Montana to Wyoming to Montana to Wyoming again

    Yesterday we came down to Wyoming from Missoula, Montana. As we traveled, we would read up on the towns that were coming up on. I didn't realize all the History behind Butte, Montana. It has one of the largest historical districts on this side of the Mississippi. It was the town of the "Copper Kings Battle." That is one thing that I find fascinating about traveling by vehicle. There is so much missed when you travel by plane. I am really looking forward to our trip across the States that will officially begin in August.
   We came down into Wyoming to Powell where we are staying two nights with our friends from the Coast. Lee and Julie Wilson moved out here in 2013 to be near their daughter, Becky, and her family. We got to have dinner last night with Becky and her kids last night. We have also got to see Janette Smith, Julie's Mom. She is living with them right now.
   Lee told us about a very scenic drive that we went on today. Wow! It was beautiful and full of history.  We drove into Cody, Wyoming and turned on Highway 120 N. towards Belfrey to Hwy 296 W., which is called the "Chief Joseph Trail." He was a Chief of the Nez Perce Indians. When Settlers started coming out, the US Government offered the Nez Perce a Reservation of 7,700,000 acres. But there came a Gold Rush and a new treaty was offered to the Nez Perce,  which was only 700,000 acres for the Reservation.
   Although some Nez Perce Chiefs signed the treaty, Chief Joseph (or Joseph the younger) refused to sign the treaty, causing the battle between the Nez Perce and United States Army. This was one year after the Battle where Custer and his Cavalry were killed by the Indians. The Leader of the group that went after the Nez Perce, had a son killed in that same battle, so it is believed that he wanted revenge. It wasn't even the Nez Perce who battled with Custer. That was the Souix.
   Today, we took the trail that Chief Joseph led his tribe through in retreat from the Cavalry in 1877. At the Summit of the Trail is Dead Indian Summit. As the Nez Perce traveled through the canyons and valleys, they had wonded to care for. At the summit, one of the wounded Natives was left behind. When the Army caught up, they killed the Indian that was keft behind. That is how the summit was named.
   As we traveled down the other side of the Trail, we saw some amazing country.  At the end we came to the "Y" of Hwy 212. We took the South route for a few miles and then turned around to head North to the Beartooth Mountain Pass. This was just awe inspiring country, no real Historical significance that we could find.
  As you browse through the pictures below, appreciate the hardiness of the Nez Perce as they battled for their lives and livlihood. Also, appreciate the wonder of the first people to cross the Beartooth Mountains.