The drive today was beautiful. I am back in the mountains following the Missouri River. I just learned today that the Missouri River is the longest river in the US. I drove down out of the mountains to Helena and it like a big, round, flat place with mountains all around it in all directions. The city is clean, well-kept and very interesting and there are mountains and lake in less than one hour.
We started off on the Last Chance Train Ride that went throughout the city of Helena showing us the important buildings, the cool interesting part of town and the mansion district. Our tram driver was the best. She said since we were slow and disruptive to traffic that she would appreciate it if we were friendly and waved at anyone we passed. And that for those of us from CA would they please keep that a full hand wave.
We started out near the capitol.This is the engine part of the train which pulled 3 wagons of us through the city streets.Looks like a heart cloud above the St Helena Cathedral. They say a pilot once flew between those spires to impress his watching girlfriend.She said a President once wanted to stay here, but they only way they would allow it was if there was a metal lined room in the house that could protect him in case of attact. She says to this day one of the bathrooms is lined with lead protecting them in their most vulnerable moments.This guy built himself a castle.This building was in the business district. I like the checkerboard effect under the top window.
After the train ride, we went to the Montana Historical Society, and guess what! More CM Russell.
CM Russell, “All who know me – respect me.” 1907This Russell collection had more of his letters. This visual spoke more than words could of the condition of the cows that winter.And in keeping with the theme, this is a popular painting of the Indians seeing Lewis and Clark coming upriver.Buffalo crossing the river, with that famous sunset in the background. Also you can see Square Butte mid-right. Glacier would be left.I loved his sense of humor. This was a return address of a letter he sent.This is self portrait with his iconic red Indian sash, jacket, boots.Here’s one of the statues he sculpted.Cowboy Christmas card.One last Russell painting. The tour guide asked us what we could hear looking at this painting, what could we smell, what we could feel, what we could taste. Try it.
There were other wings to the Historical Society.
I took this photo to show my brother how big the arrowheads were out here. The ones he and Kim found were probably half the size of these.Goodnight. I’m going to save tonight dinner photos for tomorrow.
One Reply to “Helena, MT”
Sounds like a neat place to see. I really like the cowboy Christmas card verse.
Sounds like a neat place to see. I really like the cowboy Christmas card verse.