Stopped by to see this today while on our drive. It is a really neat area. All the 220 soldiers who died in Custer's battalion (except Custer) are now buried in a common grave surrounding a monument they put on "Last Stand Hill". There are grave markers lining the battlefield where the men had actually fallen. This really brought the battle to reality for us. Standing on Last Stand Hill, we could see several area of conflict including where the original charge of Custer towards the Little Bighorn happened.
They even have a memorial at the site to mark the horses killed in the battle. The group that made it to Last Stand Hill used their dead horses (and killed their own horses) to try and use them as defensive barriers (think like sandbags). At this point, they were completely surrounded and had no hope.
The regiments to the west (Major Reno) tried to locate Custer but kept getting repulsed by Indian attacks. While Reno suffered some causalties to his group (40 dead and 13 wounded), they were ultimately saved as the indians retreated as additional soldier groups were spotted moving in to reinforce Reno.
Custer, by the way, was moved to Westpoint and is buried on its grounds.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
On our way home
We spent Sunday at Glacier National Park. The weather was nice. We went to the eastern side of the park. It seems like it is the better part of the park. We saw more mountain goats in the park. We did do some hiking in the park and saw some very nice waterfalls. Grizzly bears must be fairly common in Glacier as there are signs everywhere warning you of them and warning your of your safety should you hike. We didnt have any encounters though.
Left Glacier a day early because we felt we did all we wanted to do this time around. Drove to Bozeman, MT. Passed through a heck of a storm to get there. Going to see The Little Bighorn Battlefield tomorrow on the way to Spearfish, SD.
Left Glacier a day early because we felt we did all we wanted to do this time around. Drove to Bozeman, MT. Passed through a heck of a storm to get there. Going to see The Little Bighorn Battlefield tomorrow on the way to Spearfish, SD.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Whitefish debacle and Kalispell, MT Plus day 1 of Glacier National Park
Arrived in Whitefish, MT on Friday as planned. Drove through the booming metropolis twice looking for our Holiday Inn. After the 2nd pass and we didnt find it, we called them to see where they are. We then found out that they are no longer a Holiday Inn. They are now the Big Mountain Lodge. The hotel wasn't very good so we cancelled it. Was not happy that Holiday Inn didnt tell us of the change.
We drove to Kalispell, MT (about 10 miles south of Whitefish) and prayed the Holiday Inn would have room. They did, for 1 night. Seems a soccer tournament was in town. It all worked out though as the Holiday Inn made room for us to stay 3 or 4 nights, whatever we needed, when they found out what had happened.
On Friday night, we ate at a local eatery called Capers. My brother had a pizza with Rattlesnake sausage. Yes, you read that right. I had a lasagna made with buffalo sausage. It was fantastic.
Day 1 of Glacier National Park was neat. The popular "Going to the Sun" Road is only partially open as there has been consistent avalanches that close down its center. So, we drove what we could and then decided to take a primitive road through part of the wilderness. Was supposed to be a gravel road. However, it was more dirt than gravel. The van is quite muddy but it was a nice drive. We did see several deer during the drive and some sort of rodent/chipmunk type of animal.
Oh, and about the soccer tournament, lots of kids at the hotel. I was wearing my Manchester United shirt and one of the moms asked if I was playing in the tournament.
I will get pictures up when I can...too lazy and tired to do it now.
We drove to Kalispell, MT (about 10 miles south of Whitefish) and prayed the Holiday Inn would have room. They did, for 1 night. Seems a soccer tournament was in town. It all worked out though as the Holiday Inn made room for us to stay 3 or 4 nights, whatever we needed, when they found out what had happened.
On Friday night, we ate at a local eatery called Capers. My brother had a pizza with Rattlesnake sausage. Yes, you read that right. I had a lasagna made with buffalo sausage. It was fantastic.
Day 1 of Glacier National Park was neat. The popular "Going to the Sun" Road is only partially open as there has been consistent avalanches that close down its center. So, we drove what we could and then decided to take a primitive road through part of the wilderness. Was supposed to be a gravel road. However, it was more dirt than gravel. The van is quite muddy but it was a nice drive. We did see several deer during the drive and some sort of rodent/chipmunk type of animal.
Oh, and about the soccer tournament, lots of kids at the hotel. I was wearing my Manchester United shirt and one of the moms asked if I was playing in the tournament.
I will get pictures up when I can...too lazy and tired to do it now.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Yellowstone - Day 3 and the trout incident
Spent the day driving the northern half of Yellowstone. We also decided to take the route out to the northeast exit which passes through the Lamar Valley as we had never been there before. It was well worth it. It is fantastic and such a different area than the rest of Yellowstone. We saw huge herds of bison in the valley as well as some antelope.
