July 22 – 23: National Monuments and Wandering Western Montana
We had a few days of unexpected unplanned days and decided to head north from the family lake place in Trout Creek to Libby for Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge, Bigfork for lunch, down the Seely Swan and into Helena for the night. We got to visit my cousin, Brenda Rasmussen in Helena after we admired the capitol building.
We dropped over to Deer Lodge, a place we’ve driven by for 30 plus years, and finally stopped at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historical Site: Wide open spaces, the hard-working cowboy, his spirited cow pony, and vast herds of cattle are among the strongest symbols of the American West. Once the headquarters of a 10 million acre cattle empire, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site preserves these symbols and commemorates the role of cattlemen in American history.
Then we headed over Mill Creek Road (thankfully, no Liv, the rig, with us!) and viewed Big Hole National Battlefield near Wisdom, MT: On August 9, 1877 gun shots shattered a chilly dawn on a sleeping camp of Nez Perce. By the time the smoke cleared on August 10, almost 90 Nez Perce were dead along with 31 soldiers and volunteers. Big Hole National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there.
Drive along the Flathead River north of Ravalli back up to the lake…GOD, I LOVE MONTANA
The Traveling Lounsburys 
You both look so happy and healthy! Retirement appears to be agreeing with you! Thanks for sharing your travels! Enjoy!
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I love Montana too! Andy and I used to fish the Ruby River near Sheridan, MT, almost every year, and we backpacked across the state as well. Love your posts. Keep them coming!
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