It is Friday, July 24, 5:08 p.m. as I write this. I was so happy to have the Yukon this week and will be sad to be without it for a week … BUT I booked 8/1-8/18 back at this RV park: Columbia Falls RV Park so will have it back after a hopefully fun week at Rollins RV Park which overlooks Flathead Lake.

There is a bike able route into Rollins, a small rural town on the lake, but it requires crossing MT Highway 93. We’ll see.

Back to Chore week.

Monday started great, slight blip with Oscar’s fraidy cat bed peeing, but thankfully I was able to strip/remake while at the St. Ignatius market in a comfortable parking spot. But, then the Whitefish disappointment … BUT then my friends at Columbia Falls RV Park came through and we were in a great site.

Wednesday, 7/22 … I had 2 packages from Amazon being delivered to the Whitefish Park. A bit of angst on my part as I had no idea how that would go. But I received a text from the park owner/operator on Tuesday evening to the affect that she was trying to make sense of our interaction, she didn’t think there was anything she could have done to help me accept the park situation (replace trees, grass and reduce sites .. probably not doable :) !! ) and clearly I had a bad day which was why I didn’t like the park but if I wanted to try again … the site was mine until 7/25, i.e. I paid for it, it was mine. I had to laugh, but I had not cancelled, I knew the cancellation policy (no refund), I had not asked for a refund and had no issue … it was my decision to not stay and I knew the rules.

So … Wednesday morning I responded stating that I would not be using the site, that I understood it was mine until 7/25 and that I had 2 Amazon packages out for delivery via USPS … I would pick up at the red building unless she gave me other instructions.

Several very civil texts about packages which I picked up. Thank you. You are welcome.

Hee … well, the reservation software will ENCOURAGE me to review after the 25th.

I am letting it go!

My packages were a new camera and memory card for the camera … hoo rah! The camera has been on my list and timing was a bit off with the extra expense of cancel/rebook, but that is why I have a substantial ER fund!

I unboxed the camera and watched several videos and then…

Thursday 7/23: Bigfork day. I wanted a few items from my storage locker in Bigfork, took Emmett for a walk at Wayfarer’s State Park, took advantage of “Senior’s Day” (5% off) at Bigfork grocery, got a little gas in the Yukon at same grocery as it is least expensive … then back to UPS Store as I had ordered coffee delivered there. Yes, coffee snob but I buy from Peets and I can specify the grind.

Today, TGIF!!! Not that Friday matters that much to me, but this is the only day this week that I had NOTHING, i.e. ZERO errands or tasks … a free day before tomorrow’s travel day.

Oscar intent on the view … the view.

Emmett and I playing with his Wubba toy in the RV park’s dog area … shaded, fenced … full of good smells but also fun to have a bit of fetch.

This morning 7/24 back at Riverside Park … fishing pond behind me. It was 67F but muggy and smoky…

Hot and smoky.

The photos from the park were taken shortly after 8:00 a.m. and I left the motorhome with A/C already running.

It has been a hot week. We did outside stuff early and then short bits outside in the heat and smoke.

This afternoon I experimented with the new camera … LOVE it.

A good week despite heat and smoke.

Tomorrow is a travel day, but only 47 miles. I have an Uber scheduled to pick me up from Yukon storage, then a 10:45 departure for a 47 mile trip. I will stop at a grocery on the way and stock up for 7 days as even if I brave a bike ride to Rollins, there is no real grocery so I need to be ok for the duration.

Fixing supper.

Adventure awaits!

Well.

Traveling day 7/20 … which was supposed to be Ronan to Whitefish … it went sideways.

I started the day backtracking to St. Ignatius to shop at the Amish Country Market. I got some goodies, Emmett and I had a nice walk and then we set off for Whitefish.

The drive along the west shore of Flathead Lake was beautiful, but smoky. I took video and yes, as always … a video in progress but I don’t know what or when.

I stayed at Whitefish RV Park three times, but it was 2009 the last time. Yes, I looked at the website but I didn’t pay enough attention to gallery photos or reviews. I was focused on being e-bike distance from Whitefish and my memories of a small RV park with lots of trees…

So.

The RV park was awful (IMO) … far too many sites, too close together. No “office” as per the owner: “I’m not sitting in that little red building (pseudo office) for anyone!”. ’nuff said. I had to do a lap of the park to reposition to get to my site. After my lap, I said to myself: “No”.

I pulled to a place out of everyone’s way. A package from Chewy (pet supplies) had been delivered and I needed to get that.

The owner waved me on. I got out and walked toward her. My Chewy package was on a side by side to be delivered by a work camper.

I said: “I am not staying.”

Conversation which entailed astonishment that I was unhappy with RV park. I was silent.

I walked toward the side by side. Owner said: “I am not refunding”. I said: “Fine”. She said: “Don’t you want your Chewy package?” And then she stopped the work camper from bringing it to me on the side by side.

“You better scamper over there and get your Chewy!”

The poor work camper! He was obviously not happy but handed me the heavy box. I carried it and loaded and pulled out to cries of: “You are crazy”, etc.

I headed for Columbia Falls RV Park. I knew they had space for the night at least and actually had space for the week … spendy, but comfortable.

