First day in paradise

Friday, Aug. 1. 11:39 am

Second day of travel went much better than the first for Zoe.  Last night in her first hotel she settled down after about an hour of barking at everyone who walked down the hallway outside our room. I bet room 211 was real popular for a while... Then in the morning we gave her the Benadryl early so she had a much easier travel day.  Better living through chemistry.  Stopped in Butte for a few last minute things.  What a pit - in oh so many ways.

Pulled into Elk Lake around 4:00 to a resounding welcome from Jake and Laurel.  Met Ralph and Mary who are the other workers at the lodge.  They are a couple in their 50s who have traveled the world care taking at resorts and private residences.  They are quite the characters and I am sure more than one posting will be dedicated to them. 

Within the past 48 hours people have seen bears, elk, deer and a MOOSE! within sight of the lodge.

So when we woke up this morning, this was the portrait provided by the lake.

Wow. Is it beautiful here. The lodge has a dining room, a large kitchen, loving room, bar area ('with a pool table) and upstairs is where the employees live. It will definitely take some getting used to, as quarters are small and a little cramped.  I have already banged my head twice in the slanting ceiling in our bedroom.  More on that later.

A view of the lodge and one of the cabins.

Looks like we will be spending much of our time in the kitchen as food prep and dish washing are needing constant attention. Need to go now as it is time to start prepping for lunch.  The resort is full, totally bought out for a retreat/vacation by a company in Virginia.