Waving a fond farewell to the senator, the voyage today would gradually increase in elevation a good 2K feet. With steady 23 mph head winds from the WNW, the gas consumption was a whopping 3 – 5.5 mpg vs. a 7- 9 mpg as the Smitanic pressed forward.
The Montana landscape had a wide expanse of grassy plains dotted with grazing black angus, sheep and equine. The day's drive was 220 miles and took about 5 hours to reach the Butte KOA. The park was conveniently located next to the visitor's center. Adjacent to the KOA was a pleasant-looking walking path that paralleled a stream as well as I90.
Upon setting up the RV's full hook up, the slides were cautiously deployed. As the problematic driver-side slide came out, Kevin had a premunition that something was amiss with the '4-bit-fix'. He crawled under the slide and inspected the defaced quarter to find it was intact and holding snug; however, when he gently felt the opposite end, the head of the bolt melted into his palm. Ok...now this must be dealt with ASAP!
It was Saturday, and the next major city where repair would be available was Missoula. Theresa looked up Tiffin service places. Surprisingly, there was one with very good ratings and an online way to make a reservation request. Since all departments were closed at the time, this was all that could be done for the situation. The crew would simply have to cross all fingers and with the help from the statue of Mary of the Rockies looking over the RV, perhaps the slide would retract in the AM for the drive to Glacier. If it did retract successfully, it would remain stationary until service in Missoula could be arranged.
There was just enough time before dinner for some email triage and a short walk on the trail by the stream. Temps were forecasted to fall in the low 40's for the night, so the space heater was set up for MJB. Kevin plugged in the engine heater to help with the early morning cold starting of the Diesel engine. Kevin had learned that if the temp is in the 40's, the engine does not easily start without having had the engine warmer running through the prior night.
There was just enough time before dinner for some email triage and a short walk on the trail by the stream. Temps were forecasted to fall in the low 40's for the night, so the space heater was set up for MJB. Kevin plugged in the engine heater to help with the early morning cold starting of the Diesel engine. Kevin had learned that if the temp is in the 40's, the engine does not easily start without having had the engine warmer running through the prior night.
The next day would be a long 240 miles to Glacier National Park, a Bucket List item for MJB.
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