Stalactites, Stalagmites and Colter's Run!

THREE FORKS, MONTANA

August 31, 2017-September 5, 2017

Prior to our trip to Yellowstone, we stayed at a small town in Montana called Three Forks.  It's at the base of the Rocky Mountains with a population less than 2,000.  The smoke continued to linger in the air giving us the most spectacular sunsets, but this didn't stop us from touring the Lewis and Clark Caverns. The Montana caverns offered free kennels for the dogs making it easier for us to take the tour.  Once again, we hiked up the mountain for about twenty minutes in 90 degree temperature to the opening of the caverns.  We were the oldest of the "in-shape" younger people but we welcomed the challenge.  Our well versed and comedic tour guide gave us a quick history lesson of the caverns that would continue over the next two hour tour.  We stooped low (nearly hitting our heads), and slid down a section opening up to the most spectacular cavern of stalactites, stalagmites and helictites.  The caverns were formed more than 350 million years ago but newly discovered in the late 1800's. The caverns were named after Lewis and Clark for the mere fact that nothing at the time was named after them, and close to where they traveled.  The caverns were actually discovered by two hunters. We were so happy to have made this trip as we marveled at the ribbon type spiraling limestone and popcorn like anomalies.   

A hike to the caverns

Resting up before entering the caverns

Fascinating stalactites

The sweet small town of Three Forks offered us a great place to eat with friendly people and another day at the popular Sacajawea Hotel, and a place to get my hair done       (loved my hairdresser- we could have talked for hours)!  

Once again, I'm fascinated by the history of the Native Americans and Lewis and Clark expedition of the early 1800's.  One of the humorous stories is "Colter's Run".  John Colter and John Potts were part of the Lewis and Clark expedition but the two were captured by the Blackfeet Indians.  They killed Potts but stripped Colter of all his clothing giving him an opportunity to run before being captured.  He ran naked for more than six miles through cactus and brush, eventually to safety.   

Not far from where we were staying was the Missouri Headwaters State Park, a National Historic Landmark where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805.  Its where the Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson rivers join and begin the Missouri River.  We hiked trails in the area and saw evidence of the 1800's deserted town of Gallatin City, along with a small cemetery of children that died of diphtheria in the 1870's.  Daisy at one point decided to go for a swim in the Missouri River until she figured the current was much stronger than she was.  A mile from the RV park was the Montana Wheat Company where they specialize in bread, muffins and have a fabulous deli where we indulged in having lunch.  We couldn't resist the local bread and huckleberry jam.  

Structure from Gallatin city hotel

 Once again, it really doesn't matter the size of the town.  Perry and I love to explore different areas…..off to Yellowstone!