Butte, Montana

All women will appreciate the effort put into the creation of this beautiful statue created in the likeness of Mary, Mother of Jesus, sitting atop the Continental Divide in Butte, Montana. It is entirely non-denominational, and dedicated by workers to women everywhere, especially to mothers. 

During our stay in Butte, we also toured the World Museum of Mining. The purpose of this museum was to preserve a segment of American history that had been neglected. The 22 acre site is an inactive silver and zinc mine named the Orphan Girl. 

Peterson or Pederson?

Mining cars, including the "honey pot".

Mesa Falls - Ashton, Idaho

While camped at Island Park, Idaho we visited Johnny Sack's Cabin. Johnny Sack, a German cabinet maker, started building this cabin in 1932 at Big Springs.  What makes the craftsmanship unique is his use of bark in the details of his house and furniture. 

A scenic hike through the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.

The perfect stop for thirsty hikers!

Picturesque potato and wheat fields abound.

Not to be missed, a two-story outhouse

 A view into the life of a gold mining town.

Idaho Falls, Potato Musuem, Zipline

Idaho Falls was very good to us.  It turned out to be an excellent place to take care of needed repairs both coming and going. Waiting for this to be done gave us an opportunity to visit the falls, as well as tour the Idaho Falls Temple.

A peaceful greenbelt along the Snake River and falls turned out to be a nice place to wait out the repairs.

Idaho Falls are uniquely shaped at a mere 20 feet high and 1200 feet long. Beautiful, nonetheless.

Eagle Fountain 

Jester, the best dog ever, 
patiently waiting
to get back on the road.

No trip to Idaho would be complete without a visit to the Idaho Potato Museum. Here is where you will learn all you need to know about the history, growing and harvesting process of the potato. Bingham County is known as the Potato Capital of the World, where one-third of the nation's potatoes are grown.

1940 Potato Planter

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
and their beautiful grounds.

Near our campsite in Ririe, Idaho, we found the opportunity for our first zipline experience. The Tower of Terror at 1,300 feet was the first of three lines completed by all.

Feeling the Rush!!

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is known as the world's first national park, primarily due to its unparalleled collection of geysers, hot springs, mudpots and steam vents.

Old Faithful, located in the world's largest concentration of active geysers.

Excelsior Geyser Crater

Firehole Spring

The biggest difference between a geyser and a hot spring is that a geyser has an obstruction in its hydrothermal plumbing near the surface. In hot springs, water is allowed to circulate freely, giving off steam and heat. In geysers, constrictions keep the boiling water underground.

White Dome Geyser

Celestine Pool

Firehole River

                                                               

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, the third largest spring in the world, is 370 feet in diameter. The rainbow of colors is caused by the different species of heat-loving bacteria.

Clepsydra Geyser

Fountain Paint Pot

Tower Falls

Mammoth Hot Springs

Dragon's Mouth

Aptly named, the Dragon's Mouth produces a voluminous belching of steam and that is recognized long before you can see it.

Dust bath!

Upper Yellowstone Falls

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River