Meanwhile, at the start of the travel day, Oscar was hidden under duvet and again, wet the bed. I discovered this at St. Ignatius market. We had a good parking spot so I stripped all and partially made the bed.

Arrived Columbia Falls RV Park and made the decision to take a “premium” pull through spot for 5 days.

I cancelled a scheduled Uber for Whitefish RV Park and rebooked for Columbia Falls RV Park to get the Yukon out of storage.

HOO RAH! So nice to have the Yukon. All of the bedding into it, also the Chewy box and packing material.

End of day 7/20/2026 we are in a gorgeous end spot with our own little yard. We have the Yukon and all prep for next day garbage and laundry.

Hot, tired … Emmett and I walk, I shower and go to bed.

7/21/2026 … I had big plans to be at a local laundry at 8:00 to get the bedding going. The RV park has a nice laundry but since I had 2 comforters, 2 duvet covers, a bottom sheet and a “waterproof” mattress cover … the BIG laundry was the spot.

Before laundry, though … on yesterday’s drive, I spotted an RV Park overlooking Flathead Lake. I looked at all info and sent a reservation request. The park phoned me this morning, we chatted and I booked a week. So … next week, i.e. through August 1 is booked!

After that ???

Back to today 7/21/2026.

I started at the big laundry about 9:45.

The laundry is less than 5 minutes away so I am able to start things, set my timer and return to transfer to dryer, check for dryness, etc. without sitting in the laundromat for the duration. All done by 12:00 ish, plus I had lunch during dryer time. I was ready to head out …

To The UPS Store where I have my domicile address as well as they hold/re-mail my mail.

To the storage place where I store the Yukon. I wanted to change how I store the Yukon but unfortunately a location for that was not available.

A stop at the Welcome Park for a walk with Emmett.

Home via Cowgirls Coffee where I got an ice cream cone!

Yum. Shared with Emmett.

And that is exactly how I feel!

I wimped out on a bike ride yesterday morning, but this morning was 17 degrees cooler and lower humidity. I wanted to ride plus I wanted more exercise than I’ve been getting AND I wanted chocolate milk!

The last 1/8 mile was along the highway, but there was a sidewalk most of the way and a business parking lot that connected with the grocery for the last bit so I didn’t need to ride on the highway which was surprisingly busy for a Sunday morning!

A quick, easy trip and all fit in my bright orange, insulated backpack:

I know … eggs! They made it home with no damage. The backpack is not only insulated, but it has an extra thick pad against my back and plenty of adjustment so it rides well.

I did it and was so glad I took the ride. I was hot on return but not awful and a nice shower took care of that.

Emmett and Oscar were happy to see me back in one piece!

We roll 80 miles north to Whitefish tomorrow. I have several stops planned including a grocery stop for a big shop loaded directly into Wild Thing II.

Yes, I didn’t really NEED to go to the grocery this morning, but I went for the ride!

No bike ride this morning. It only cooled to 67F and was humid and trying to be smoky so I bailed on a ride.

I’m writing this just after 4:00 p.m. it is 91F, 41% humidity and smoky. 41% humidity is higher than normal for 91F in Montana … good for fire danger but noticeably more humid than typical. I’m guessing the smoke is from Oregon fires.

Emmett and I played outside in the shade for a little while after lunch to celebrate finding his Wubba toy. It was lost for over a week and I thought I must have put it in one of the outside storage areas but finally found it wedged next to the little sofa. Sheesh. You’d think it would be hard to lose things in this small space but it happens.

Since it is not pretty outside, following are some photos from inside:

Oscar on the dinette keeping an eye on the neighbors.

The kitchen … small but everything I need. I wouldn’t mind a smidge more counter space but I am adapting.

That is a queen size bed minus a few inches in length aka an “RV queen”. LOTS of space for clothes and bedding. The bed also lifts up on gas struts. I have an extra comforter as well as Winter coats, jackets and some of my heavier clothes.

This corner cupboard makes a good spot for Oscar’s food. The food does not move around during travel! I have extra toiletries in the top and bottom parts of the corner pieces.

From the kitchen looking forward. I am considering removing the dinette and replacing with a counter … open section for me to have a chair and storage on the ends. Also replacing the sofa with a recliner and small flip up table. That would open that area up. Emmett could have a bed on the floor and we would have more of a “living room” area vs the aisle between.

No passenger seat :). If you missed the whole story, I removed the passenger seat so Emmett could enter via the passenger door vs the RV entry. He stumbled on the RV steps twice and then refused to use them.

The open spot also works for Emmett to nap and not be disturbed. The seat was really wasted for just me and not having it works better for all of us.

In the morning when I can have windows and door open, Oscar sits in the stairwell watching birds, people and whatever is going on.

One outside shot from this morning. It has not been windy so I put the awning out. When the sun gets a little higher and hotter, the awning shields that side of the motorhome and keeps things a bit cooler. There is also nice shade in my site.

We are quite comfortable in Wild Thing II. After 5 rounds, I have storage inside and outside organized and the only “extras” on board are some toiletry stock and a few food items. It has been challenging to change my buying habits to not always buying for a large pantry!

