Had a little confusion on the trip today, despite "Suzie" GPS readings and maps, we found ourselves a one hundred miles north of where we were suppose to be, however, we have crossed the Powder River. A total of 429.7 miles today although my original travel plans called for 342. We have seen Montana a couple of times today but now settled in for the night at Red Lodge, Montana. A nice, small community at the base of Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet).

Being always prepared, I am driving a Ford F-150, with a recent oil change, four wheel drive, and four studded tires on the pavement. I feel very secure in driving any place in Alaska and the Alcan Highway with this rig. With that said, believing in the 7 P's, I checked my Doppler radar site and weather station this morning. Our destination and the gateway to Yellowstone Park was clear and expected highs in the upper 50's. Arriving in Cody it was 64 degrees. It then came it came to our attention that Yellowstone Park roads were closed for the winter. However, the most northeast entrance was open to the northwestern entrance and remains open all winter dependent on snow removal. Realizing we were not going to get in the park from Cody, WY we headed north to our present location. Our plans was to pass through Yellowstone during the early morning while all of the wildlife was out of hiding. Still cannot believe closing roads for the winter when it is +60 degrees! If I agreed with that policy, I wouldnever get back to Alaska!

Tonight after settling in, I decided to go find some back roads to take "Dutch" on a leash free play period and see if we could spot some elk or deer. Heading towards Beartooth Pass, one mile from our motel I could not help but notice a flashing yellow lighted sign. Beartooth Pass Closed! Since this is our only access, we have options ~ drive an additional 200 miles to get partial access to the park or mark it off the list of which we will choose the latter since we were in the park a month ago.

Re-route plans are now underway but I still refuse to go through Edmonton or Calgary, so we will be headed northwest across Montana.

We did drive a hundred miles of Interstate Highways today, I still hate them but between Spearfish, SD and Buffalo, WY we saw 1,000, maybe 2,000, perhaps a few more head of Antelope. The only problem, those constant nagging signs along the Interstate "No Stopping Unless It Is An Emergency". I had to pass so many good shots today but I did catch a few does at a pullout area.

More to this story, but best told in person. Thought this old cabin on the banks of Ten Sleep Creek deserved to have it's picture taken. I would love to know the history behind this house and those that occupied it over the years. The walls are dove tailed log and very tightly fit together. It is located on the outskirts of the community of Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

Came across this old mine west of Belfry, Montana on our way into Red Lodge. At first glance, it was just a great shot of an old mine but then I found the historical marker. They have left the old buildings in memorial of the Smith Mine Disaster. The worst mining disaster in the history of Montana. Three men escaped and the remaining seventy four lost their lives on that date. The mine was never re-opened and the remains of many of the men are still entombed.