Jagger’s Feeling Better

Jagger

Travel Journal – July 15, 2014

Jagger continued to dramatically improve from his surgery over the past week.  By the time we left early in July to take the Coach to Bretz RV in Missoula for a couple of warranty repairs, he was almost back to normal. Since we had to leave Hamilton at 6:30 AM to make our appointment in Missoula, I decided to move the Coach to Black Rabbit RV Park along highway 93 (1st Street) in Hamilton.

Black Jack RV – Riverside

There we dry camped away from other campers as not to disturb them so early in the morning.  Diesel engines starting up do not make a very pleasant alarm clock.

The Repairs

The warranty repairs consisted of the Utility support under the kitchen slide, the Lippert rear stabilizer pin that broke and the most important repair was the electric mode of the Dometic refrigerator.  The propane mode has continued to work efficiently for over a month.  I left the Coach at the RV facility to return later, hopefully picking it up and bringing it home.  The other two repairs were completed the same day.  Most interesting was the Lippert Rear Stabilizer, which was pronounced repaired and given their blessing on my arrival!  My Brother-in-law’s custom fix was as good as it gets.  Thanks Bob!  I will be asking them for a spare pin for the one that broke, incase it happens on the road and I’m not in Hamilton where Bob and his complete tool shop is available, to custom make parts.

Some Shopping

Also while in Missoula I was shopping for a new pair of hiking boots that will hopefully relieve some ankle pain I was having.  My Sister, Janet, referred me to The Trail Head.  A specialty shop for Outdoor and Ski clothing, and accessories.  I wasn’t disappointed, picking up a new pair of  Salewa hiking boots at the same price advertised on Amazon, but the advantage of lots of advice and the ability to try them on.  They are great, the shoes, sales advisors and the store.

Visiting Lolo Pass

During the day we also took a ride out Lolo Pass for a few miles, researching for a future trip we will be taking later in the month.  We didn’t go far, but stopped at the Lolo Square Dance Center and Campground.  I am not a square dancer, but the campground hosts were friendly and the grounds were shaded by large pines. I ended up booking a week there.

Return Home

In the afternoon we returned to Bretz RV in hopes of towing the Coach back home, but alas the part for the refrigerator had to be ordered from Dometic, so I chose to leave the Coach there.  As of this post we are still waiting, the part is “back ordered”  😦

On the drive home Jagger and I made a rest stop at Tuckers Landing on the Bitterroot river.  It was a very long day and we took a quick nap under a tree and later went for a walk.  Then back to highway 93 to complete the trip home.

Fawns as the move across our property.

While traveling down our street on our final approach, I saw a deer and her fawn crossing up ahead.  I stopped and waited not far from the fawn.  It was a new arrival with legs still unstable.  Eventually the momma deer called it to cross and it caught up to her.  Jagger, although very excited, didn’t bark much.   Probably because I was distracting him with treats 🙂

Until. next time,  Safe Travels,  Gary