In 1804 Lewis and Clark sat out on the Corps of Discovery expedition. The Louisiana Purchase had added vast amounts of territory to the fledgling United States. Unfortunately, this would eventually lead to the overthrow of the Native American tribes. But for Lewis and Clark the Native Americans were guides and protectors. By 1806 the expedition was on its way back from the shores of the Pacific. Hoping to find a better way to cross the mountain ranges the group split. Clark would explore the Yellowstone River. Billings, Montana, the site of our reunion, is located on the Yellowstone River. Anyone that has followed my blog might remember Hubby and I have attempted to follow along rivers and areas explored by Lewis and Clark.
The first day we just sort of drove around the general area. The views were of plateaus and farms.
Once all the reunion activities were over we ventured first to Pictograph Cave State Park. The caves were only about 10 miles out of Billings. The cave walls had been covered with painting from centuries ago. Unfortunately time and weather are erasing the images. 
I could see the faint remains of the red rifles originally called fire sticks by Native Americans. Most of the remaining paintings have faded away with the passing centuries.
A tent of canvas was set up in the area to represent how the area had been used as campsites through the centuries. The visitor center was full of information and helpful personnel.
After a visit to the clean rest area in the visitor center we were back on the road exploring again. Look! A bird. No, not a plane or Superman. A really pretty bird posing on a fence post. Later research showed this to be the state bird for Montana. A Western Meadowlark, a new one for me!
Often when we are driving across a road and come over the hilltop we try to imagine coming over this hill and seeing the vast herds of bison grazing on prairie grasses. Also, think about crossing this vastness in a covered wagon. Or living in tents made of hides from animals we had killed with spears. Those were brave people that inhabited the land before the days of fences. 
Our next stop was Pompey's Pillar National Monument. This name was given in honor of Sacagawea's son whom Clark fondly nicknamed Pomp or Pompey. Again a visitor center offered great information and displays about the expedition. The Pompey Pillar area served as an extended campsite to build replacement canoes.
We not being of the sturdy pioneer nor Native American dna chose to not climb the 186 steps to the top for the view. Nor did we carve our names anywhere as Clark had done. We covered ourselves with bug repellant and sat on a bench overlooking the Yellowstone river. 
The two prairie dogs that greeted us on arrival at the Pillar were not to be seen as we were leaving. Luckly I had snapped a photo or 12 before we visited the louve visitor facilities.
This photo shows the two at full attention and barking loudly. Two yelping, citified fluffy dogs had invaded their territory and these two were not happy! And we were ready for dinner. A quick Yelp/ Google search had us on the way to a restaurant with 5 star rating on Google/Yelp. Its name, you ask? Why The Feedlot. Does that not sound swanky? No matter, soft seats and prime rib that melted in one's mouth.
The air was filled with large fluffy things that looked almost like snow. See how it is piled along the roadside? Cottonwood tree seeds making sure there will be trees in the future.
It appeared on the map there might be another area to see the river. So off we drove. Actually it was me driving. Hubby had accidentally left his phone and drivers license at home. Oops, can't drive a rental car without a license. That meant I was unable to take photos on the fly! Oh well, a photo of the geese who were running from the storm and we were headed back to the hotel.
Well, until we started back the way we came into the park. A small tree had been blown over the road. That tree does not look like much but those two guys could not budge it. Really. Finally they were able to break off enough of the top for us to get by the tree. The hotel looked really good when we drove into the parking lot. The wind was still blowing and rain had begun just as we stepped into the lobby. Whew. What a day. Now I have to stop. It is 1 AM and we leave in 8 hours for another 2 week trip. More photos, more stories. See you in a few!
BTW, the dog thought the broken limbs were there for him to be able to play catch. Kept bugging his owner to throw the stick!
