September 19th - Day 4 - Great Falls to Bozeman

After the heavy rain in Great Falls yesterday we were delighted to see clear blue skies this morning. Before leaving Great Falls we decided to visit several of the local sights, starting with the Great Falls Giant Springs State Park. The freshwater springs are one of the largest in the country, producing over 156 million gallons of water per day, with the clear water cascading into the adjacent Missouri River via the Roe River once described as "the shortest river in the world" in the Guinness Book of Records.

Georgia, Glen and Rick view the water cascading from the Giant Springs

The water bubbles up into the spring (top left) and then cascades down the "river" into the Missouri

Debbie walks the causeway over the water running from the Springs into the Missouri River

Next to the Giant Springs is a Fish Hatchery which we also visited. We were able to view the show pool where 4 varieties of trout circulate in the pool.

Trout swim in the show pool of the Fish Hatchery

A mile or so downstream we visited the dam on the Missouri River at the location of the "great falls" that gave the city it's name. Drought conditions mean that very little water is currently flowing over the falls, which must be spectacular during the rainy season.

Dam on the Missouri River at Great Falls

The Leakers return to their cars for the drive north - down to 4 E-Types, 2 F-Types and one XK8

For the drive south towards Bozeman we had selected Rte-87 leading to Rte-89. These roads were ideal for our Jaguars with lots of sweeping curves in forested scenery with virtually no traffic. As we rose in elevation the clear blue skies were replaced by heavy clouds and the temperature dropped dramatically. With Earl's sun roof open, we had to turn on the heater - not something that is often required in the hot interior of an E-Type. As we descended the clouds cleared and we warmed up again. Michael had somehow researched a suitable spot for lunch in the tiny community of Wilsall, MT - population 237 in the 2000 census. The Bank Bar and Vault Restaurant features on most web sites if you Google Wilsall, so it clearly has a positive reputation. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, and we enjoyed a great lunch. Greg and Debbie Childs had left for home a little earlier at White Sulfur Springs - we wish them a safe return home.

Bank Bar Vault Restaurant in Wilsall

The post-lunch drive to Bozeman took a little less than an hour on Rte-86. We checked into our hotel at the Best Western Plus Grantree Inn and were free to relax for the rest of the afternoon. In the evening we met in the hotel bar/restaurant for dinner. The food portions defeated most of us.

Dinner at the Best Western Grantree Inn

An example of the portion size - Denise's Nacho Plate!

Tomorrow morning Rick and Patrick head for home, and the rest of the leakers head for Jackson via Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. 

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