Cool

20090605 - Great Falls

"Cool" applies in several ways:

First, this AM we had the refrigerator serviced at Martin's RV here in Great Falls. I had pre-ordered needed parts after consultation with Valley RV in Missoula. They were here, but those were only part of the problem. The burner orifice also needed cleaning and some electrical connections were intermittent and needed to be pinched down with a pliers. I was very impressed by the service, both the attitude of Bill, the owner, and the completeness of the work. We tested several times, till he was satisfied--I was ready to go and satisfied more easily. Now I am confident that our food will stay as cool as we want when we are outback with this rig.

The weather has also cooled off and clouded up, preparing to rain or at least shower tomorrow. There was snow predicted earlier, but apparently they have rescheduled that for another time.

We went to the opening of the Wings Across the Big Sky Festival this evening. The speaker was Vince Yannone, who is an outdoor enthusiast, birder, and educator with the Montana Wildlife department. He gave a rambling presentation of many experiences with birds and other wildlife. These were fascinating, many funny, educational and engaging, based on careful observation and intimate association with critters. He poked fun at some of the State and local officials (I do not know any of them) in a good natured way. I suspect some of them were present. The talk went way over it's scheduled time and held the ~ 300 attendees attention throughout. I was part of the overflow and chairless part of the crowd. This promises to be a fun and cool festival.

Our birding today was limited to a short stroll at the edge of the RV park.

Birds: Yellow Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Black Headed Grosbeak, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Rock Dove, American Robin, Starling