This is our last day here in Swan Lake/Bigfork. The smoke has been so thick all day today, you can only see less than 1/2 mile. If I didn’t know there were mountains outside our window, I would not know they were there. Going into Kalispell this afternoon, you could not see any mountains surrounding the valley. People outside are wearing surgical mask and they are telling the young and the elderly to stay inside. The fires north of here in Eureka and Glacier just exploded Sunday evening into firestorms. The Sperry Chalet is gone and they are packing all the artifacts from Lake McDonald Lodge. Everyone out here is saying it is the worst they have ever seen. I know the hurricane that hit Texas was bad and Irma, at a Cat 5 is going to be devastating. These fires are devastating too and they aren’t getting much attention anywhere except in the close proximity of the fires. People are losing homes, ranches, animals and are being evacuated to wherever they can find safe places. One person in Kalispell has 200 acres and two bunk houses that will hold around 40 people and she has opened both the land and houses up for evacuees. People who have horses and cows and sheep have very limited places to take them. It is just horrible. We are leaving tomorrow and we have changed our route to get to Missoula, then start east as quickly as we can. Locals need the camping spots and we are concerned about being able to get diesel when we need it. We’re hoping to be in Colorado in a few days and hang out there for several days. Had my last shiatsu visit today. I am going to miss that. Wanted to eat at the Tamarack one last time, but got a carry out instead. We’ve packed up the outside and inside of the camper as much as we can. Going back, things are so much better organized, so I don’t think I will be as stressed. Hoping I can make more miles each day that we travel. Missing my two little yorkies really bad, but I know they are in good hands (or laps, as the case may be!) Planning to be back in Bulloch County the end of September, then I’m going to have my knees fixed. Tired of them hurting. Praying that the hurricane dies out and doesn’t hit the GA coast or go across GA. Pray for the folks out here dealing with the fires – they want be put out until the snows come in October.
GA Gypsies - Fulltiming 