On the Road Again

Wednesday, August 20

Today was spent in the car, driving from Yellowstone to Kalispell, Montana.  We drove through the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness area. It was a lovely route, particularly while the sun shone. We drove through rain during the latter half of the day.

On a Road Day, it seems appropriate to discuss Snow. These people take it very seriously! You see great "snow fences" away from the highway, presumably to keep the blowing snow from covering the interstate too quickly. Then, there are signs that can be activated telling everyone the road is closed. They mean it too. It's the first time we've seen giant wide gates that close off the interstate! Along the sides of some roads are tall, red-tipped stantions. Their apparent use is to warn the snowplows where the side of the road is. I really don't want to be driving here when the snow flies!

We ate lunch at a lovely Rest Area on the highway.  There was a sign giving the history of the area.  People have hunted in these mountains for thousands of years, but there are no signs of people living here. So, naturally, that was the place for an Indian Reservation—Crow, this time. All was well until gold was discovered. The Indians were then moved further west, out of the way (and out of the money as well!). That's pretty much the history of the American Indians.  If I were an Indian I think I'd be pretty bitter.  

We were again overwhelmed by the immensity of the landscape. It was quite beautiful, if very remote. I don't know, and can't imagine, what it would be like to live in a place like this. I loved the business we passed out on the highway: Spa & Retreat. It was truly a retreat—far, far away from everything.

We've noticed that gas stations serve many needs beyond gas and restrooms. There is a general store of snacks, supplies, and assorted junk. Then, there is the restaurant. The best part? The Casino!  Another common business we see are the Storage Facilities. I liked the one named "Stowaway Storage." Apparently all over America people have more stuff than they need or really want!

On the road, we continue to see things and signs that amuse us.  A sampling of today:

Bumper sticker: I'm for Separation of Church and Hate

 

Signs:  

Kicking Horse Production Area

High Fire Alert Today  (in the pouring rain!)

Testicle Festival  (we didn't ask)

And our favorite:  

Please Neuter Your Pets and Your Weird Friends and Relations

It's quite chilly this evening, in the low 60s.  It seems appropriate that tomorrow we drive to Glacier National Park.  Brrrr