Day 7 and 8: More Montana and Beartooth Pass

Day 8: Montana

Ok, so Montana got better. They don't call it "Big Sky Country" for nothing...

We stopped at the Little Bighorn Battlefield Monument, which commemorates the Battle of the Little Bighorn (obviously). The battle is also known as Custer's Last Stand - although, in 1991, the official name of the monument was changed from "Custer's Monument" to the current name.

Gabe: "Custer fell... RIGHT HERE."

Me: "Do that again."

Gabe: "Ok. Custer fell... RIGHT ---"

Me with camera: (snap! snap!) "Ok, ok, thanks."

In 1991, Congress also authorized the building of a memorial to honor the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors that died fighting General Custer's men.

That night, we stayed at some silly, cheap motel called... get this - "The Yodeler," in a town called Red Lodge. We wanted to shower. And eat pizza.

Day 8: Beartooth Pass into Yellowstone National Park

We checked out of "The Yodeler" (auf wiedersehen) in the morning and headed to Yellowstone via the Beartooth Highway. See hairpin turn above - we are all very pleased that I was not driving.

Ok then.... good to know.

Oh, wow. Top of the world indeed... Why do I feel an urge to yodel...

This was the best -- just coming over the top of Beartooth Pass, we were suddenly among crystal clear mountain lakes and streams.

Coming down in elevation, expecting cows as directed. Moo.

Holy cow - I mean, buffalo! This is within the first mile of entering through the northern gate to Yellowstone. And (insert knowing chuckle here) there were oh-so-many more buffalo to come....