GREAT FALLS PART 2

Our first sight of the mountains in Montana Our rig with our #7 decal-Lucky 7!

Our leaders prepare for our Get Acquainted party (the official one).

Bear with me on these photos--I'm just learning :-)

Sunday morning we went to a local Southern Baptist Church. It was very small, but the people were very nice and welcoming. We sang patriotic music and had a great sermon. After church, we went to On the Boarder Mexican restaurant and then to Home Depot to get a piece of cedar to carve our names to leave at Milepost 0. It is traditional to leave a sign there. Even though it is several days off, we got the materials to work on it and have it ready. We also went over to Michael's to get a wood-burner tool. Quite a project! Back at the RV, Denny worked on our sign and I worked on trying to get the laundry done. I believe the washing machine is finally working. Around 5 we all started assembling again for another social hour. We look forward to these everyday. Afterwards, we came back to the RV and had quite a surprise. Bob and Glenda Spears were here with their brother and family. They are also on their way to Alaska. Bob and Glenda are some of our Auburn friends and we had a great time comparing the trip to Great Falls. They also had some situations similar to ours. While we were meeting and greeting them, Rudy escaped and we spent 15 mins. trying to catch him. It was our fault because we were so excited to see the Spears, we left the door open too long and so off he went. He was filthy and had to have a bath at 10PM. His 3rd in 6 days. He is such a rascal!!

Today, Monday, is our first official day and it has been really busy. We started the morning off with coffee and sweet rolls. Afterwards, we came back and rode to Wal-Mart's to get some last minute food items and I needed to refill my sleeping pills. Back at the RV, I put away the groceries, ironed some clothes and cleaned the RV. We went back for our "get acquainted" party where we had some instructions on driving, parking, crossing the border, etc. Everyone introduced themselves and we have quite an impressive group--2 Drs (cardiologist and family practitioner), numerous engineers, several teachers, an airline pilot and flight attendant and 3 or 4 mega farmers (2000-4000 acres). After a brief recess around 5, we returned for our first of many driver's meeting. These are held each day before we leave a campground. Our WM gives us instructions and updates to our travel logs. We are also going to be doing a journal. Each day someone will write up the day's events depending on your rig #. Which means as long as this trip is, we will probably be doing more than one day. We have 22 total rigs. We left after our meeting to pick up my prescription at Walgreen's and returned home to do last minute preparations for our departure. Unfortunately, Denny found a leak in our shower. Fortunately, it is leaking to the outside, but will have to wait till Calgary to try and repair. I wonder what that will cost? I think our rig is getting a little tired of all these long trips :-)

In the morning, we pull out around 8:30 MT and should cross the border around 11. Keeping our fingers crossed for an uneventful crossing.

Finally the time has arrived.