Montana, people, horses

Dear Reader, we are now in Devils Tower, Wyoming.   We have left Montana behind us, the state and its people has given us so much I wanted to share some images from the state as well as a video of one of its fine people.

As we crossed across the state its clear that the land in the East of Montana is less populated,  and the land devoted to the raising of beef and some sheep.

On one of our nights we were lucky enough to stay on the RV site of Chip and Sandy Watts.

Their 7thRanch site was just perfect for us and just 'down the road' from the Little Big Horn battle site.

This is the first time I had met someone who works horses with cattle, Chip has done so all his life. He has a very obvious affinity with his animals and some great insights to tell.   And another thing just the most natural in front of a camera, or video.

And now for something completely different. On the ground next to the RV was a small nest with four eggs being well looked after by the mother bird, the bird is a Killdeer bird, not seen in the UK (I think)

To protect her eggs when she an animal come toward the nest she takes herself off and feigns a broken wing to tempt the predator away from the nest.

AS I mentioned the overnight stop was near the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn.   The site is atop a range of hills, has a very good 'visitor centre' The site has been preserved very well, it is not hard to imagine what the days must have been like the surrounding fighting.

We were able to have our morning ceremony of remembrance at the site, it is also a National Cemetery.  We were joined by a number of people including three young native Americans.  The Native Americans have a very strong tradition of serving in the Army, sadly they also have a high proportion of those that people who will not be returning home.

The close of the day saw us at the site we are were sure would be grim. No 'facilities' no showers, no water, earth closets.

It was one of the best stays we had. Hidden deep in a forest, weather just abut perfect. We lit a fire, cooked our pork chops. Alvin did a head stand. What more can you want!