Tuesday, July 11
Today is our sixteenth day at Quartz Flat Campground, which is the camping limit in Lolo National Forest, Montana. The crew and I will break camp tomorrow morning.
As has become our habit, we walk in the Ponderosa forest behind the campground. Knowing our stay is coming to an end makes this morning’s walk special.
This area of pines and low shrubs was going to be another campground.
For some reason I don’t know — This is back in the sixties — work on the new campground stopped.
The paved loop and parking spurs left behind are still here in good condition. Much of the pavement is under pine needles and pine cones.
It’s a pleasant park for walks!
Reggie is a slow-starter this morning.
I offered him the usual small plate of chopped chicken, but he didn’t want it. His tummy may be reacting to the heat. (Shortly after this photo, Reggie perks up and his appetite returns.)
Roger, as regular readers of this blog know, likes to sniff flowers.
I don’t know the identity of the flowering plant. It’s a low-growing bush found along the frontage road to the campground, as well as lining a few of the were-gonna’-be parking pads.
Roger stands on back legs to watch a prairie dog (or whatever) disappear into its home in a decaying stump.
After morning walk, I set up the “play station,” heat up a second cup of coffee, and settle in to listen to the birds, smell the scent of pines, and watch the antics of the crew.
Several days ago I moved the Best Little Trailer.
I wanted a campsite without the full sun hitting our home during the hottest part of the day. This one is a lot better.
Now trains go past our big, back window. This is a good thing. Maybe I feel that way because I grew up in a house next to the tracks. Reggie and Roger ignore the trains.
On this blog I skipped over several days of our camp at Quartz Flat.
Besides our visits to Trout Creek to cool off and the appointments at the auto repair shop, I read a lot.
The crew and I go into town for groceries.
I hand-wash clothes. The campsite shown above allows me to hang up clothes on hangers on the awning without them being seen by other campers.
Not that there are many people here . . .Most folks only stay overnight.
Our exercise routine is cut back due to the heat. We do hike the interpretive trail at Quartz Flat one morning in addition to strolling in the Ponderosa pine park every day.
A burst of energy sets me to cleaning.
I go over the interior of our home, top to bottom. I wipe all hard surfaces and give the floor a thorough cleaning.
I air out the quilt and comforter. I put the bed cushions on the picnic table and give the vinyl undersides a scrubbing as well as time in the sun to prevent mold from forming in this hot, humid weather. I reorganize.
It’s always a good feeling to have a clean and tidy home!
What about the crew? What do Reggie and Roger do . . .
. . . when they aren’t entreating me to come outside and sit next to them? (Photo taken from doorway)
Tug-of-war is popular.
It starts when one has an object and the other one wants it, too.
Like a special stick.
Or Reggie’s favorite toy, Your Baby.
Most of the time, Reg and Rog stage pretend battles in which no one is wounded and both sides win.
rvsue
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