July 3, 2003 Looking west from Three Forks Motel, we started out with clear skies. Mary had spent a number of days touring northern Montana on her motorcycle and was leaving Three Forks to return home to Omaha. We're still following the Missouri at this point and were treated to pelicans here and at other points on the rivers before our arrival in Dillon this afternoon. On the road to Lewis and Clark Caverns we came across the old Parker House Homestead. The road today went through several canyons. The antelope standing in front of this abandoned house was the second one we saw this morning. More ranchers have cattle in this area than we've seen to this point We came across an area that looked like it was used as a rodeo. Part of it included this bridge sitting in the middle of a field -- a ready made grandstand of sorts. These horses interrupted their morning munching to watch us go by. Pitstop at entrance to Lewis and Clark Caverns. While we were here a Western Tanager was hanging out in the trees near the entrance - beautiful flashes of yellow and orange. The white spot in the river is a pelican -- one of many in the area. This part of the Missouri is near Lahood (Lewis and Clark camped near here). As we headed towards Cardwell I saw a bald eagle flying low against the tree line. We stopped in Cardwell for water and I noticed this teepee was available for camping. Whitehall is betwen Cardwell and Silver Star, our next water stop. My friend Kent keeps telling me about snow in July here in Montana. I hope the only snow I see is on distant hills and not flakes falling on the tandem. The ranchers take advantage of the abundant water in these river valleys for their agriculture. Our stop for water in Silver Star was at Granny's. I picked up two more Pocket Naturalists, laminated folding identification cards. Karen owns Granny's and has a well stocked store. She also takes care of her grandchildren once a week. These gigantic wheels sat across the street from Granny's. The Jefferson River ran right next to a parking lot bathroom facility for fishermen. The river constantly changes with a little help from people. Twin Bridges was our water stop and also is where the Jefferson River splits. Another shot of downtown Twin Bridges. The Montana Home for Children has been closed for decades. There are at least 10 other buildings that stand empty. We saw a great deal of this type of wooden fencing. More cattle dotting the landscape. Following a river always makes the time flow faster. This is a northern view of Beaverhead Rock, famous for being the outcropping Sacagawea recognized from her childhood so the Corps knew they were getting closer to her people. This mule deer watched us pedal up a hill, probably thinking she could go faster. Looking west towards the Rockies Looking back at Beaverhead Rock from the south. Clean Critter Laundromat was halfway between the Best Western and the rest of downtown. One street in downtown Dillon. And the photo day ends with a shot of the County courthouse.