Day Six

[Posted by Sarah] If we ever have a one-night stop in Billings again we will make sure to stay at the same hotel (Wingate by Wyndham on Majestic Lane) as it was brand new and had this perfect "L Suite" where the second bed was tucked into a separate L section and it included a dining table, microwave and small fridge. Add to that the excellent Montana Rib & Chops House and the soon-to-be-opened indoor water park it is truly a perfect family stop. Granted it was strange for it to be right off the highway and seemingly in the middle of nowhere but we truly enjoyed our night's stay there.

The drive from Billings to Hill City, South Dakota was a long one. Definitely our toughest travel day so far. But we were able to stop at the Little Bighorn National Battlefield and it was well worth the stop.

The park guide told the story of the battle, embellishing with Native American sign language and pointing out the relevant sights as the story of the battle unfolded. It was at the Battle of Little Bighorn that Custer and his men were wiped out by the warriors of various Plains Indian tribes (who for the record did not start the battle). The picture above is of Last Stand Hill where Custer and his remaining men were killed.

The park guide was an incredible storyteller and her talk was educational as well as attention-grabbing and emotionally moving.

We ate lunch nearby that consisted of variations on Crow Indian fry bread. Beau's was a taco salad in the bread as a bowl, Christopher and I split a beef and bean and cheese version and we had plain with honey as well for dessert (Christopher and I liked that one the best!).

It was the drive from the battlefield on into Hill City that was tough. We made it to Rapid City, South Dakota around 7:30pm and had dinner at a Perkins. Then we still had another 45 minutes or so to get the keys to our place and then drive to it. We unpacked in the dark. The house is older but very clean and comfortable and provided plenty of room on a single floor for all of us.

We had to wait until morning to truly see where we had arrived....

Day Five

After three nights in Missoula it was time to go. We got everything packed and ready to go by about 11am and headed out of town.

Along the way we stopped at Bonanza Freeze in Butte for some ice cream and then again in Bozeman to go through the Museum of the Rockies (pictures above). The latter was totally awesome with lots of local dinosaur fossils (including a huge Allosaurus named "Big Al") as well as many original costumes from Star Wars and other sci fi movies and TV shows.

Another big moment on this day was that we turned Joshua's car seat so that it was forward- rather than rear-facing. He and Christopher both thought it was great. Also made it much easier for Mom and Dad to entertain him while driving :)

We arrived in Billings around 6:30pm and there happened to be a fabulous restaurant right near the hotel. So after a great dinner we checked into the hotel. Tomorrow we will be heading out South Dakota!

Day Four

We never intended to spend so many days in Missoula but the homestead sounded so cool that we decided to relax a few days there.

Pictures above include one of the huge hundred+ year old silver maples in the front yard, part of the small stream that runs through the property, the goats, and all of us in the front yard.

Many thanks to Steve and Ken who have just started renting this house this summer!!

Day Three

[Posted by Sarah] Today we explored downtown Missoula. We had lunch at a pasta and wraps place. The highlight of the meal was the homeade ice cream sundae Christopher ordered (picture above). We then rode on the restored carousel and then played in the Dragon's Hollow playground.

Later that day we went to the outdoor water park run by the city called Splash. It was closed for "inclement weather"??? It had only rained a little and was cloudy. We had to laugh as Seattle-ites. Instead we went to the indoor water park, also run by the city, and all 3 boys swam and swam and swam (Mom still needs to buy a swimsuit!).

Another highlight of today was that Beau spotted two baby deer, supposedly twins born on the hillside just above the house. Christopher and I managed to sneak very close for a good look. Hope we get to see them again....

Day Two

[Posted by Sarah] Had an easier drive on Day Two - only Post Falls, Idaho to Missoula, Montana. Took us about 4 hours total in the car including stops.

The scenery on this stretch was beautiful. Lots of mountain foothills and trees. We drove through several passes including 4th of July Pass which we think is in the Bitteroot Mountain range. The area looks very much like the Pacific Northwest except that the ground is much drier and colored yellow-brown rather than a typical lush green or dark brown of the Northwest.

We crossed into Montana and mountain time in the early afternoon and made it to the homestead where we're staying around 5pm. The house was built in the 1880's and is beautiful - high ceilings, wood floors, lots of period pieces but comfortable and durable (thank goodness). And then there are the sheep and goats and ducks and chickens. The goats are La Mancha goats and are as friendly as any pet dog.

We played out in the front yard for several hours enjoying the warm and sun and the moutains around us. Christopher and Joshua played in the small stream that runs around the perimeter of the yard and divides the house from the garden and animal areas.

Was a great day and looking forward to exploring Missoula...

Day One

[Posted by Sarah] On our first day we drove from Seattle to Post Falls, Idaho. It took about 7 hours total in the car because we stopped several times. One of those stops was in Smelterville, Idaho. We got out and enjoyed the city park (pictures above).

We checked into a hotel on the Spokane River. We ate dinner and breakfast in the hotel restaurant - it had such beautiful views of the river and marina.

Stay tuned as we continue....

The First Post

It is Thursday, July 17, 2008 and T-3 days until we embark on our wild west adventure.

Though funny thing, we'll go east to do it....go figure.

Tons still to do but we're all excited. First to Missoula on a historic homestead, then the Black Hills to see Mt. Rushmore and Jewel Cave, then finally Yellowstone before driving back to Seattle.

In case we get so crazy organized as to post to this from time to time as we travel, this first post at least gives us a place to do so.

Love all....

Sarah