I have had the mindset for so long to keep backups of various food items, toiletries, supplies … So now I am editing my shopping list a few times so I don’t overbuy for my space. It is a bit tricky to have the bike and not a car for shopping when I am stationary but I have an insulated backpack plus a milk crate that straps to my rear carrier. I can fit plenty in those 2 carriers. The challenge there is bottled water. But, my basement storage is not full so I made a space for extra bottled water.

Still, I am headed to Whitefish on Monday and will get the Yukon. I am very much looking forward to having a car for a bit AND also looking forward to biking in Whitefish.

The cool respite lasted one day through the next morning and since it has been HOT. It just dropped to 89 from 90 at 7:00 p.m. as I write this post.

This morning, although I opened up when I woke, I had all shut and A/C on by 8:30 a.m. We are comfortable. The A/C and some small fans have kept temps in Wild Thing II 71-74F. Emmett and I take 2 long walks in the morning and then just short walks through the day.

I did ride my bike to town yesterday morning. There are two safe ways: one is a beautiful new bike path and the other is a controlled crosswalk across the highway.

I took the bike path. The RV park manager told me about it or I wouldn’t have known … no signage and it did not come up on the 2 trail apps I use. Not only does it go the 1 mile into Ronan but in the other direction the 11 miles to Polson. I’m not ready for that long of a trip but something to work up to.

A link to a bit of my return ride below …

I sped the video up and if you have volume on it sounds like I am on a speedway!

Speed ride!

I intended to ride into the grocery store this morning, but it got too warm too fast and it looked like we would get rain and maybe a thunderstorm. We did get a few sprinkles of rain but no storm.

The only thing I was completely out of was mayonnaise and I had all necessary to make my own so I did. I’m a bit low on milk so will see how things are in the morning. I leave here Monday morning so not super critical and more that I enjoy the bike and want to be riding regularly.

I can’t see these mountains from my site, but the dog walking area allows great views and they are always changing: color, clouds … mood:

The traffic noise and heat … not much I can do about either, but we are enjoying mornings in the cool and inside projects in the heat of the day.

9:20 P.M. Last outs. … sunset

We did have to leave Missoula on Sunday morning, July 11 so had back to back travel days.

The drive was only 56 miles so we left Missoula at the last minute before 11:00 checkout with 2 hours to make a less than 1 hour drive for 1:00 check in at Diamond S RV Park in Ronan, MT.

We stopped for lunch at NinePipes Lodge. There is a museum, coffee shop with stuff, a “saltwater” spa and hotel. I pulled somewhat past all of that to a gravel area where another RV was parked.

Hee… at first because of all of the hotel/spa/museum/shop stuff and the very nicely mowed grass I wondered about getting out with Emmett …

But the water was FULL of geese and so the grass was FULL of you know what, i.e. an incredible mess once I got closer, so no longer feeling guilty as I picked up after Emmett … we had a look around before I had lunch with this incredible view.

St. Ignatius is a bit further on with historic sites and a famous mission. I wanted to explore a bit and if it wasn’t Sunday would have stopped at an Amish General store.

I didn’t get photos because of country roads and traffic !!! There was an event at the airport: fly-in and pancake breakfast. A helicopter looked to be giving ride tours, a seaplane was parked and lots of folks enjoying pancakes!

Next stop was grocery in Ronan, Montana. I had reserved a week at a small RV park in Ronan. I was unsure about being able to bike into town so stopped to get a LOT of water and enough other items that I had to play Tetris in the frig and freezer.

But, on approaching Wild Thing II with my cart…

Well.

I don’t know … inland seagulls are an issue apparently! I had to laugh, though and sent the photo to my brother who lives on his boat and is currently somewhere between Boston and Halifax. Anyway, he is on the ocean :).

On to the Diamond S.

It is a nice, small, no frills RV park. I got a lovely back in site on the end of a row so no neighbors out my entry doors. BUT, the “bad” neighbor is the highway. It is the noisiest of any spot I’ve been in. Until this morning, though, it was so hot that except for walking Emmett, we were inside and closed up with AC running so muffled highway noise.

Emmett, Oscar and I all were exhausted from combination of heat and back to back travel days. Yesterday, Monday, I puttered inside, napped and recouped.

Late Monday, it clouded up. I had AC going all night but this morning with clouds and rain on the way plus a breeze … it dried out, stayed cool and I have all opened up and no AC … which means road noise but I am loving a respite from heat and also fresh air vs AC so will deal with noise.

Other good news about the park is that there is acreage to walk with Emmett. There is also crosswalk to get across the highway and take quiet roads into town so will bike about Wednesday or Thursday or ???

For today, another chill and recovery day: a bit of RV bug removal and exterior cleanup, inside RV clean up (incredible amount of dust and dog/cat hair!), some meal prep AND it turns out that there is a huge Amazon warehouse close so as I looked at my buy list … a lot was available to be delivered before I am due to leave: Happy Day!!

It is 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14 as I write this. I have enjoyed a good day of walks, minor RV chores and kitchen time in the cool if not the quiet.

Wonderful respite from sun and heat!