Oh man…finally a much-needed relaxing evening & a good night’s sleep. It might sound silly, but the change to Mountain Time helps; I spent so many of my adult years in Mountain or Pacific Time that the last five years I never really got used to being in Central Time.

I got up after waking up in the same position I fell asleep in. I can fall asleep within about two minutes usually. I finally got a good night’s sleep and felt more rested. I got everything ready and prepared for liftoff.

What a day. I have never towed a trailer in winds that strong before. I almost got blown off the highway a few times it was so fierce. The Tacoma did very well and I have serious doubts the Avalanche would have made it.

In fact, I had serious doubts when I left and was just hoping I could get to Spearfish and re-evaluate. The problems outside Rapid City sealed its fate. I had reservations about NOT getting a new vehicle and taking the Avalanche over the route I went the last two days.

Before I took out this morning I reset the fuel mileage. Given the ferocity of the winds and several long, steep mountain passes it exceeded my expectations – 9.4 MPG. The Avalanche got 9 MPG when towing on a good, calm day.

I talked about the strong winds, but the last two hours of the drive was rainy & cloudy, with the low-hanging clouds obstructing the view

This will be my last travel day in the trailer for a couple of weeks or so; I will be watching dogs for Meghan as she left early this morning to go out on a fire. I definitely will be going out on any adventures that I can now that I am here in the vicinity of Glacier National Park; that is what getting on the road is all about.

Tomorrow, after a leisurely start to the morning, I need to run errands, then I will be getting things organized and learning some more about the truck. I also need to pick up some things from the store and a couple of things for the trailer.

And of course, I will be doing a little exploring while I am out.

As for now, it is bedtime. See you soon!

Shawn