Deer Lodge, MT

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Today we moved from Kalispell to Deer Lodge, MT, which is about mid-way between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Deer Lodge grew into an important ranching and retail center during the 1860's.  After a fire destroyed a large part of town in 1872, the economy got a boost with the construction of the territorial prison in 1870, the opening of Montana's first college in 1878, and the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883.

 Unfortunately we will not be here to attend  this event.

We are seeing these birds all around.  We learned these are magpies.  According to the ranger, they are noisy, smart and scavengers like crows.  Tic asked the ranger if they were Montana Pheasants!  They are about the same size!  The ranger laughed and said that was a new one on him!  Tic has a sense of humor unlike anyone else I know.

Here is our parking spot at Indian Creek Campground.  Sites are mostly level and wide.  The roads are wide for easy maneuverability.  I drove the last 80 miles of today's trip.  Then I pulled into the gas station to fill the coach.  Yes the Jeep was still in tow.  Then I drove to the campground AND pulled the coach into our site. I was pleased with myself. It was the first time I'd driven into a gas station or driven into and parked in a campground.

The sun is setting and it is beautiful!   

It is so wonderful to actually be able to see a smoke free sky, especially at sunset! 
   Deer Lodge Montana is full of history.  We look forward to exploring!