When we left South Dakota, we traveled through a small corner of southwest North Dakota following the route of the Yellowstone Trail to Montana.
Once again we saw oil drilling and some rolling hills until we got to the northern portion of the badlands that are in both S and N Dakota and Montana. The color and rock formations of the badlands are fascinating with some places being more colorful and rugged than others.
Seeing these older farms always brings thoughts of the pioneers of the area who lived and worked hard to develop another frontier.
We spent several days exploring around Miles City, MT. This bridge wasn't on the Yellowstone Trail route but most likely was of the same era.
Well, we think the Yellowstone namesake in the Miles City area was not honoring the Yellowstone Trail but actually commemorating the Yellowstone River. Since we were always looking to see anything that mentioned Yellowstone, it was fun to be rewarded with road signs, etc.
When we left Miles City after a restful several days, we saw and enjoyed more of the beautiful state of Montana as we traveled to the next big highlight of our trip - Yellowstone National Park. The Big Sky Country is a well deserved name for this state.
There were many, many very large ranches along the way - horse and cattle ranches with hay fields, too. In fact, some of the road signs would say the exit was for a specific ranch.
The huge flags we saw all over the US made us feel grateful to be a part of the United States and to be able to travel it freely.
We would would travel for hours and hours in the rolling hills and vast ranchlands and then suddenly come to a large city with skyscrapers. We heard this area of Billings suffered damage from a tornado about a week after we traveled through it. We were lucky enough to have dodged any storms.
More recognition of the Yellowstone River area and the river itself as we made our way through Montana. The highway followed the river all the way from Miles City until we turned off near Bozeman to go south.
As we travel, we stay in Passport America RV parks. Our membership in Passport America has kept our costs for RV parks down considerably. We were fortunate to find a park along our route in MT in the little town of Reedpoint, MT.
After setting up our RV, we went for a stroll and were surprised to find this YT sign spray painted on a local resident's picket fence. Reedpoint was mentioned as being on the route of the YT but it had been a long time since we saw any markers of the trail.
This old, well-preserved bank building is now a cute private residence.
Teri thought that she had seen some small libraries but this library took the prize. Not only was it small but it was only opened 1 day a week for 3 hours. Since this was a very rural area, it was probably appreciated no matter how small it was.
Every small western town needs a saloon but this town had two of them within a block of each other and on the same side of the street. Naturally, one of them was named the Wild Horse Saloon and the other name was just as appropriately named the Waterhole Saloon.
It was a beautiful drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. Got us prepared for some of the awe-inspiring sights we would be seeing at the park. Check out the separate posts about the park.
After the park, we traveled to a small city in Idaho close to the border of Wyoming. Here are Lee and Bill getting the table and chairs set up for dinner. We will visiting with Tyler and Kristen Kendall and their family who live in Alpine, WY. Tyler is a good friend of our son, Jason. Bill and Jason have both hunted with Tyler in this area. It is so beautiful and full of wildlife. We even saw a deer swimming a river - an awesome sight.
The state sign announcing our arrival to Wyoming.
Kristen keeps busy with their three lively sons and she is always smiling.
Tyler took Bill and Lee on a drift boat fishing trip. Although they didn't get any fish, they said the scenery was out of this world.
This nest was huge. Getting a picture of the eagle setting on it was a timing miracle.
More beautiful valleys, plateaus and rivers as we leave Idaho for Oregon.
After our visit with Tyler and Kristen, we traveled to Oregon to visit Bill's sister, Glenyth, in Baker City Oregon. On our way to Baker City, we stopped in Huntington, OR, for lunch. Bill's mother once owned and operated Howell's Cafe where we had lunch. The layout of the restaurant is the same with some updates. Teri worked at the restaurant during the summer between her junior and senior years. Lots of memories.
The restaurant, lounge and hotel were housed in this very old building (late 1800's era).
Between Huntington and Baker City, you can see the old, delapitated lime plant and the new, modern lime plant that is owned and operated by Ash Grove. Bill's nephew, Wade, had worked at both of these lime plants and still works for Ash Grove. It has been a good steady job for him.
Just outside of Baker City, there is an interpretive center for the Oregon Trail. The four of us, Kay, Lee, Bill and Teri, spent a few hours inside the center and also enjoyed the view and displays outside. If you are ever passing by this area, this stop is very worthwhile. They have lifesize covered wagons, pioneers, etc. and many well done displays.
Kay and Lee get ready to head home. We were really happy they joined us to visit Yellowstone Nat'l Park and travel together to Baker City.
Amber, Glenyth and Zach pose for a picture. We were glad that we took a couple days to spend visiting with all of them.
Amber's youngest son, Chris, is getting ready to take a ride. He looks like he wants to wink at us.
Amber is a hair stylist but her son, Clay, likes to help his mom with her hair.
Wade, Glenyth and Bill gave me a chance to get a picture.
Our roses were in full bloom to greet us when we got home. They look so good because they got excellent care from our daughter and her family.
This gorgeous sunset appeared for us the evening of our arrival home. An awesome ending to a trip that has so very many memories and will always have a special place in our hearts.
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