More Big Sky and the Upper Missouri River

Monday, June 23rd was a beautiful sunny day with comfortable temperatures and the wind had finally stopped snapping my head around, so I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery.  Lots and lots of 'Big Sky' ranch land along Route 2, which is hard to capture with a photograph.

Big Sky Montana

We finally departed our old friend, Rt 2, and headed southwest on Rt 87 heading for Great Falls, MT.

Selfie on the back of the bike.

Once again, Kerry spotted a sign pointing to  a road off to the left that said 'Fort Benton Historic Site', so he took the turn and a few miles down the road came upon a beautiful small town on the shores of the Upper Missouri River.  This town had once been a busy port on the Missouri as well as a major stage coach stop and there was a visitor center, museum and fort to tour.  There was also a nice 1-mile paved walkway along the river with historical markers and boards with information.  It was a picture-perfect day; 80 degrees with a nice breeze and that wonderful western dry air - none of that muggy humidity.   

     The town also had a public pool, and there was a huge pile of bikes at the entrance and lots of kids having a great time in the pool, but almost no adults around.  This is one of those rare places were kids can run around outside all day and play with their friends.  It reminds me of my own childhood when the moms told all us kids to get out and play, and just be home for supper!  As we were getting back on the bike, a couple of young kids whizzed by on their bikes and shouted hello to us. 

Wing on the Missouri

Downtown Fort Benton

We left Fort Benton, and again headed south, arriving a Great Falls, MT, which is their 2nd largest city after Billings.  We stayed at a Holiday Inn with a four-story high lobby complete with  a huge display of rock and water falls supporting two stuffed bears and a bobcat.  I thought I had walked into a Cabelas!  Tomorrow we head back north to Glacier National Park.  Right now the 'Goint to the Sun Road' through the park is still partially blocked by snow and some areas just had 20 inches of new snow a few days ago, so our tour may be a bit abbreviated. It's also going to be much colder!