Day 2
It was very interesting with the sleeping. David very nicely took the upper bunk. But when the beds are out, there is no room. You need to sit on the bed to wash your face and brush your teeth!
A nice sunrise but the weather has gotten cloudy. We have passed through many towns. We are in North Dakota. Some towns are known for their fracking. As we get closer to the mountains we can see the hills forming.
As we passed through the country side we saw many grain elevators.
Along the way we see the aftermath of a train-wreck. Heavy duty machines are moving them away.
It happened 2 days before as the cars were standing still on the track because of the high winds. The winds were too much for the empty cars that were stacked 2 high and over they went, pulling the rest of the train with it.
The tracks had just been cleared the day before we came through.
We were here for a quick stop so off we all went for some fresh air.
No place out West is complete without the John Deere business
Arrived at East Glacier Lodge. Only opened for 10 weeks of the year and had just opened a week and half ago for this season. The hotels were built by the Railroads . The logs are huge . To give you an idea, David and I could maybe reach each other's hands.
Main lobby of the Lodge
The West was first worked by trappers , mostly beaver that started int the 1800s. Then came the miners in 1850/60s for gold. The mining changed from gold to oil in 1870 "Last Chance Oil" and the last big strike was in 1880. Oil was really done by 1906.
The tribe in this area is the Blackfoot. 35% are unemployed. This unfortunately creates a high alcoholism. The ones that want to work must go outside of the area to find a job. The Indians here felt their land was taken away from them even though the government pay for it. Till a few years ago the Indians had to pay to enter the park. They have farms and one farm raises Bison.
Going to get out of here fast before they get Amanda!
See you tomorrow.
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