Montana

We left Yellowstone and headed into Montana. We were excited to continue exploring the west. Our first stop was in Bozeman. It didn't quite have the Old West feel we were hoping for but it was a nice city. We were hoping to find some old wagon train trails and see the deep ruts made by the wagons but no one knew where they were. Next we stopped in a town called Gallatin Gateway. It was a really small town with very little in it. I read a series by Tracie Peterson called Brides of Gallatin County. It was a great series and I wanted to see the town that I had imagined in my mind. Unfortunately, the real town left alot to be desired. It was fun to go to a place that was in my books but not as exciting as I had hoped.
After that we went to Grant-Kohrs Ranch. It is a really working cattle ranch with an old farmhouse and outbuildings. They still cut hay with horses. It was a beautiful property and really interesting visit. We love learning about and seeing parts of the Old West so it was perfect.
We continued onward to Kalispell, MT. Our friend Shane lives there so we had to make a stop and visit. He took us hiking up this mountain. When we got to the top there was still snow. It was so cold. Dean had to throw some snowballs. I didn't expect snow on the ground in late July. It was a really fun hike and short stay with Shane. After stopping in Kalispell we headed to Glacier National Park. It was beautiful. Calm, pristene waters and magestic mountains. Definitely pictures that should be on a post card. There is a road called the Road to the Sun. It is the only road that goes through the whole park. Unfortunately, with the Explorer and dirt bike trailer we were too long to go all the way. We didn't get to see the whole park but what we saw was amazing. That was our last stop in Montana. We actually ran out of time so instead of finishing the west with Oregon and Washington we had to head south to make it back by the beginning of school. We loved spending time in the west.