Just a little more time in Helena and on to the Park ~

We packed up, got the camper ready to go, and then decided that one more night at Margot and Toms would be fun. Tom brought in the mules and the boys then headed out on the 4 wheelers to check out the ranch.  We had the best night visiting and enjoying our hosts company. We sure wish we lived a little closer!   

 It was a beautiful drive up from Helena, through Missoula, Kalispell and Columbia Falls. Flathead Lake was amazing to see and the Mountains of course. We arrived at the park in time for some swimming and bike rides. Adam is getting to be pretty daring on his bike and now keeps telling me he is going to "clean this trail" I better call my brother to see if I need to be worried  :)

 

 

This is a photo of what I think are little lilies. They are all over the edges of the campground and are so pretty ~

Caverns, Helena and Sapphires

We started Wednesday out with an tour of Lewis and Clark Caverns which are absolutely the most amazing caves around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We moved on to Helena on Thursday and have been spending a lot of time with family. It was Marks Grandma Jeannines 83rd Birthday on Friday and we were lucky enough to get to spend it with her.

 

 

Today we sapphire mined and were pretty successful. Adam is loving it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most fun places to visit in the world and we couldn't have had a better time than with Tom and Margot ~ I am sure that is how everyone feels when they are here and then we end the visit with this view ~

 

Gold Mining and Ghost towns

The "train" tour of the ghost town and out to the gold mining

 

Learning to Gold Pan ~ We found one flake and one piece so tiny we couldn't capture it! Good thing the Gold Panning guide told us because it was hard to pick out.

Searching for "Rubies" at Ruby reservoir

The days finds ~ mostly garnets and a tiny flake of gold. Adam is in heaven!

Heading for Glacier

Our 2013 Summer trip is taking us across Western Montana and into Glacier National Park. We started out with the drive into Billings and the next day was for shopping! Gotta fit it in anywhere I can :) and I love to shop in Billings!  We took off for the drive over the Beartooth Pass as we became interested in it this spring when we came to Red Lodge to ski. It was beautiful and provided lots of interesting sights like summer ski lifts that were open and lots of snow. The pass dumped us right into Yellowstone National Park so we stopped for  the night. We spent the day today watching geysers, hiking and seeing wildlife. We all got plenty of sunshine and are pretty ready for bed tonight!   

Checking out the water temp in the Beartooth pass

At the lookout half way up the pass

Snow!

This was at the top of the ski hill. Alex and Mark were sad they didn't bring their equipment.

Top of the ski hill with the frozen lake behind Adam

The depth of the snow near the top of the pass

The top of the Beartooth pass looking back



The waterfalls are amazing. This one was just along the road.

Another waterfall beside the road

Alex found a great new place to keep his brother one of the campgrounds.

The waterfall across the road from our campsite.

Adam and Mark working on the hiking stick replacement.

Heading in for the day

Beautiful guys along side the road still in velvet

Red Lodge 2013

Adams trophys for the First and Second Place winners ~ 2nd place ~ thats you!

First Place Speed Solitare with his special trophy ~

Grand Canyon Hike 2013