Friday September 18, Richard and Casey Massey’s, Missoula, MT

Had so enjoyed our stay at Koocanusa, felt quite sad leaving this beautiful spot. The weather is just perfect, cloudless blue skies and really warm, don’t know how we have managed so weather as we hear this is not normal, usually cooler by now. We had about a 5 hour drive to get to Missoula, so we just cruised with only a few stops through some beautiful country. The streams and rivers are so clear and they seem to glow a deep turquoise under the blue sky.

We stopped by a small lake for a lunch spot and got chatting with an older couple, Jim and Marty who were out cruising on Jim’s Harley. He had always had a bike, but had just bought his first Harley at the start of the summer and had already clocked up 6,000 miles. They were a delight, so good to see people our and about and just enjoying life.

Stopped in the small town of Thompson Falls for a browse, then ambled onto Missoula, surprised at the size of the town….over 60,000. Set “Jilly” for Richard and Casey’s address, and she did well until she tried to send us over a walking bridge! Quick detour and arrived safely. R & C live in a really pretty tree lined suburb close to the university and downtown Missoula with Moana, their curly headed little 2 year old, full of life and just delightful. So great to finally get here, Richard grew up in Onewhero and went through school with our boys. He has been such a huge help to us in getting Ruakiwi registered.