No longer tourists

We’re not really sure how to function today.  We got to bed early last night, were able to sleep in this morning, and haven’t spent the entire day in a truck!  Such luxuries!  We took care of details today.  Of course, one of the first things we had to do was get a hunting/fishing license.  We also changed the license plates on the truck today, so I guess we are officially no longer tourists.  It’s exciting, but also sad.  We are looking forward to all that is ahead, but will miss what we leave behind also.  This crazy cat lady is without her kitty for the next month!  I may require the help of a support group to make it. (As I type this I am eyeing the cat in the neighboring apartment window wondering if they would call the cops if I knocked on the door and asked to pet it.)

There will definitely be a few things to get used to here.  While the sun sets around 11:30, it never gets dark at night right now so I’m thinking I may see blackout curtains in our future.  Gone also is the pork breakfast sausage from home, replaced by reindeer sausage.  The sound of small planes taking off and landing is a constant in Soldotna and will be an hourly part of life in Nanwalek as well.  The definition of “rural” is also completely different.  Soldotna is a town of 4,000 people yet has a lot more businesses than Poplar Bluff.  Doniphan would be considered a good sized town and those who live in the boonies would be considered townies here.  I’m definitely feeling some irony there!