Lewis & Clark - Learn as we go

                                Pompey's Pillar. Near Billings Montana

At Pompey's Pillar, this rock in the background is where Lewis Clark's signature stands, and is the only actual evidence of his trip.

Too bad we couldn't see it because the viewing had to be done after climbing 200 steps and trying to see it thru the mirror they had placed there!

Urk!

The Corp had 50 horses to help them in their journey, but they all had been stolen.

They learned how to construct these bullboats (7 feet in diameter, and constructed out of buffalo hides and willow branches)

After being stranded, a small contingent managed to travel several hundred miles up the Yellowstone River to meet up with Clark. 

Back to our campground in Medora, North Dakota

a quaint little town near the Roosevelt National Park.

( We have managed to stay in many campgrounds near the trains!)

 The Lewis and Clark interpretive center, Washburn North Dakota

(We drove a lot of miles to see this gun!)

Lou had to see to see the air gun that was purported to be the most important gun in American History.

It held 22 bullets, was fired to show the natives the power that the Corp had.

It is said that this gun did more to advance relations with the Indians ( as many as 50 different tribes), yet never killed one person.

We were able to see the (recreated) Fort Mandan where they built and stayed for the winter.  The Mandan tribe was very helpful in establishing diplomatic relations and help in guiding the party west.  

Lewis and Clark appear to have first met Sacagawea  at Fort Mandan.

Each room had a fireplace - pretty necessary in the winter weather 

of 40 degrees below zero.

The lofts were probably the 'best room' when the snow is high and the temperatures are so low.

5 months of living in small quarters led to the ordinary pleasures and pastimes -

music and card games.

The Captains quarters  - Sextants and map making.

and a bit of libation.

Lou is enjoying the Blunderbuss

It is a heavy large caliber cross between a shotgun and small canon.

They had to carry all supplies and equipment to fix everything they would need on this 2 year journey.

The blacksmiths had to be able to fix all metal items and all guns with their 16,000 pounds of gear!

Our guide asked what we thought this item was------

answer:  Battle Axe

(no not her!!)

It was a desirable item of trade, and has been found as far west as Idaho.

Custer's Last Stand- The Battle of Little Bighorn

 

Last Stand Hill

The monument to the 7th Calvary

Many of Custer's soldiers are buried in this plot of grass

Custer's tombstone was originally here on the hill just below the monument, but he was later moved to Arlington Cemetery

The visitor center has terrific dioramas of the battle scenes.

Custer National Cemetery was established 3 years after the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Like Arlington, it provides a final resting place for many generations of those who faithfully served in the US Armed forces.

Here, Americans of many races and beliefs rest side by side.

The Indian Memorial is just across from the Last Stand Hill.

Such beautiful artwork for the memorial.

The road to another battle sight has many stops along the way 

and you can call the number for a description of that sight 

and all that happened.

It gives you a very good 'on site' description and feel of the happenings.

This is a National Park worthy of visit.

Indeed, it is a sobering reflection of an important part of our history.

Pictograph State Park, Billings Montana

 

Such a lovely area and scenery and a nice outing after driving from Bozeman to Billings.

The area reminds us of Utah, but no red rocks.

Unfortunately, we are so spoiled with terrific petroglyphs and pictographs that we just enjoyed the scenery and trails.

We had a good visit with this couple from New York.

Really??

Look carefully, the deer was running toward us just after a nice little rain, then turned and ran the other way.

The rainbow is lovely, and the camera is in the back seat.😖😗😡

Bozeman, Montana

 We were glad to spend a couple of days with Wayne and Wanette.

We enjoyed the Museum of the Rockies that had a lot of interesting displays, Viking history, Western history, Planetariums,  in addition to all the dinosaurs.

Viking helmets - many of their war elements are also art objects.

It was interesting to learn how they navigated so far, so early.

Always liking the airplanes

Civil War Canons

"Sheep Wagon" to follow their herds.

(precursor to the modern RV?)

Beautiful beaded Indian works.

Then we head to Wayne and Wanette's

for my 

Birthday party-

Sweet Wanette made this cake, and didn't know my age, so she chose Wayne's candles (from his 86'th BDay)

I love it!!

Then, the 27th is our anniversary and we get a treat at the 'best steak house' in Bozeman.

The Alpaca Ranch

 I always love to stay at one of the Harvest Host properties.

This one is Sentential Alpacas, near Bozeman.

What fun all these alpaca babies are!

I am enjoying the matriarch "Ruby" 

One of the babies at the 'nursery'

They do a 'neck wrestle' for establishing the 

'pecking order'

Lou got into the 'thick of it', had a good time feeding, but also got spit on!!

At Harvest Host's, can stay for 'free', but they request that you purchase something from their store.

Well, we more than made up for the requirement.

I'm wondering which of these beauties are the 'donor's' of my new sweater (will be knitted later!)

Helena, Montana

 

St. Helena's Cathedral

We arrived in time to see one of the services.

We felt like we were in Europe, 

the lovely stained glass windows are from Munich.

What a treat!

The State Capitol 

open for self guided tours

The Supreme Court meets here

Beautiful artwork and history

Lunch at the Windbag Saloon

famous for the old brothel, and it even operated in the 50's

and didn't close down until 1973!

The building from the 1870's reminiscent of the underground tunnels

Reeder's Alley and The Last Chance Gulch

refurbished old town browsing delights

End the day with lovely hot spring pools