Charles was Right!

We started the day in Billings - taking in a couple of sites that it was just too hot (95 degrees) to enjoy yesterday.  We started with 4 Dances Park - which is named after a Native American who led his men to ride their horses over the cliff rather than bring smallpox to more of their community.   (Kevin and I just hiked the edge of the cliff - we are both feeling fine:) - though we did encounter a large bull snake on the trail that made both of us jump a bit.

While we were at it - we took in Pictograph Cave state park - where multiple generations of Native Americans took refuge and drew pictures depicting their lives.   

When we were researching this trip we found that Charles Kuralt called the Bear Tooth Highway the most beautiful stretch of road in America.   After our experience today we would be hard pressed to argue with him.

 The views must be beautiful all the time - but this time in June seemed really special - with snow covered peaks and streams that were as powerful as any I have seen with winter snow melt raging through.  We took many short hikes to enjoy the views - but were a little nervous to go too far in as many of the campsites and trails are closed because of Grizzly bear sightings.   We are now proud owners of bear spray -but we aren't too anxious to try it out!