Away early again.
It's raining. No matter, on a day when we are simply travelling from A to B.
For the driver, however, it makes for less than pleasant driving conditions.
After all we have enjoyed good weather on our trip other than that one day in
Glacier.
We are now
travelling all the way on I90, however, we made a brief stop at the National
Monument for the Battle of Little Bighorn, the most famous of the Sioux Wars of
the mid 1800s.
In 1876 Gen. George
Armstrong Custer engaged a combinations of tribes who, were followers of
Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. They were on the war path to defend their sacred
grounds - the Black Hills - after an influx of miners when gold was found
there, which was contrary to a treaty which had already been signed assigning
the Black Hills to the Native Americans. Sadly, despite the wipe out of Custer
and his cavalry (Custer's Last Stand), the Native Americans lost more in the
end.
More about this can be found here
Battle of Little Bighorn
More about this can be found here
Battle of Little Bighorn
As we drove west the
rain, which had persisted since we left Sheridan developed into light snow. The
light snow turned into a full blown snowstorm. We are eternally grateful Jim is
driving and experienced in this type of weather. Having the right type of
vehicle was also a comfort. The conditions at times were quite treacherous.
With the weather so
bad, our usual rest stop picnic lunch was abandoned. We pulled off the
Interstate when a suitable exit came up. With no knowledge of the area we saw a
sign for a cafe - it was closed (it is Sunday after all) - then we saw an open
sign across the car park, at Joe's Diner. So Joe's Diner it was! Yet another
classic American experience!
The weather eased as
we continued west. Montana is aptly named as the open rolling hills had changed
once again to steeper, rugged terrain. Lots of beef cattle still; some sheep;
but I have to say the horses here are made of sterner stuff then those we see
in Australia - not a coat to be seen and temperatures well below 10 deg C.
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| The Native American memorial |
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| Memorial for the fallen soldiers and civilians who died in the Last Stand |
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| Leaving the Little Bighorn Memorial we passed this casino with lots of teepees outside! |
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