04-16-2013

DETOUR—ROAD CLOSED–IMPASSABLE SNOW means do not go this way.
 
My plan for the day was to drive to Fort Benton, Montana and visit some of the sites there and maybe end the day in Great Falls. Nature changed my plans again. I ended up driving straight to Great Falls and I will try to get to Fort Benton tomorrow.
 
As it turned out, I was able to spend a couple hours at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls.  I am totally impressed with this facility and the staff that I met.  It is the most complete, accurate, and well-kept center that I have seen so far.  Their web site identifies them as the “Crown Jewel of the Lewis and Clark Trail” and I totally agree with that statement.  Their web site is www.lewisandclarkfoundation.org. Be sure to look them up. You will learn a great deal about the Corps of Discovery through their displays.
 
It is also a real asset in that you can look out the windows of the center and see the Missouri River and one of the falls. Today the view was a little obstructed by a blowing snow, but I am getting used to that.
 
Their interpretive center takes the visitor from St. Charles, Missouri to Fort Clatsop and back to St. Charles. Extremely well done and aimed at elementary school children with a lot of hands-on displays. Their portrayal of the portage really demonstrates the struggles involved at that point of the journey.
 
I am glad that my route was changed and that I had the extra time necessary to tour their center.
 

Daily data:

  • Beginning odometer at Lewistown, MT was 28946
  • Bought fuel at Stanford, MT.  Odometer was 28993.  Bought 12.441 gal @ $3.399 for a total of $42.29.
  • Ending mileage at Great Falls, MT Super 8 is 29060.
  • Meals for the day wre $22.00
  • Lodging for the night is $67.00

 
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