Big Sky, Dinosaurs and Power Plants

Map of Fort Peck dam and Lake on the Missouri River

On Sunday, June 22nd, we left the bustling boom town of Williston, ND and again headed west on Route 2, running parallel to train tracks all day long.  This is big railroad country, with multiple tracks carrying long cargo trains (mostly tankers of crude oil).  The rail line was our constant companion.  It was sunny, but very windy and gusty.  We decided to make a stop at the Fort Peck Dam, and as usual with most of our unplanned stops, were pleasantly surprised.
The Fort Peck dam is a 4-mile long earthen dam on the upper Missouri River.  The dam has created a giant lake that extends many miles.  At the dam is a hydroelectric powerplant and a museum.  The museum sported giant TRex skeletons and other dinosaurs that have been excavated in the local area, along with displays of local wildlife, and two giant fish tanks carrying common fish species such as walleye and pike.  The rear of the museum held historical displays about the region and the construction of the dam.

Me and a T. Rex skull 90% intact

Dinosaur displays were worthy of the Smithsonian.

Triceratops Skull.

This is the hydroelectric power plant.  The giant tower encloses a huge tank that allow water to 'surge' up inside it to avoid damage to the turbines.  We got a personal tour of the inside of the plant.  It was terrific!  We were not allowed to take any photos due to 'security reasons'. 

Riding across the Fort Peck Dam

After our tour of the Fort Peck area, we headed back to good 'ole Rt. 2 and continued west, finally stopping for the day at  Edgewater motel and campground in Malta, MT, which was clean and had a big TV for the 'GoldWing pilot.'  Good enough for us. The railroad passed directly behind us, so we were serenaded by the trains going by all night long.  We ate a small meal at a nearby dinner; nothing special, except it had a bar and casino attached at the back side of the building.  We didn't go in that entrance.  Every small town has at least one car wash, and all the vehicles are covered with a film of brown dust.  The Wing is looking a bit crusty, too.