July 1, 2003 This morning we awoke to a wonderful sunrise. With such a spectacular beginning, the day had to be great. The road west out of Great Falls crosses the Missouri River. Just North of here is the confluence of the Sun River. Right after the bridge, we climbed a hill that would have had a great view of the area except for the heavy layer of haze. At the top of the hill, three planes were on display. The airport is just to the North with a huge Federal Express center. Crops line the highway on both sides heading west and then south to Helena. Ulm was the first little town we passed through and it had a number of services, including a bar that served pizza, the universal food. Tumbleweed Acres was one of many with a great log entrance. Two flocks of large white birds flew up from this part of the Missouri as we approaced. It wasn't until we got close that one of them came back and I could identify them as having been pelicans!! The road had many of these "ranch" set-ups. We came across this old Bassett Hound as he was walking diagonally across the road. It was pretty obvious he had hearing problems because he didn't flinch until we were in front of him. Let's hope he made it to where he was headed. Wheat fields are predominate in the Montana landscape. Cascade was our first water stop; this town included quite a number of stores and shops with services. We also went by a softball field at the town park. This house is typical of the houses in Cascade. Horses doing what horses really like to do -- out and about. The mountains are beginning to have intriguing fomations. We had just taken a turn that took us away from the main highway and stopped for water. These cliffs were full of magpies, doing what they do best making noise. I've seen several on the trip, all of them being black with white accents. This bridge takes us across the Missouri River once again. Montana definitely has had more horses by the side of the road than any other state so far. Following the Missouri has been really a delight, lots to see. The river continues to twist and turn. At various times there's development along the river, usually smaller homes. Outcroppings like these were quite common. X fencing as an alternative to the single post. The Missouri widens at several points. My apologies to Jennie. Your picture was blurred because I moved! We met Jennie at the Wolf Creek Cyberstop - coffee, fountain, and internet access. Cindy Turk owns the Cyberstop. She also publishes the Wolf Creek Journal and was very interesting to talk with when we were there. Here's a shot of the outside of the Cyberstop, looking very much like an old gas station. Cindy said that when I-15 was built, it literally split the town in two. Many people moved away. This church was in Wolf Creek but on the other side of I-15. Although we were close to the railroad tracks all day, we saw no trains. The first of two tunnels for the train. Our road was tunnel-free. The second tunnel... We spent a while climbing when we were routed onto I-15. It's always a challenge to get a photo looking backwards. Here's one that came out well - place camera near shoulder point, aim and hope for the best. At one point on the climb, we stopped long enough for me to explore the side of the highway. I found several prickly pears, some of them in bloom. The area was also hopping with grasshoppers. Another backwards shot... Here we're heading into Helena. Officer Joseph Cohenour from the Montana Highway Patrol recommended that we continue to ride into Helena on I-15 and not take Montana Ave. He said even he doesn't drive on the road because it's too narrow and there are too many cars. These "city" horses are ignoring the storm clouds gathering above them. The Thai Restaurant we ate in was in downtown Helena, next to a new and used bookstore that was closed. The Thai food was excellent and was our first in several weeks.