The Excitement Builds

It has begun. The beginnings of trip preparation have commenced although it is at a slug's pace at the moment. At least it's forward motion! Yesterday I went all out and purchased another memory chip for my cheapie Nikon and a spare flash drive for my laptop. That tells me I'm starting to get serious about the coming adventure, believe it or not.

The motel room in East Glacier is reserved for four nights for North American Indian Days in Browning and Lily's spot at the spa is lined up for two weeks. Maybe the best of all is that I get to visit my Grandson for a couple of days before getting the show on the road (oh yeah, and my Son, too).

It's a good thing I have a pick-up truck because you never know what you'll need for this type of trip. If a man's not careful, he could be doing the big YEEHAW over the edge of Going To The Sun Highway and be stuck down there for weeks before someone finds you, assuming you're still alive after the plunge!

I might even pack two clean pairs of long johns for the jaunt to the East. I'm sure the Blackfeet might appreciate that. Etiquette is pretty important to them and I don't want to leave a bad impression or foul stench. I'll be going through bear country, so I'll need to pack plenty of bear treats to throw at other spectators in order for me to have a chance to escape. While I don't plan to do any camping, you never know whether a mean-tempered momma grizzly might be hanging around at a rest stop waiting for a new chew toy for her cubs.

That reminds me: I'd better shuffle down to the sporting goods store and buy a can of bear repellant spray. I won't have my rifle with me and the USFS gets a little touchy seeing one of those beasts in the back of a truck. I'll save my pistola for myself if all else fails and certain death is imminent.

Well, back to the list. This is going to take some deep thinking to make sure I write everything down. That way I'll remember what I forgot when I'm on the road and need it!