We came across an area where a bison had died. A gray wolf was on the corpse when we pulled into the area. But, it retreated into the sage brush before I got set for a picture. The wolf in this area is quite a find. Though the wolf pack, known as the Druids, that occupied the Lamar Valley was the largest pack in the park a couple of years ago, followers feared that it had been wiped out by a combination of disease and pack members leaving and forming new packs. This pack was very popular among visitors because they were so easily spotted.
This was a very unique area as it was a swollen river with several small islands. On one of the small islands, there was a female moose. It was sitting for most of the time. When it did stand, we were driving away. We did get lucky though and found a second moose down the road which we did get pictures of. The internet here is a bit tempermental so I won't upload photos tonight but will try at the next hotel.
We had a mild accident in the afternoon. I accidentally backed into a lady's rental car. She was parked by us at a scenic turnout and pulled out first. I thought they left. But, for some reason they pulled behind our van and stopped. No severe damage - just a little ding above the rear tire on their rental care.
Decided to try a new restaurant in West Yellowstone called the Montana Cattle Company. My brother and I went. We both ordered trout. I noticed on the menu that it stated that it was served with the head still on. So, I mentioned this to my brother so it didnt shock him. No issue there. We were served and began eating. He cut his head off first. After a few minutes, the waitress came back and asked how everything was. My brothers response....he took the fish head, held it up facing her, used his hands to make its mouth open and said "nom nom nom". I nearly died.
We continue to eat. I continue to pray that nothing else happens (I took the fish head away at that point). After the bus boy takes his plate, my brother noticed a black thing on this place mat. He says "what is this" and picks it up. He turns it over and then shouts "It's an eye!" and throws it down. The poor lady next to us couldnt contain her laughter. Everytime she looked over, she laughed.
My brother did pay for the meal though....least he could do.
Off to Whitefish, Montana tomorrow.
We came across an area where a bison had died. A gray wolf was on the corpse when we pulled into the area. But, it retreated into the sage brush before I got set for a picture. The wolf in this area is quite a find. Though the wolf pack, known as the Druids, that occupied the Lamar Valley was the largest pack in the park a couple of years ago, followers feared that it had been wiped out by a combination of disease and pack members leaving and forming new packs. This pack was very popular among visitors because they were so easily spotted.
This was a very unique area as it was a swollen river with several small islands. On one of the small islands, there was a female moose. It was sitting for most of the time. When it did stand, we were driving away. We did get lucky though and found a second moose down the road which we did get pictures of. The internet here is a bit tempermental so I won't upload photos tonight but will try at the next hotel.
We had a mild accident in the afternoon. I accidentally backed into a lady's rental car. She was parked by us at a scenic turnout and pulled out first. I thought they left. But, for some reason they pulled behind our van and stopped. No severe damage - just a little ding above the rear tire on their rental care.
Decided to try a new restaurant in West Yellowstone called the Montana Cattle Company. My brother and I went. We both ordered trout. I noticed on the menu that it stated that it was served with the head still on. So, I mentioned this to my brother so it didnt shock him. No issue there. We were served and began eating. He cut his head off first. After a few minutes, the waitress came back and asked how everything was. My brothers response....he took the fish head, held it up facing her, used his hands to make its mouth open and said "nom nom nom". I nearly died.
We continue to eat. I continue to pray that nothing else happens (I took the fish head away at that point). After the bus boy takes his plate, my brother noticed a black thing on this place mat. He says "what is this" and picks it up. He turns it over and then shouts "It's an eye!" and throws it down. The poor lady next to us couldnt contain her laughter. Everytime she looked over, she laughed.
My brother did pay for the meal though....least he could do.
Off to Whitefish, Montana tomorrow.
Yellowstone - Day 2
Today was dominated by bison. We estimate that we saw around 400 head of bison so far. One of the herds we saw had several calves.
We also saw a few elk. It kind of surprises me that we have not seen more elk as I believe they are the most populace species in the park. I think we have seen 7 so far is it.
We did manage to see a bald eagle nest and eagle. Couldn't get any pictures of it though because we found them in a special Eagle zone where stopping is strictly prohibited.
Also saw one coyote today.
Weather is still playing with us. It tends to rain in the morning and then clears. Each time we get out of the car, it starts again. Despite the weather, it is still a beautiful place.
We noticed yesterday that several areas are being closed due to wildlife activity. So, hikiing in the woods may not be the safest at this point. With the higher elevations still covered in snow, the wildlife has moved to lower elevations. Most of the species have also had calves/cubs within the last few weeks. Therefore, confrontations could become more likely if we were to come upon them in the woods.
