Thursday June 3, Missoula, MO

A cold start to the day, Casey had the fire going so we sat around over a very late breakfast. Needed to drive to Ford to organize a replacement part for the ABS brakes, which we had put off doing from last year…but the battery wouldn’t kick into life. Chris the neighbour came over and jumped started us, so we were mobile again.

Managed to get Jilly going and keyed in Ford’s address and we got there without any issues. It is so good to be starting driving in a city the size of Missoula, not too much traffic to worry about.

After Ford it was off to Napa to get a replacement battery, had been there last year and got new house batteries. The chap fitted it for us then off to find a much needed coffee. Ian is suffering a bit from his chesty cough and seems much more jet lagged than me.

A supermarket shop then off to AAA for Alaskan maps…as a member of AA in NZ this is a reciprocal service. Right next door was Verizon, needed to get our phone re-activated and had to get a new number this year. We pay $75, then it only costs us $1 per day that we use the phone, ideal for us as we are not using it much, but good for emergencies.

The sun was shining when we got back home, felt good. 

Opehlia was awake and gooing and smiling so while Moana was having a sleep, I got the camera out and we had a lot of fun. She is such a beautiful little girl.

It was a real low key afternoon, Ian managed to sort bits and pieces out in the van.

But the big excitement was Casey and Richard have bought a new (to them) ,,,now must get this right….V8 Dodge Hemi 5.7L 4 door Ute (or truck as they are referred to here). Ian went with Richard to pick it up this evening, and he drove it home…couldn’t wipe the smile off his face! It’s a real beast, pewter grey and looks amazing.

Have told Ian he can’t bring one home.!

It was 10.30 when we went to bed, can’t get over how it is still light…and guess as we head north this will be more so.