16APRIL2011 - Tuesday I will drive away from Helena with a truck full of gear and a canoe on top. Expecting to see an expanse of ice at McKenzie Bay I plan on a few lakeside days to pack nicely and procure food. So almost nothing was done today that one would call "trip requisite". I started the day at a garage sale and procured a replacement 3/8 drill. A good buy at $5.00 and that allows me to return the cordless drill to Steve Nelsen. With my new drill in hand the porch ceiling was completed and looks good. The weather is windy and a touch raw. Whenever the wind would momentarily stop, warmth would quickly spread - and just as quickly depart as the wind picked up. Peaking at 61 the outdoor conditions are clearly bearable, just not the ultimate in comfort. Last year by this time I had packed away my thick winter coat. I've decided to carry it, but expect to leave it in the truck when I push off. During a visit to the A-Frame the renter let me know that he would be moving out in May - close to the middle of the month. Though he likes the residence, he and his former fiancee have separated and the rent is more than he wishes to pay on his own. In addition, his helecopter maintenance education will conclude in early May. This means I will need to do a Craig's list advertisement toward the end of April. The resident has agreed to display the residence for prospective renters and I will return when he vacates. The A-Frame being an easy house to rent I will probably be in Helena for about a week, then make my way back to the canoe and continue the trip. Surely I will be to Mobridge by then, possibly to Pierre. Tomorrow I resolve to gather the gear and check out it's serviceability.