We decided not to hike the local trail here outside Eureka after Tracy rode his bike up and back and found evidence of the reported grizzly bear all along the way. Tree branches pulled down so the bear could get better access to the chokecherry bushes. Mounds of fresh scat. When Tracy rode the trail […]
Our Longest Stretch Since a Campground, and Other Firsts
As of today, we’ve hit these firsts: the longest we’ve been camping not in a campground, the fourth time—in the nearly 100 places we’ve camped—that we’ve stayed for longer than one week, and the most north and west we’ve camped. That last one is not surprising, but the others could use an explanation. What Is […]
All the News from Lake Koocanusa
It’s been a quiet week here at Lake Koocanusa. Wait, wrong part of the country! Plus it’s been only a weekend since I posted last. But we’ve enjoyed the weekend, and it’s worth sharing, especially with real-world news depressing enough to need a reprieve from. Weekend Neighbors Cause Scare The scare is that we had […]
Let Me Know What You Think!
Hey guys, I’ve been writing this blog for more than a year and a half, amazingly. And although I write it for myself, I’m curious how you read it and what changes you might like to see. Your name won’t be associated with your answers, but you’re welcome to elaborate in the comments. Thanks! Thanks […]
On Lake Koocanusa
A beauty of a day! (And, yes, I spelled “Koocanusa” wrong on my weekly email. Duh.) Kayaking Koocanusa Bridge Evening
Every Campsite Should Have a Predator View
I read once that the ideal home base for a family of predators (I think it was lions, in this example) is on a high plateau, with a wide-ranging view so they can keep an eye on grazing prey below. Plus the location should have drinking water nearby and some kind of cover where the […]
What Would I Do in a Real Emergency?
And by that I mean, what if Tracy unexpectedly, suddenly dies? This happens, you know. Hollywood movies and my own experiences tell me that the prime scenario, if you’re blindsided by grief and lucky to have the resources, is to be at home, first in bed and later at your home desk, surrounded by capable […]
Camped at the “Secret” Fishing Spot
It’s a secret, yet this road happens to be named Fish Creek Road; the guy in line at the dump station in town told us about it under his breath, putting his finger to his lips with a dramatic “shhh”; and my old friend David, whom I caught up with briefly in Missoula, said, “Oh, […]
Waterwheel Tiny House Finished!
I made lots of errors on this one, but it’s the most visually interesting one I’ve made, despite that. I took on the wiring job myself this time, and voila! All the lights work but one. (There’s always one!) And I don’t mean to disparage Tracy’s skills as an electrician; he did completely retire our […]
Tracy Labors on His Birthday
The University of Montana I’m excited to be near Missoula, where I lived for two years getting an MA—which was not especially practical, but, damn, I had fun. All until the last three weeks. That’s when I learned a lesson that saved me from the wrong lifelong path. Although I love taking classes and researching […]