We happened through one area today that had just been re-opened. It had been closed because of signigicant bear activity. We saw no bears while there. However, a person we met here told us that they saw a grizzly mother and cub not far from it yesterday. Park Rangers wouldnt let them out of their vehicles to view it though as it was heading towards them. When we saw ours, we were able to get in fairly close to it...say about 50 feet from it. So, in reality, much too close given how fast they can move.
We also saw a few elk. It kind of surprises me that we have not seen more elk as I believe they are the most populace species in the park. I think we have seen 7 so far is it.
We did manage to see a bald eagle nest and eagle. Couldn't get any pictures of it though because we found them in a special Eagle zone where stopping is strictly prohibited.
Also saw one coyote today.
Weather is still playing with us. It tends to rain in the morning and then clears. Each time we get out of the car, it starts again. Despite the weather, it is still a beautiful place.
We noticed yesterday that several areas are being closed due to wildlife activity. So, hikiing in the woods may not be the safest at this point. With the higher elevations still covered in snow, the wildlife has moved to lower elevations. Most of the species have also had calves/cubs within the last few weeks. Therefore, confrontations could become more likely if we were to come upon them in the woods.
We happened through one area today that had just been re-opened. It had been closed because of signigicant bear activity. We saw no bears while there. However, a person we met here told us that they saw a grizzly mother and cub not far from it yesterday. Park Rangers wouldnt let them out of their vehicles to view it though as it was heading towards them. When we saw ours, we were able to get in fairly close to it...say about 50 feet from it. So, in reality, much too close given how fast they can move.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Yellowstone - Day 1
Arrived in Yellowstone today and drove through part of the south and east parts of the park. We got very lucky in what we saw. The weather was kind of wierd. It was overcast much of the day but had periods of spotty sunshine. The temperature reading said it was cold. The temps were anywhere from 45 to 58 degress....but it didnt feel cold. I was in shorts and a short sleeve shirt. People probably thought we were idiots.
Due to the darker sky, the camera auto adjusted to a higher iso..but the pictures still look pretty good.
Perhaps the iconic animal of Yellowstone is the American Buffalo, i.e. the Bison. We spotted this guy shortly after the grizzly bear (seen below). They are simply massive beasts.
This is a nice, picturesque stream that we came across. Of course, as soon as I started to snap a shot, it started to rain.
Lower Yellowstone Falls is simply spectacular (seen below).
Spotted a pair of wolves after lunch. It was kind of a funny day....rain then shine then rain. Once the rain started, the wolves retreated to the woods.
Here is a shot of Lake Yellowstone and the mountains in the background. As you can see, the lake is largely still ice covered.
This is the first animal we saw in the park. We found it after about 10 minutes in the park. It was near Lake Yellowstone and was attracting quite the large crowd. We were probably 50 feet from it.
Due to the darker sky, the camera auto adjusted to a higher iso..but the pictures still look pretty good.
Perhaps the iconic animal of Yellowstone is the American Buffalo, i.e. the Bison. We spotted this guy shortly after the grizzly bear (seen below). They are simply massive beasts.
This is a nice, picturesque stream that we came across. Of course, as soon as I started to snap a shot, it started to rain.
Lower Yellowstone Falls is simply spectacular (seen below).
Spotted a pair of wolves after lunch. It was kind of a funny day....rain then shine then rain. Once the rain started, the wolves retreated to the woods.
Here is a shot of Lake Yellowstone and the mountains in the background. As you can see, the lake is largely still ice covered.
This is the first animal we saw in the park. We found it after about 10 minutes in the park. It was near Lake Yellowstone and was attracting quite the large crowd. We were probably 50 feet from it.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day
Spent Memorial Day by taking two of the most scenic drives that you can take in this country. We started off by taking route 385 North out of Hill City, SD. This winds through the Black Hills which are just incredibly beautiful. It is such a pristine area.
We followed 385 all the way to I-90 west. we stayed on 90 west until Buffalo, WY. From Buffalo, we took 16 west into the Bighorn Mountains. Spectacular drive, particularly in May, because there is still plenty of snow capping the mountains. We crossed a pass at 9600 feet.
Saw plenty of antelopes roaming in Wyoming.
Arrived in Cody, WY and ate at the Irma Hotel. This hotel was opened in 1902 by Buffalo Bill Cody. They have an all you can eat Prime Rib buffet. Plenty of other items were on the buffet as well.
Off to Yellowstone tomorrow.
We followed 385 all the way to I-90 west. we stayed on 90 west until Buffalo, WY. From Buffalo, we took 16 west into the Bighorn Mountains. Spectacular drive, particularly in May, because there is still plenty of snow capping the mountains. We crossed a pass at 9600 feet.
Saw plenty of antelopes roaming in Wyoming.
Arrived in Cody, WY and ate at the Irma Hotel. This hotel was opened in 1902 by Buffalo Bill Cody. They have an all you can eat Prime Rib buffet. Plenty of other items were on the buffet as well.
