I am in my element now—set up under pine trees, with few people nearby. Things and shoes are finally arranged in Half Moon and Flying Cloud to my satisfaction (no more “where did I put that”). Settled in, I am finding a flexible camping routine that  I will follow now for much of the trip.

While drinking coffee this morning I looked out at my little lagoon.

Some type of flycatcher (?) kept me company for quite a long time

A white pelican floated by

Antelope entertained me

My morning hike was full of surprises.

I went down the embankment and found a trail and a bridge over the water

We startled a female wild turkey, who yelled at us in disgust

Next surprise: a bench overlooking another section of water

Looking back at van and campsite, middle of photo

More water

After the walk, I worked until noon, when it got hot.

Campsite at high noon, solar panel (right side of camper, facing out) working great. Photo a bit angled, camper is not that off balance

The rest of the campground was mostly empty, but by dinnertime the weekend crowd appeared.

Empty

Closest neighbor earlier in the day

Tango and I visited the little towns of Pinevale and Moorcroft. A sign in Moorcroft told me they are having neighborhood yard sales tomorrow. What luck…my favorite. We also visited the small beach, but it was full of young kids and the sign said “no pets”. I returned at dusk for a wonderful swim and a long soak in the clear water.

Unfortunately, the air is smoky. I looked up the wildfire situation online. None in Montana where I am headed, but many in Oregon and Washington, which is where this smoke is drifting from. Wondering if MT is even worse? I may hunker down in the Big Horn Mountains (northern WY) for a while if the fires get worse. That is only a few hours from here and one of my favorite places, so no problem either way. Lots of dispersed camping at a high, cool elevation. Will decide on Monday.