The original plan for today was to go to Billings, MT – 345 miles on easy Interstate with sun forecast the entire day.

We did move.

About 2 feet backward.

My original stop on the site was a bit too far forward for my water hose and electric without my extension hose/cords. The extra electric cord I dug out. The water, I decided was not necessary as I planned to be in a spot where I could top off water on Sunday.

But.

Typically, I have loaded the motorhome the late afternoon/evening before and then worked the morning of departure until the noon time I prefer to leave for my first day on the road. But, I am usually so ready to go that settling to work for a bit doesn’t work that well, so this time I decided to work a full day and then on departure day load and go when ready. It went well, but I had a meeting shortly after arrival and then Auggie to coax out and ultimately we were all “done” by early evening.

I slept well and both Auggie and Bear were more relaxed this morning, but my list of things forgotten grew and grew.

I thought, well, I will arrange a late check out, shop here in Missoula where I know where the shops are and head out early afternoon for Anaconda, just 107 miles down the road.

But.

I was dragging. Auggie and Bear were relaxed. I finally decided that it would be best for all of us to just stay here in Missoula another day. Bear and I went to town as is our norm on a Saturday, although on this day, it was a different town. We collected supplies, gassed up the Jeeper and returned “home”.

As we were staying a 2nd night, it put the need for water, etc. a bit further up and so I raised the leveling jacks and backed up about 2 feet …. WITH the slides out. All went well and I got water and sewer hooked up so we can leave in the morning with a full tank of water and the “unmentionable” tanks empty.

The now current plan (always subject to change!) is Billings tomorrow where we will spend 2 nights. I have a Monday morning meeting. The next stop, Casper, Wyoming is too far for a 1/2 day. The Billings RV park is along side of the Yellowstone River with nice walking for Bear and I. I might even get Auggie out on leash and harness if he’ll go.

Backed up to take advantage of full hookups.

And, oh…if Wild Thing and the Jeeper look unusually clean, they are! The drive was dry, but then after arrival and into the evening, it POURED! … and washed both of them. This state of clean is not likely to last.

The other frustration was that, especially in the kitchen and bath areas, it seemed like everything I touched was gritty-grimey-yucky. I also forgot white vinegar which mixed with water is my “cleaner for everything”. AND…a drawer with measuring cups and other utensils was a mess.

No toothbrush, but I have a cherry pitter, a plethora of chip clips (no chips), 2 corkscrews, 2 wine cutters, 2 quick read thermometers and a can opener (no cans that need this). Phooey.

I moved the cherry pitter and the extras to storage area that had room, leaving the utensil drawer a bit neater. The bench seats of the dinette open to storage areas. I stow items that I like to have along but do not need to get to too often.

Vinegar (and a toothbrush and all of the other forgotten items) was procured and I cleaned.

I feel much better!

After our outing to town and some nice walks and just practice, Bear is “on watch” but not barking at every person and every dog. I think he feels much better.

Hard to see, but Auggie has found a comfortable spot under the comforter overhang.

Think what you will, but last night as I said my bedtime thanks and prayers, I asked Bob to have a word with Auggie about the hidey space under the comforter overhang. It was Bob’s spot and I much prefer Auggie there than under the chair or sofa.

This morning, after spending the night between the bed with me and under the chair…Auggie has settled on the comforter overhang as a good spot.

Thank you Mr. Bob! I miss you but I do know you are here with us! (also Karl, Gus and Zack)

So a good second day on the road: backward for utilities and forward with Bear and Auggie.

***I’m opening comments while on the road.