Off to Yellowstone tomorrow.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
From Mitchell to Hill City
Much shorter travel day. We decided to drive through the Badlands again. This is one place that you either love or hate. We found several prairie dogs and almost ran over one actually. The below was pretty close to the road. They actually have signs posted to "Beware of the prairie dogs as they have been tested positive for the plague. This can be passed on to humans through animal bites and/or bites from fleas." I forget the exact type of plague they tested positive for but I wasnt going to test the hypothesis of it being able to be passed to humans.
After we checked into our hotel in Hill City, my brother and I headed off to see Mt. Rushmore. We got there around 4:00 p.m. local time. This put the sun pretty close to over the monument. Therefore, it was tough to get a proper exposure of sky and stone. But, the below isnt too bad.
One of the last large mammals of the continental US that I have been trying to find and get a photo has been a mountain goat. Who knew all I needed to do was to look at Washington's shoulder?
After we checked into our hotel in Hill City, my brother and I headed off to see Mt. Rushmore. We got there around 4:00 p.m. local time. This put the sun pretty close to over the monument. Therefore, it was tough to get a proper exposure of sky and stone. But, the below isnt too bad.
One of the last large mammals of the continental US that I have been trying to find and get a photo has been a mountain goat. Who knew all I needed to do was to look at Washington's shoulder?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Are we there yet?
Today was a loooooooooooong day. Spent 11 hours in the car. And, it was hot. One bank sign listed in as 95 degrees out when we stopped for gas in Blue Moon, SD.
The deer population along I-90 has certainly taken a hit...literally. We saw 5 deer that were hit. Also, one dead badger was spotted. In the middle of nowhere, we saw an "Eat at Joe's" sign. We wondered if they were collecting the road kill.
We did see some interesting sites though while traveling. We saw what appear to be beaver dens in South Dakota. They were all over these marsh areas. There were several wind farms as well.
Then, there was the giant bull head and horns.
We saw our first Wall Drug sign in Minnesota. From this point out, we expect to see hundreds of them.
The deer population along I-90 has certainly taken a hit...literally. We saw 5 deer that were hit. Also, one dead badger was spotted. In the middle of nowhere, we saw an "Eat at Joe's" sign. We wondered if they were collecting the road kill.
We did see some interesting sites though while traveling. We saw what appear to be beaver dens in South Dakota. They were all over these marsh areas. There were several wind farms as well.
Then, there was the giant bull head and horns.
We saw our first Wall Drug sign in Minnesota. From this point out, we expect to see hundreds of them.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Rockford, Illinois and the Jackie attack
Drive to Rockford was uneventful. Arrived in 4 hours. Checked into the hotel and decided to go to dinner....
We went to a place called Thunder Bay Grill which we had been to before. This time, we had the most annoying waitress ever. Her name was Jackie. She had the most annoying, whiny sounding voice. And she just kept talking. My brother, knowing that I was losing my mind, kept encouraging her to talk. He even said he liked her voice.
I swear she must have come to our table every 2 minutes. Horrible. It was like fingernails on a blackboard.
Food was good though.
Off to Mitchell, South Dakota tomorrow. I believe it is the home of the legendary Corn Palace.
We went to a place called Thunder Bay Grill which we had been to before. This time, we had the most annoying waitress ever. Her name was Jackie. She had the most annoying, whiny sounding voice. And she just kept talking. My brother, knowing that I was losing my mind, kept encouraging her to talk. He even said he liked her voice.
I swear she must have come to our table every 2 minutes. Horrible. It was like fingernails on a blackboard.
Food was good though.
Off to Mitchell, South Dakota tomorrow. I believe it is the home of the legendary Corn Palace.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Camera equipment
Taking along 3 DSLR cameras, 5 lenses ranging from a 18-55 mm to a super telephoto 2700 mm, along with a tripod.
All the camera equipment requires 3 bags by itself.
You may feel free to visit my FLICKR site to see other photos I have taken from past trips. Most are landscape shots taken from some of the national parks of the United States.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mambooman/
All the camera equipment requires 3 bags by itself.
You may feel free to visit my FLICKR site to see other photos I have taken from past trips. Most are landscape shots taken from some of the national parks of the United States.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mambooman/
Trip preparations
5/25/10 - Started packing today and constantly watching the weather. On 5/24, parts of Yellowstone National Park, received measurable accumulation of snow. I am destined to arrive there on 6/1/10. So, hopefully it will be melted before we get there.
I expect the actual mileage of the trip to be about 5000 road miles.
We depart on 5/28. Our first destination will be a stay over in Rockford, Illinois.
I expect the actual mileage of the trip to be about 5000 road miles.
We depart on 5/28. Our first destination will be a stay over in Rockford, Illinois.
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