Day 2 was a busy day. I learned new things, saw new things, and had a wonderful time with E-Z’s friends and family.
Before I begin, I just want to write that when I compose these posts they are a free flow of information. I try to make it a point not to edit them. To me, it defeats the purpose of just explaining the story in the moment. There may be mistakes, misspellings, some wrong information. It is all good. Besides, this is my blog of our vacation. I’m sorry if my blog isn’t as good as your blog about my vacation. No complaints, just stating that up front so you aren’t like “What the hell is he talking about?”
Day 2 started at sunrise with coffee. Always coffee. The sunrises in Montana are magical. You will see from pictures that post on Facebook a lot of them. They are truly beautiful.
After breakfast and everyone getting ready for the day, E-Z, Jim, Ralph, Vaughn and I went out for the day’s adventure.
We took the northern route from Lavina to Pompeys Pillar National Monument. It took about an hour and 30 minutes. We were able to see beautiful scenery along the way. As we approached Billings, we saw Sacrifice Cliff. I was informed it is one of the things that Billings is known.
The legend goes as such. Two young Native Americans came back from a hunting party. They find that the entire settlement has been wiped out due to Small Pox. (Yay, Western Expansion America) The two of them go to the top of the cliff, blind fold their horses and ride off the cliff. Thus, Sacrifice Cliff.
About 45 minutes later, we arrived at Pompeys Pillar. The Pillar is a huge rock formation. It’s claim to fame and importance is that Clark of Lewis and Clark carved his name into the top of the Pillar. The area was previously marked by Native Americans to religious occasions. To me, nothing says America like graffiti. Anyway, it is there behind bullet proof glass at the top. 91 steps, I believe.
E-Z, Jim, Vaughn and I made the journey to the top. It was pretty fantastic. A point of note: as I was walking up to the top, I started to get winded. I was really concerned. I walk and hike constantly and this was taking a toll. What is going on? Then I realize that we are between 2900 and 3000 feet ASL. This doesn’t seem like a lot. However, when I have spent the past 3 years at 300 feet, it is significant. So just like in ZombieLand. Rule #1: Cardio.
From the top, we had a volunteer guide that gave us a lot of information and showed us the directions from the Clark diary and the actual geographic locations. It was extremely informative. As we were walking down, E-Z was ahead of us, when he reached Ralph as the bottom, he told him that the guide wanted to talk with him and was wanting to show him a few things. Ralph got all excited, “Oh!” Ralph turned around to go meet the guide. The guide walked right on by him. The guide didn’t know anything about it. It was just a small funny moment of the day.
After the Pillar, we drove the Southern route back. We stopped at CowBoys for lunch in Huntley. It was a nice little place. It was a restaurant, bar and casino. When Ralph ordered a 7&7, they didn’t know what he was talking about. I had to explain it to them. Not much of a bar. I walked to the back to wash my hands and saw that they had a few slots and video poker type games. Not much of a casino. But the food was good, and the company was always entertaining. So, one out of three isn’t bad.
We made our way back to Billings to stop for some provisions before heading home. E-Z wanted to stop at the local cigar shop. He provided the directions and away we went. We pulled up to a Smoker Friendly.
This may not seem like much to most. When I was in Iraq in 2007, I lived next door to a Lieutenant who was from Montana. His family owns Smoker Friendly. They would send us cigars and a few us would gather around on Saturday nights, watch old epic films and smoke cigars. The containerized housing would be so full of smoke, it would take forever to clear it out. We would have to shower before going to sleep, because it has saturated our skin. I owe a lot to Tom, James and Smoker Friendly for my cigar education over 10 years ago.
Anyway, we get back home an relax before dinner. Dinner was a magnificent feast. E-Z had put brisket in the oven at 6 a.m. at 200 degrees before we left. Deborah had smoked ribs on the smoker. She has also made up all the sides. It was truly wonderful.
However, it paled in comparison to their friends and family who also visited with all of us. As we sat collectively around the porch and inside, stories were shared and lies were told about E-Z in his early days. I was able to meet his sons and daughter. His friends from around here. They were all gracious and kind. I am truly happy to have met them.
As day turned into night, the storms started to roll in. As the people faded away to return to their homes, we were treated to a prolific lightning storm. There are no storms like flat land storms. You can see them for what seems 50 miles away. Good sleeping weather.
Tomorrow is Beartooth Highway to Cooke City. Google elevation in 7608 feet. Higher and higher we go.
72 and you. 