Mountain Meanderers

 Well, it was an eventful Monday to start our trip with a great ending.  I thought I left my wallet at the Driver’s License facility. After 2 trips to town, found it on a chair at home. Phewww! It was a gorgeous day to start our Alaskan adventure.  This was the view of home coming back from town. We had everything ready except for my wallet, so once we got that sorted out we were on the road (about two hours late). We met Ron and Rhonda at Laramie. Gorgeous scenery on our way to Lander, Wyoming. Lander City Park is a free campground and we are camped right next to a stream. Tomorrow we are headed to Sinks Canyon. The Popo Agie River disappears here and reappears later.  Here is a photo of our Montana loaded for Alaska.  Below is a photo of our campsite tonight. Not bad for free. StarLink up and using Dish Anywhere on the Firestick. Our technology is working well, so far. 

We are eight days from leaving, assuming it stops snowing. When you plan on being gone for five months, you need to look at the systems (house, fifth wheel and truck), pack clothing for all four seasons and also for hobbies (fishing, biking, sewing, hiking, wildlife viewing). For each system we have broken down tasks, dates and what we need to support it. That leads to surprises. While getting bearings greased on our IS, we found the brake pads worn critically low. Also, had a tire that slipped a belt.  Packing has begun along with removing unnecessary items. We’re still heavy on tools, but they are insurance.  Truck service takes place next Tuesday, then I can start packing it. Kayak rack was installed today.  Terrie and I both visited the dentist for some new hardware (got my new front tooth) and Terrie got two new crowns exacerbated by her moose encounter last fall. Monday is routine doctor visits so that we are good until fall.  Propane will need to be restocked ...

We are 16 days out from getting off the mountain. Last week I had the bearings repacked and found that one tire was defective and we needed new brake pads (22k miles). Have StarLink setup, getting oil change/rear differential fluid change and then the truck and Montana are almost ready. Kayak rack and bike rack will be the last week. We filled with water and started the fridge. Then what happened? Of course, winter reappeared. We also have a few doctor/dentist appointments mixed in along with packing. So, next week will show a few more updates, hopefully. I had an issue with comments, but I believe that is resolved. Have a great week and I will try to provide an update next week. 

Terrie and I plan on leaving the mountain on May 1st on our journey to Alaska. We will eventually arrive home in October. So far, it has been a challenge. First, we have had a lot of cold and wind - 134 days below freezing and wind speeds up to 74 mph. Then, we had to have our Labrador euthanized after almost 13 years with us. We finally got a weather break last Friday with temps around 50 degrees and light breeze. So, we got our permanent StarLink install completed along with another outlet on the driver side basement.  Today the hitch went in the truck so that Wednesday we can get the Montana bearings packed. Oil change scheduled, air filter changed and fuel filters arrived and ready for install. Today we stowed the weather station, StarLink and slides. Also, we took some clothes out. We have everything planned out to finish in time to leave on May 1.