Rubye Jean's last day needed to be something special. We were tired from driving, but that didn't stop us from taking her on a very special drive. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive that is located along the northeastern edge of Yellowstone National Park. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway offers spectacular views and a unique history. There is breathtaking beauty that this part of Wyoming is known for, wildlife viewing, and a chance to see the land where the legendary fight of Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perce occurred. Dedicated to this story, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway offers you the opportunity to learn more of this tragic tale. From prehistoric times to the present, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway has much to reveal about the relationship between the natural environment and human history. We enjoyed over an hour's worth of gorgeous driving on the Byway. (I didn't get many pics, there is a link further down of a previous post I did of this place.) Here is a pic I found on line of the Sunlight Basin bridge and it's amazing! We stood on it and looked WAY down!
Some of the view, The Cockscomb Mountain -
Once we got through the Chief Joseph Highway, we climbed up Beartooth Pass, 10, 947 Ft elevation! Because of the elevation, there is still snow (in JULY!) and the flowers, when have been done blooming for 2 months in the lower elevations, were at their glory.Snow -
One of my favorite flowers, the Shooting Star -
Cute little flowers on the tundra -
Rubye Jean singing, "The Hills are alive, with the sound of muuuuuuuzeeeeekk!"
It was such a beautiful place, the pictures are pale in comparison to the actual views and the feel of the elevation! Poor Rubye (the Arizona desert girl) got a little cold up there!We continued driving and stopped on the Beartooth Overlook. (I've blogged about this place before, HERE, if you want to see it.) There is a great overlook (and bathroom break). There we found these little spoiled chipmunks, begging for nuts. They didn't like bread, but they sure liked the cajun spiced peanuts! This one took it right out of Scott's hand.
So dang cute!Once over the pass, we ended up in Red Lodge, a cute little touristy place that serves the best pizza! Scott's parents and nephew met up with us for the little feast. Here is Carol (his mom), Rubye and I after we stuffed ourselves with pizza and ice cream!
It was a wonderful day. It was a wonderful vacation. So glad RJ could come up and enjoy a taste of Montana, see our family and giggle about sister stuff. Luv ya, RJ and I miss you!
we all had to head our separate ways. Before we left, we met our nephew Monte along with Melissa and the girls for breakfast.My two GREAT nieces looked REALLY GREAT in their Dora dresses! (Melissa, you are such a good mom!)
Monte seriously worked on figuring out what he was going to eat...(Madison had RAINBOW pancakes and Mikayla had French toast :o)
Melissa had a tough time deciding too!
Jolene and Goldie were excited...they knew what they wanted!
We waited and waited ...
We did, indeed, get our yummy food and had a really nice visit. I think we are so blessed to have such wonderful family and are able to go visit them. I just wished we could see them more often! It was hard saying goodbye, but I hope we can meet up to camp or float or just come visit again soon. Aunt Goldie is a gem!On our way home, we stopped in Buffalo so Rubye Jean could see her long time friend, Paula and her daughters.
They had good visits, too, and after over 800 miles, we were back home again!Next up: Taking a drive over Beartooth Pass!
Our darling Aunt Goldie is such a sweetheart and host! She had fun activities all planned out for us! The first thing we did was eat a scrumptious breakfast, then headed to the interpretive center of the migration crossing the Platte River for the last time.There was a lot of info regarding the migration, and Jolene and Rubye really enjoyed it! I had gone last year, so I enjoyed most of the time just sitting and visiting with Aunt Goldie!But we did all "cross" the Platte River in this wagon. You can see the oxen pulling us and the wagon bumped and bounced! Some guy (on the screen) kept yelling, "Don't stand up! Whatever you do, don't stand up!"
Rubye held Goldies hand and Jolene laughed most of the time. Needless to say, the wagon ahead of us lost a wheel and all its contents down the river! We made it just fine! heeheeheeThere was a huge amount of info regarding various migrant groups, (farmers, gold diggers, religious sects, those just searching) and the impact it had on the Native Americans. Here's a couple migrants feeling what it would have been like, pulling a hand cart across the country:(Rubye, is your shoulder still sore?)
Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
After the museum, we went for a wonderful drive up Casper mountain, went home for lunch and took a nap! Later that night, we enjoyed a concert in the park with my niece Melissa and great nieces, and I DO mean great :o) Madison and Mikayla!
Afterwards, our wonderful hostess treated us to her homemade fudge brownies, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream!
Could it have been any better? What an awesome day!
Some of the view, The Cockscomb Mountain -
Once we got through the Chief Joseph Highway, we climbed up Beartooth Pass, 10, 947 Ft elevation! Because of the elevation, there is still snow (in JULY!) and the flowers, when have been done blooming for 2 months in the lower elevations, were at their glory.
One of my favorite flowers, the Shooting Star -
Cute little flowers on the tundra -
Rubye Jean singing, "The Hills are alive, with the sound of muuuuuuuzeeeeekk!"
It was such a beautiful place, the pictures are pale in comparison to the actual views and the feel of the elevation! Poor Rubye (the Arizona desert girl) got a little cold up there!
So dang cute!
It was a wonderful day. It was a wonderful vacation. So glad RJ could come up and enjoy a taste of Montana, see our family and giggle about sister stuff. Luv ya, RJ and I miss you!
