2018 Transatlantic and Road Trip

Day 39 - to Tri Cities 1 October

We have all had a great trip. So today we farewell Montana and re-enter Washington. We gain an hour! On the road early again - headed for home - at least for Anita and Jim. so we can take full advantage of the time back at Kennewick.

Another grey day so I feel we can definitely say goodbye to the great weather we have had on this trip - albeit very cold!

When we reached the section of I90 where we had started our journey, it was amazing to see how much the trees had changed. The Cottonwoods (as I now know them to be) were now a soft gold colour; interspersed with other trees decked in various shades of gold and red.

All up we travelled 6577km (4087miles). Truly a trip to remember.

Fog as we travelled over the Continental Divide for the last time

Day 38 - Sheridan to Missoula 30 September

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

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.

The Native American memorial

Memorial for the fallen soldiers and civilians who died in the Last Stand

Leaving the Little Bighorn Memorial we passed this casino with lots of teepees outside!

Day 37 - to Sheridan 29 September

With a couple of long driving days ahead to return to Anita & Jim's home, it was good to get away early. We have a few things to do on our way to Sheridan.

First stop Deadwood. A fascinating historic town - no stage coach - but we did visit the Mt Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

Then we continued our journey to Devils Tower National Monument, a familiar natural feature, sacred to Native Americans, more well known as a location used in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

After a brief rest stop we continued on to Devils Tower. It was visible from quite a way off. Up close it is extraordinarily impressive.

There were many climbers on lots of different routes. Did not see anyone reach the top. They were still all en route. As we walked around the 2km base trail, we saw many different groups.

Our final leg was on I90 (Interstate route 90) which would take us into Sheridan for the night.

As we moved west we travelled through the flatter open plains I had envisioned as the norm for this state. Still there were some rolling hills here and there, and some occasional higher outcrops.