I took these photos two weeks ago….there is a lot more snow now! The start of the highway runs  through Two Dot Ranch I think for the first 7 miles. Since I don’t have traction tires I only went up until I hit snow on the highway(about 10 miles) These photos don’t do justice to the landscape in person but here they are….

Ever since I move to Billings and started making the twice a month trip to Cody Two Dot Ranch has been my idea of heaven on earth. Beauty surrounds in every direction…

This is Heart Mountain the top is supposed to look similar to a buffalo heart. On the other side of the mountain lies the dark history of a Japanese internment camp….

From the website summitpost.org

“While it’s considered part of the Absaroka Range, Heart Mountain is more of a geologic anomaly with its unusual limestone cap. Geologists from around the world have studied it, yet its origin remains a subject of passionate debate. Somehow it became separated from larger masses of similar formations found sixty miles away in Yellowstone National Park. Moreover, older limestone lies atop younger strata, which is “upside down” in relation to how these strata are found elsewhere.”

Somewhere between Miles City and Billings…

The Range Riders Museum is in Miles City. It is probably one of the best museums I have been to for the reason that it is so personal to the community. All towns have little museums but I have never seen such a community effort. This museum was a lot of work and although the displays leave little to be desired as far as modern displays. …or design in general. Probably most was done by men. What amazes me is ( having worked with displays)  how labor intensive this museum is. This museum didn’t order fancy displays and cases they built and designed everything themselves. I doubt they hired a professional consultant either. I didn’t even have time to see the whole thing and could easily go through again the things I did see! I love the personal touches and character of this museum.

They even put the brand in the sidewalk….

…with shotgun shells!

Even the rattles are not exempt!

Nor rope…

This the Range Rider hall that you can rent for your functions. The walls are covered with people that live within, I think, 25 miles of Miles City. To be in this room you have to have been born before a certain year but I can’t remember that either!

Look at all of that history!

Here are some of the photographs that caught my attention….

Each one of these is a frame on a plaque that has been painted, branded if the person had one, a metal plaque with their name and dates, and that black pipe at the bottom. Who would put a pipe at the bottom of each plaque. And each piece of pipe has the ends covered. As I said some man had to design these. I could picture my dad designing this very thing. I love them for their character and that someone put A LOT of time and effort. This was my favorite room in the museum and where I spent most of my time. I wish there was a story about each person!

More of the museum when I have time!

More from the Beartooth Highway…

Even with the smoke you can get a sense of the spectacular views…

Thank God for guardrails!  This one was broken in half but the rail held..

It surprised me how much of the top was plateau….

with lots of lakes…

That rock formation is the reason for the name…

There were several musicians to entertain…

What’s a festival without a parade?

Cars were lined up on the interstate exits…

The lamb cook-off! Had some great samples and got some free recipes.

Here come the sheep……