DAY 29 - GREAT FALLS, MT TO HELENA, MT
JUNE 11, 2014

Today was a combination of travel and activity.  We started with a short drive to Helena.  Our photographers for the day took a few side trips to view some sights not included in the tour.  It is unfortunate that the whole group cannot see everything, but the trip is only so many days long.  At times we "live vicariously" through the camera lenses of others.

Giant Springs.



Nice dam.



Missouri on the plains.



Missouri entering the Rockies.

Driving in Big Sky Country.

After the challenging 85 or so mile drive, we took our towed vehicles and went back a few miles to the Gates of the Mountains.  We enjoyed a informative and enjoyable trip down the "river" through a section of high limestone cliffs that Lewis and Clark called the "gates to the Rocky Mountains."  In this location, the river is actually a lake behind one of the many dams on the Missouri.  The boat operator was well informed and provided excellent commentary as we motored along.  He told not only of the canyon and river, but also of the Mann Gulch fire that killed a number of fire fighters and of the protection natural resources.



Which way to the boat?



Down the river we go.



These gates are closed!



After the ride.

The boat.

 We gathered at the park at the end of the day.  Today marked a good point for us.  After a few days of people being separated due to ticks and a wide assortment of mechanical issues, we were all finally re-united into a whole. 

At home under the Big Sky.

 

NOTE    NOTE
This will be the last post put together by Danni and Joe.  The morning following our boat ride, we were asked to leave this group and fill in for a field staff that had broken her arm.  It has been a real pleasure to have worked with this group of travelers.  We have tried hard to make the trip as enjoyable as possible, and we hope we have had a positive effect.  The group has made the trip wonderful for us.  We give a big thank you to everyone.  As tailgunner's, our primary objective is to make sure the guests get where they are going at the end of each day and that they finish the trip.  Our early departure from this group leaves us feeling like we've not completed our job.  We sincerely hope that each and every member of this group has a wonderful time for the remainder of the trip, and that everyone reaches Fort Catslop on the Oregon Coast, with a minimal amount of mechanical issues.  Travel safely!!!!     Joe & Danni



Tom and Mike