I was wrong. I have told people that, as I am searching for a new home, I am open to any and all possibilities. But these first few months—no. I guess knew this; that I am really looking for more temperate climates, even desert landscapes; but the fact that I will be spending four months in an area that I won’t even consider for the ultimate goal of this multi-year excursion never even made me flinch when I said otherwise.
That said, I will during this time have the opportunity to very thoroughly learn about western Montana, northern Idaho, and eastern Washington. I will be honing my skills as a motorized nomad, as a chronicler of travels, and as someone that loves to gather information, sort and reflect on it, and let it lead me to some place new.
The first clue that I had mislead myself and others occurred the first night out. I have spent many months as my house was on the market, as I sold off possessions and packed away treasures, stashing away those things that would be with me on the journey. That first night I was bundled under covers, the next day wearing my warmest clothes. Wait. It is still winter/spring here! All my planning has me following the seasons: basking in sunshine during the winter in the south in shorts and flip flops, basking in sunshine during the summer in the north in shorts and flip flops. My scheduled meeting at Chico Hot Springs pushed me out of that desired timing. It has also narrowed my options for routes to take and campgrounds to visit. In another few weeks that will ease and my curiosity and roaming will expand to encompass more.
Meanwhile, today I pulled out my Roadside Geology of Montana and Plants of the Rocky Mountains. Time to put my mind to work since my body is confined to shelter from the cold and heavy rains.
SPECIES I’VE SEEN THIS FIRST WEEK:
- Bison
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Whitetail Deer
- Bighorn Sheep
- Marmot
- Ground Squirrels
- Grey Squirrels
- Avocet
- Sandhill Cranes
- Great Blue Heron
- Redtail Hawk
- Blue-green Swallows
- Killdeer
- Glacier Lily
- Twisted Stalk
- Bald Eagle
- Osprey
If I remember others I will sneak them onto next week’s list.