Montana Camping 2014: The Voyage Home

I can't believe I forgot the ending!

We got packed up and tore down the tent. Part of it was wet, but Kaley and I took a towel to wipe it down.

"Mom, can I go to the store one last time? I need to say goodbye to my friends."

How could I refuse that?

"Mom, I need some money-I want to buy them a chocolate before we go."

 I did not cave this time.  Zombie virus contained.

We went to check out and I took her picture with one of the employees.  He'd given her a ride from the store to our campsite the night before. Really. The Girl Who Must Shop was quite a hit with the population of the campground, but I think we established that in earlier posts.

A fond farewell

I wanted to check the Falls for any of the artists I'd met the year before and talked Kaley into going. The road construction was still awful but not quite as dusty as the day before.  We pulled in  and I was really happy to see the girl I bought my painted rock from last year. 

I talked to her for a few minutes and it turns out that Robert (the wood carver) was taking several days off that particular week but would be back and would be there through this September. We got to talking about her art and we started talking photography.

She's taken the plunge and her work is being displayed at a local gallery. I'm excited for her. She was focusing on her sketches at the snack shack but just so happened to have one rock leftover from last year. I got it cheap.

She took my information to pass on to Robert, and while I probably won't hear from him, I'm still glad I made that extra stop.

The Child Who Must Shop made her voice known and the zombie virus broke containment.
 "Mom, can I have *insert every item on the menu* please? " 

I did not cave. Take that, zombie. 

"But you got something."

I got a rock-a rock for goodness sake. There is no comparison.

I stood firm and got her back in the care and we were off!  I hope I never experienced the horrific road construction of this trip again.  I will also make sure that I don't schedule a camp out during an unusual heat wave. 

We stopped at the main crossroads and gassed up and got snacks.  And were nearly overcome by gas. As in cows. Cows in a big semi. The smell was so bad you could almost taste it. Really. We got out of there as quickly as we could.  We were heading home and all was golden....

I really need to learn not to say such things....epic road construction. Again. At least it was on paved road, but it was down to tiny lanes and 25 mph for a few miles. UGH.

All did end well.

To recap this adventure:

* Deer poo is gross and stupid.

* Wildflowers make the best fire starters.

* Butterflies are a girl's best friend.

* Pine tree twigs make the best swords.

* The campground store is Mecca.

* Zombies protection is a must.

* Balloons should never, ever go on camping trips.

* No matter how hard you try, a rock or tree root will always find the spot where you sleep.

* If you see deer when pulling up to your campsite, many critters that will cross your path.

* Road construction is the universe's method of revenge.

* Avoid cows at all costs.

I hope you enjoyed the trials and hilarity that took place on this adventure!

Until next time,

Robyn :)