We’re never too old to have firsts.  Coco and I have had a lot in the past 10 months.  

My first summer in the Bitterroot Valley is winding down.   I did my first exploring within days of moving here.   Fall was in full swing   I discovered river accesses by accident, visiting the bank or the grocery store, looking past back parking lots or poking around dead-end streets and, wow, there was the river!  It runs right through town!  The colors, the mountains and the gentle water combined to make a memorable first impression.  We’ve watched the palette of the scenery change and the seen the water roaring but we’ve only become more enamored. 

Coco loves splashing in the river, no matter how cold.  She saw her first moose, lounging in a clearing by the river, and was not impressed.  It was not my first but only the second moose I’ve seen in Montana since moving back in 2004 – I was thrilled.  

It’s the first time in 30 years that I haven’t had a truck.  We’ve done our first camping in a van, spacious and comfy.  For the first time not sleeping in a tent in a very long time it’s quite the treat.  So far the van has taken us to remote lakes and river banks. 

Sometimes getting there has been interesting.  The van does great on long dirt roads.  Just gotta be careful ‘cause sometimes cattle guards don’t work!

I’ve done my first lawn mowing in almost 20 years.  It’s Coco’s first lawn ever and she likes it! 

I’m adjusting to not being out in the woods. It’s the first time I’ve had close neighbors in almost 20 years too, including a view of garbage cans, street lights, and kids next door.  Our first impression hasn’t changed though.  My desire for a simpler life is proving successful with time for more firsts.  We all need more firsts and they can happen at any age with a little time and desire.