Sundance to Hardin

Sundance to Hardin, a set on Flickr.

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING SNOW!!!!
Yep, we came around this bend and way out in the distance was a range of mountains which were snowcapped. They were the Bighorn Mountains. We were heading straight toward them and there was no doubt about the snow. In the middle of June! We had heard that there had been snow in Yellowstone Park, but did not think that it would be affecting us. But that seems not to be the case. Today we found out that the roads in Glacier Park are closed from that snow storm and will not be opened until around the end of the month. Well, I guess that we will leave here and proceed straight up to Alaska with a pause in Great Falls. Who would’ve thunk?
Today was a travel day, and we are now in Hardin, MT. It was a pleasurable trip all of the way from Sundance, WY. From Sundance, we climbed to 5100+’ and then descended out of the Black Hills onto a drier and more rolling prairie. Sage brush began to displace the grasses, and it was obvious that we would come upon a herd of buffalo at any time. The beauty of the land only changed forms and was not diminished ( see the pictures).
We made a small side trip of a couple of miles to visit Fort Kearny which is just a short distance from Sheridan, WY. Fort Kearny was famous as a US Army outpost which was supposed to protect the wagon trains as they traveled the Bozeman Trail. The Indians had other ideas, though, so the fort only lasted for about 2
years (1866-1868). It was also the site of Fetterman’s Massacre. Capt Fetterman got himself and 80 other soldiers killed when he lead them (against specific orders) on a chase after a few Indians. As soon as they were out of sight and the protection of the fort, the Indians sprang their ambush and won the battle.
Tomorrow, we will go to Custer’s Last Stand. More about it then.