South Dakota--Wyoming--Montana-----Sept. 10 to 13th

Sept. 1oth

Cool night and morning 2 Deg. C. Some frost and snow on the ground in am. Clear blue skies.
We traveled north out of the Black Hills of S.D. and then west on I-90 to Wyoming. Driving through Wyoming the hills were red and the prairie covered with sage brush. We saw herds of antelope,oil pumpers,open- pit coal mines and lots of cattle and horse ranches. We crossed into the Big Sky Country of Montana-rolling hills and Big Horn Mountains to the west. We stopped at Little Big Horn Battlefield Memorial(Custer's Last Stand)1 hour west of Billings. After 8 hours of driving we were ready to settle in at Billings KOA(America's first KOA)located on the Yellowstone River. Wow! what a set-up--patio and swing set,fireplace on a cement pad. Deer and peacocks wondered throughout the beautiful campground. Up to 24 Deg. C. today.

Sept 11 th

We traveled west on I-90 along the Yellowstone River through fertile valleys. The different mountain ranges were mostly brown sweetgrass dotted with shrubs and pine trees. Ranch country. Turned south at Bozeman and arrived in West Yellowstone KOA. Another deluxe campsite. Indoor pool and hot tub. After settling in we drove 6 miles to the town of West Yellowstone for groceries. It is a quaint resort town of saloons,gift shops and restaurants. 27 Deg. C.

Sept 12th

On the road at 9am to see the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park(110 miles with numerous stops). Yellowstone is primarily in Wyoming. Buffalo and elk were everywhere. Extremely scenic. Geysers,fountains,volcanoes and mud pots spouting out of the earth--colorful,boiling,steaming,bubbling,gushing and roaring--with such names as Dragons Den,Biscuit Basin,Fountain Paintpots,Prismatic Spring and of course Old Faithful. We were just in time to see 180 foot Old Faithful erupt. Impressive!! We had lunch and shopped at the huge complex.
We drove along Yellowstone Lake ,valleys,mountains and rivers. We stopped at several water falls.What a terrific day!
Another warm day.25 degrees C

Sept. 13th--Happy Birthday ,Ralph

We drove the Upper Loop of Yellowstone(98 miles)for another 7-8 hours. The roads were more winding and steeper through mountains and plateaus. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone plunges down 1000 feet. The canyon walls have beautiful colors created from hot water flowing over volcanic rock. We saw more geysers,beautiful waterfalls,the Petrified Tree,and Mammoth Hot Springs. These spectacular terraces are formed by travetime(calcium carbonate)over a thermal area with hot springs. We passed the Obsidian Cliff(volcanic glass). Lots of stopping ,walking and climbing. We saw more elk,bison and even a black bear today. We had Ralph's birthday dinner at a resturant in West Yellowstone(great prime rib and birthday cake).
Great Memories too!!