Missoula: Day 3

This morning, I decided to hike the 'L'.  It's a trail which runs up the side of Mount Jumbo and terminates at a big, white 'L' half way up the side of the hill.  Before driving to the trail head I stopped off at the Good Food Store to buy some cashew nuts with black pepper and some other goodies - I just love that store!

Climbing the trail was not that difficult despite the fact I was carrying my video camera and tripod.  I stopped many times to take pictures and, no matter where I was, I could always see the 'L' to guide me.  I eventually reached them 'L' and took some time having some refreshments before heading down.  Other people were up there as well, all of them with dogs, and I could see them as they made their way down the hill.  On that basis, I thought that I wouldn't have any problems.  How wrong I was!  I reached a point on the trail where there were several options as to which way I should go.  I could see the point that I needed to reach but, for some reason, could not figure out which path to take.  Every track I tried just didn't look or feel right.  I was starting to get a little scared at this point because there was nobody else around to ask.  I stopped and prayed to God for direction and, after backtracking a short way, found my way to the correct trail and the way down.

Missoula from Mount Jumbo

It was a challenge to get up and back but I'm happy that I went because of the great views - certainly much better than the views of Edinburgh from Arthurs Seat!

From the trail head I drive back into Missoula.  I'm on a mission - to find some Old Engine Oil.  Wordens is the one place outside of the UK where I'm likely to find it so that's where I head.  Disappointment - there's none in store so I decide to head for Doc's for some lunch.  I've not been there for over a year but the guy behind the counter remembers me.  It's getting close to 4 pm so I decide to head back 'home' to get ready for dinner at the Lolo Steak House.  I'm heading down Brooks Street when my phone rings; it's Jake Jensen wanting to know where I am.  I'm at Brooks and Reserve heading south, I tell him.  After a brief conversation I'm turning into the storage facility where Jake stores his trailer.  Jake rolls in just a few seconds after I arrive and we set about getting his trailer ready for storage.  While doing that we share about what's been happening over the last year.  Jake has a couple of errands to run before he drops me back at my car for me to drive 'home'.  Time for a quick shave and freshen up before Mike drops by to pick me up.

The Lolo Steak House: great food and great company.  Most of the conversation is taken up with a discussion on sleep apnea which turns out to be quite an interesting subject.