Along The Side Roads: Montana ...

means wide open spaces to some people, to me it means Maggie. Years ago she and I worked together and we established that rare kind of friendship that happens seldom in life. We can see each other once in three years and still get right to the meat of life in conversation. Oh yea, I like her husband, Rocky, too. Over the weekend, Mike and I enjoyed a couple of beautiful days at their ranch near Bozeman. The four of us enjoy one another's company and it was a relaxing, albeit quick, side trip as we work our way to Minnesota for the summer.

When we left Oregon on Thursday morning, we drove through all kinds of weather. We encountered snow at 3000 feet, which seemed awful low for this time of year. At one wayside rest there was even ice on tree limbs, I never did figure that out as it really was not that cold... Mainly, it was a beautiful drive, with striking scenery and skies.

Interstate 90 at its best!

We spent the night at a truck stop in Missoula and around lunch time the next day, what should be find but a good Montana Bakery - loved their sign... and it is true.

And before we know it, we are at the ranch. Over the bridge with the motorhome always makes me hold my breath, although I am not sure what good it does.

And through the entry gate

And we are there.

These are the views from our parking spot. Mike spent some of Saturday just sitting in the front seat of the motorhome watching dozens of elk on the neighboring hills. What a joy to just look out the window!

Although I am not a horse person, I can still appreciate a couple of beautiful animals. They are very observant!

This is what you see when you look down the driveway.

And this magnificent scene changed every few minutes as the clouds and snow system moved in and then away. This picture was taken from the front window of the motorhome - told you it was a beautiful spot!

After dinner on Saturday night, we took a drive and spotted buffalo, elk and deer. These are buffalo (low light doesn't make for a very good picture).

On Sunday as we were driving east we saw antelope. What a treat! I am only sorry that my camera isn't always ready at the right time.

We left Maggie and Rocky's piece of paradise on Sunday morning and headed east. Along the way, we encountered Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and decided to stop. Years ago, we saw a reenactment of Custer's Last Stand that took place at this spot but it was in Harding which is north of the actual battle ground.

This sums it up.

The location of the final battle was atop a ridge.

Many lives were lost on both sides. This National Monument originally only honored Custer and the soldiers who were killed. It now honors all who fought.