Lovin' Montana

When we travel in Montana, Momma doesn't have her nose buried in a book.  Lot's of great animal sightings.....and not just the cattle grazing on the open ranges.  There are many pronghorn and elk to be seen.  And of course the hills, mountains and rock cuts are elegant and interesting.

Helena, Montana is the capital but it is also known as the city of lilacs.  They were everywhere...but about a week away from being in full bloom.  Momma said she still enjoyed them.

The state capital is elegant but closed to dogs so I just had to view the shots Momma took. She also said she was surprised at the low level of security...just a guard sitting behind a high desk.  No sign in.  No presentation of your license.  No metal detectors.  She has seen libraries with a higher level of security.  Maybe it was because no one was present except the tour guide and tourists.  Their legislative body only meets every other year for 90 days.  Of course the governor has an office in the building but he wasn't present that day either. 

Their timing was perfect.  They entered the building just as a tour was about to begin. 

 There are lots of paintings that help tell the story of Montana's history.

Did you know that the women of Montana received the right to vote 10 years before the Native American's were allowed to vote?

Across the street was a marvelous museum that was a walk through history.  Very well done!

It was interesting to learn of the Indian buffalo hunts.  They would drive the animals toward a cliff and the animals would fall off the cliff into the area below where the waiting men and women were ready to gather the meat and hides giving thanks to the buffalo for providing for them by giving their lives. 

Check out the mountain lion quiver.

The historical walk thru time ended with an early 1900's kitchen complete with indoor sink and wringer washing machine.

I think I'm lucky to be living in this time period, traveling the highways with my Momma and Dad, stretched out in the comfy back seat of the Dodge Ram and enjoying the USA. 

Hickory
....on the road again