And so it begins...

When you spend a couple months in one place, you tend to spread out a bit.  In regards to the motorhome, we get used to all those hooked-up amenities like as much water as we want to use, dumping holding tanks any ol' time, being on the electrical grid; cable, satellite, and over-the-air TV signals.  E-bikes on the back of the coach.  Scooters in their "portable garage," ready to roll out and ride whenever the mood strikes us.  And, that mood has stricken a lot this summer - we have ridden more since we have been here than in the last couple years combined.

It has been a great summer in the Black Hills and at Hart Ranch.  It is now time to us to start the packing up and heading out process.  The scooters are strapped down in the trailer, ready to have their own ride as we head for home.  An appointment has been made for the Vespa for a new set of tires at a dealer along the way.  I gave both bikes a thorough wash and wipe down before they went into their places in the trailer.

Joan did some "deep cleaning" and laundering of the "big stuff" like rugs and bedding.  I have started the sanitizing process for our fresh water tank (that takes an over-night of bleaching the tank) so it will be ready for us to use with safe, fresh water for the trip home.

The big event for the day: Rufus gets a bath.  He has been spending a lot of time on the leash and frolicking in the grass.  In a few days, we'll be living "close" and we all need to be fresh and clean.  I have to be honest: I was dreading this task.  Rufus got a bath the first day he came to live with us... he was new, happy to have people who care about him, and willing to put with anything to try to please.  Plus, after being in the shelter, he really needed a bath!

Joan put out two tubs of water: one with baby shampoo and the other with fresh water for rinsing.  She lowered him into the soapy water... and he didn't struggle.  Good thing, because he has grown and is strong as an ox.  She lathered him up... still no struggle.  Then, moved to the fresh water rinse... still no struggle.  She wrapped him in a towel and dried him off... well, two towels and he still needs to dry more.  Fortunately, it is a warm, dry day outside, so Mother Nature was working with us, as well.

I've said it here many times: Rufus is a good boy.  Oh, he has his adolescent boy moments where he has to push the limits, but this was not one of those.  He knew that his human Momma was taking good care of him and he went along with all of it.

No, there are no photos.  We kept this as quiet and low key as possible.  Such a good boy.

And now we're getting ready to clean ourselves up - we are having supper with Dan and Candice, our new scooter friends, at the lodge where they are staying.  A nice chance to visit and say good-bye, since they are heading for home tomorrow.

More work for us to do yet before we are ready to roll.  The coach needs a bath, too.  E-bikes will get moved, folded and strapped down.  The cargo trailer needs to be packed.  The next couple days will be busy.