This day started out with windy gusts up to 50 mph and snow. We bravely tried to go out, but quickly realized that it was not a good idea.
By 3 in the afternoon, both Brigitte and I were getting cabin fever. The wind seemed to be dying down a bit, so we decided to brave it and head up the Dryhead. My biggest concern was the extra height the ATV added to the truck, so I added an extra strap to help with the strong wind gusts. We quickly realized that the wind was much calmer than it had been. We headed towards Bighorn Canyon.
Of course we were not disappointed. Because no matter what the weather, the ever faithful Greeters were there to welcome us to the range. I pulled over and we braved the wind and cold to snap a few quick shots of them and to thank them for being there.
We continued to drive down the paved road of the range. This area was great right now. The high mountains protected it from the gail force winds. It was good to be outside.
I had seen this trail that was being built, many times last summer. But it was closed while under construction and when it was open, I did not bother to stop. To busy in my quest to find horses. I did not even know what the trail was about. Somehow it seemed out of place and I avoided it. I was very wrong to do that.
Today offered the perfect opportunity to stop. We had seen no horses, and I doubted we would, given the time of year and the weather. So I changed my lens and we started down the trail. Click on the photo to view a larger size and be sure to read the words.
After we left this site, we headed down the road. We were about half way through the range when we spotted Johnston and Hidatsa. It had been a while since I had seen these two. We spent a few minutes with them before they decided to head off.
We left Bighorn Canyon and decided to give lower Sykes a try. We drove back past the big red hills and spent some time hiking around. We did not see any horses, but we did see some incredible scenery.
The end of the day was so different from the beginning. It showed us promise for a good day tomorrow.
Sandy
That quote by Chief Arrapooish is the one I was thinking of when I described the way I feel about the Range. Perhaps he was referring to food, water and shelter, but I think it applies to the spirit as well. I know it is a good place for mine. 🙂
I saw one, or more, of those teepee circles fairly close to the road on the right almost at the end of the Range going towards Ewing-Snell. Is that the area that this trail is in now? The flat area with the power poles and dirt road looks pretty familiar.
Love your pics of the two red hills area and Lower Sykes. Some of my favorites are from there and I love expecting to see Sitting Bull’s family, and maybe others, when I’m there.
Glad you were able to get out a while Sunday. 🙂
Thanks Linda. Yes, that is exactly where it is at. Love those Lower Sykes views, with or without horses! 🙂
Wow, amazing scenery! Some of these pictures remind me of some of the parks I visited out in Utah a few years ago. So different from the Northeast over here. Definitely have Montana on my bucket list. 😀
Thanks Amelie!
Fascinating history Sandy. Once again many thanks for keeping us attuned to the wonders of your world. And thanks to you two girls for braving those winds to report in. Stay safe, Diane
PS I have yet to get out to see the Prior horses in Louisa, as they are only open one day per week and our weather here has been dicey the past six weeks. Spring is soon here, and I still plan to report to you.
You are welcome Diane! Hope you can get down to Legacy soon! 🙂