed up days but couldn’t get that site the day of arrival. But, I was right behind my fav site, so a short, easy move. We got settled in the new spot on Sunday and then I just took it easy knowing I am here for a bit and can get local stuff done at an easy pace. I do have to move sites again on Friday, but then will be in that spot until I leave on 9/9. It is still an end spot with lots of shade plus the park is lots quieter now. It will probably be busy around Labor Day weekend, but I am a bit out of the fray. When I booked the extension, the manager warned me that if I stayed in my favorite spot I would be in the middle of a group rally with lots of kids … hence my move :) !!

I have had a task on my list since late May: defrosting my freezer. I accidentally left the door ajar overnight which started things off and my RV freezer is NOT frost free anyway. I brought my EcoFlow Glacier Frig/Freezer as I had room.

I knew I’d want to defrost on occasion AND since I did have room it is an easier procedure to have the Glacier set up as all freezer to hold things while defrosting the rv freezer. Also, if I come across a sale of something I’d like to buy in bulk, I have the extra room. The unit is a bit bulky and heavy which is partly why I procrastinated on getting it out… But, like most things, once I got going it was fine and I am so happy to have done it as well as knowing it is not a big deal.

So much better! There was about 1/4 inch of frost on the sides, back and top of the freezer.

You can get an idea of the age of the unit … that door compartment which I have full of salmon is actually a juice can holder. It has been a long time since I bought frozen juice. I don’t really buy fresh juice either :) . It works well to contain certain items except I must have overloaded and broke the top bit. The freezer was missing one of the veg pockets and I found one on eBay. I was thinking it would be harder to find the juice can holder but eBay again – yea!!

The Glacier in one of my basement bays. I can open to put stuff inside, the controls are on the front and once on, I can control from the EcoFlow app. I have a battery installed which runs it for 8 hours but the cords are stowed in the corner and I can plug it in without too much trouble. All in all, I am happy I had room to bring it along!

Today, Tuesday August 25, started with laundry after Emmett’s first walk. Laundry was done before 8:00 :) … then breakfast, shower, 2nd walk and it was wonderfully cool and breezy! Some inside cleaning chores and then a trip to the storage locker in Bigfork and a walk at Wayfarer’s park. Home by 1:00 and it was getting hot!

A couple of birthday treats … to me from me … arrived just before we got back. More on them later but they entailed some shuffling of stuff which occupied me this afternoon. All is arranged and I am very pleased.

I jumped the gun slightly … about 4:52 as I sipped on a glass of wine and watched @Kennyofalltrades camping in Wyoming … Emmett on the sofa (you can see a bit of his tail) and Oscar by his cave bed napping in afternoon sunshine. It has been smoky today, hit 86F but an excellent day.

What to do when I leave on September 9. I don’t need to or want to make definite plans but I am thinking of doing the trip to Colorado that I intended when I took off in May … nearly 4 months ago. We’ll see … so far, my plans have not gone according to plan. I’m not complaining really. In hindsight, all has worked well.

Meanwhile, 2 more HOT days per NOAA and then a bit of a cool down.