We Conquer the 5 km Dutcher Trail North Volksmarch in Billings, Montana - Friday, June 10 to Saturday, June 11, 2022

On Friday, June 10, we buttoned up the 5th wheel and drove 329 miles northwest to Billings, Montana. Our route took us west on I-90 and then northwest on U.S. 212 through Broadus, Montana. We had a gorgeous travel day with grasslands and high plains, and a light wind. 

Billings KOA Holiday was our destination for five nights. This is a beautiful campground next to the Yellowstone River. Our end site had a patio with a swing and a fire pit. The campground has a pool, hot tub, a good-sized miniature golf course, a cute playground, a laundromat, a store, and an ice cream stand. 

Our end site at Billings KOA Holiday.

There were beautiful swings with different patterns
in the deluxe full hook-up sites with patios.

Miniature golf at Billings KOA Holiday

Miniature golf at Billings KOA Holiday.

Part of the playground.

A view across the deluxe patio RV sites.

The laundry room.

The laundry building with swings in front of it to
use while you wait for your laundry.

On Saturday, June 11, we decided to walk the 5 km Dutcher Trail North Volksmarch. We would also have done the south 5 km Dutcher Trail but it was closed due to highway construction. We parked in the Upper Level Parking next to MetraPark arena to start. 

This walk followed the Jim Dutcher Trail (paved) to Two Moon Park along the Yellowstone River. 

This is Montana, after all.

A picnic table with a view of the 
Yellowstone River.

Bob at an overlook of the Yellowstone River.

Most of our 5 km was in Two Moon Park.

We hiked around the trails here.

No skidding tires; they must be talking
about mountain bikes.

We are hiking down to the Yellowstone River.

Bob took a photo of me photographing
the Yellowstone River.

Wildflowers.

The path in the park is dirt, mud, or gravel.

Bob is "working" next to the Yellowstone River.

It's bottomland here.

Two Moon Park Natural Area.

Another view of the Yellowstone River.

We walked back to the truck and ate lunch at The Tippy Cow Cafe. This restaurant had a comfortable interior and great service. We each had enough food for two to three people on our plates. Recommendation if you eat here: share a menu item!

From The Tippy Cow, we headed east to Pompeys Pillar National Monument. This National Monument chronicles the uses of this part of Montana. 

Over the years, many Native Americans left their drawings on the rocks here. On July 25, 1806, Captain William Clark, part of the Corps of Discovery, left his signature on Pompeys Pillar on his return route down the Yellowstone River. He named the Pillar Pompey in honor of Sacagawea's son.

Outdoor exhibits are frequent along the trails and at the pillar. The museum had indoor exhibits as well. The Visitor Center/Museum/Gift Shop is built so that when you enter the building, you can see through the building to Pompeys Pillar.

Pompey's Pillar through history.

Northern Pacific Railroad surveying party was 
escorted by 1,500 soldiers, including the 7th Cavalry 
under the command of George Armstrong Custer.

A stroll through history on the Riverwalk.

The map of Pompeys Pillar park.

One of the outdoor exhibits as you approach
the Visitor Center.

Flags of local Native American nations.

An example of the canoes used by the
Native Americans.

This is a "Selfie Spot," so we took 
advantage of it. [Photo by Robert Alton.]

We've read a lot of historical markers, and now it's time to explore Pompeys Pillar. 

We get our stair-climbing exercise today!

And, we are off to the top of Pompeys Pillar!

But, wait, there are more stairs.

A looming thunderstorm to the north.

Captain William Clark's signature, protected 
behind Plexiglas.

The pillar is eroding.

Bob is on the path to the top.

Wildflowers.

The Yellowstone River with the looming storm.

Looking down Pompeys Pillar to the paved path.

Bob took a photo of me heading up.

At the top of Pompeys Pillar
overlooking the Yellowstone River.

Captain William Clark stood atop this pillar
in 1806!

Next, we walked the path along the Yellowstone River.

We reported this swarm of bees to the rangers
and they said, "Don't worry about it, that's what bees do."

We have been getting forecasts all day that big thunderstorms are coming our way. Flooding of the Yellowstone River in Billings may happen tomorrow or the next day. The Billings KOA Holiday is located next to the Yellowstone River. Yellowstone National Park is getting record rainfall and any rainfall there will come this way! We have some cause for concern.

The Yellowstone River with a thunderstorm 
moving to the north. 

Bob walking where Captain William Clark
and Sacagawea walked.

With the storms, the Yellowstone River is getting high.

This is a tree that a beaver chewed through. It looks
like they're protecting this with chicken wire.

We did a quick reconnaissance of the little museum and watched a movie. They were closing at 4 pm so we didn't see everything.

Changes.

Bullboats.

Today, I'm modeling a lightweight
coat made from a hide.

I'm also modeling the look of the day for a 
current explorer and hiker.

Our time ran out and we had to leave the Visitor Center. I will have to come back to get my National Park Passport book stamped.

Another fun day is now recorded in the blog. Thank you to the Woodland Wanderers Volksmarch Club for putting this walk together. 

Tomorrow, we will visit Little Big Horn. Bob has never been and I have. He's looking forward to it.