Category: **States We Explored

Hello From Montana!

Posted on by Joy

You may be wondering–she is writing posts in November and December about trips she took last May and June! What’s up??

Well, after a six-week stay and quite a bit of quality-of-life considerations, I decided to move back to Montana. The move happened the end of September 2025. Now trying to catch up writing about great trips to Utah and western Colorado, but first I needed time for reflecting on the past six years in Colorado Springs. Now beginning to meet folks here, see where I can volunteer or help out, and today dealing with more normal weather (snow). The weather for the last week has been crazy unusual. I think the East Coast got our weather as we “enjoyed” nearly 70 degrees–in February!

So, to where exactly did I move? Glad you asked. A community nearly dead center north/south/east/west in Montana. A town of about 6,200 people and the county seat of Fergus County: Lewistown.

Welcome! Let’s take a look around . . .

Mesa Verde National Park–A Walk Back in Time

Posted on by Joy

Mesa Verde is the first national park of its kind. Established June 29, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt to “preserve the works of man”. As years pass the Park’s talented staff continue to focus on preservation of the centuries old cultural and natural resources of the Ancestral Pueblo People. Mesa Verde is a World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park best known for its amazing cliff dwellings. But Mesa Verde is about so much more. Our first mission? Explore the northern hills including Mesa Verde’s highest point, Park Point at an elevation of 8,571. The drive over the hills is 15 miles, but it will take us at least 30 minutes. Yes, it is a twisty, turning, steep 15mph drive, but you know we’ll have to stop along the way for the views my friend. Let’s go!

this is so amazing . . .

Camera, Action! Monument Valley and Surrounds

Posted on by Joy

Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger–am I dating myself? Remember Forest Gump? Monument Valley and surrounds have been used in many forms of media for decades, but it all started with Zane Grey’s silent western, The Vanishing American, in 1925. Southern Utah became the new Wild West for many films through the 1930s, 1940s, into the early 70s. John Wayne fell in love with South Utah’s landscape, filming 11 westerns in the Monument Valley area all directed by John Ford. So let’s see what is so very special.

Let’s go . . .

Cedar Breaks National Monument: Walking the Rim

Posted on by Joy

The best place to start when visiting a National Park, Monument, etc. is the Visitor Center. Lots of wonderful history, unique features explained, telling of critters they protect and encourage us to, and personalized information to help us enjoy our stay. Who could ask for more? Here at Cedar Breaks the overlook behind the Visitor Center takes us to the view we came to see–the massive geologic amphitheater, 3 miles across and 2,500 feet deep called Cedar Breaks. Let’s go . . .

Stunning!