A Tribute to the Past
The day started with waking up by train tracks in a pullout of the Lewis and Clark National Forest south of Glacier National Park. My Dad did not remember parking near a bend of the train tracks, so when he saw lights of a train barreling towards our van at 3AM he was a bit concerned. We had some laughs about that in the morning before heading out.
Our first stop on the drive to South Dakota was Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. It was cool to see a Native American town. The individuals we saw were quite friendly and more COVID-conscious than many places in the West that we have visited. We also had great views of Glacier National Park on the way through the reservation. In Browning, we debated whether to take the northern or southern route through Montana. The perks of the northern route (via Route 2) were that we would see more of Big Sky Montana (considered to be eastern Montana), go to Fort Peck, then drive through North Dakota into South Dakota. The southern option was to take the faster highway route through Billings on I-90 to Devils Tower. After some debate and discussion, we felt inclined to take the faster southern route since we would still get to see some of “big sky country” on that route.
The first spot we wanted to see on the drive was Devil’s Tower. When we arrived, we caught a beautiful sunset. We pulled off the road to stand amazed before the rock formation and take some pictures. As we approached the town of Devil’s Tower, many cars were stopped and fireworks were lighting up the sky around us. Embarrassingly, it took me a few moments to remember it was Independence Day. We did not plan it, but we arrived to enjoy a fireworks show in front of the country’s original national monument on our country’s Independence Day.
We were not planning to see such a spectacular, firework-enriched evening. If we would have taken the northern route we certainly would have missed seeing Devil’s Tower in front of a beautiful sunset and patriotic firework display. We were blessed to have taken the southern route today and to have been at Devil’s Tower to celebrate Independence Day.
After soaking up this patriotic tribute, we drove into the Black Hills National Forest to spend the night and enjoy another of the nation’s natural splendors.
The places my friends, family, and I have explored over the last month have revealed the natural value of the United States. It is a gift that comes with citizenship of which I am appreciative. On this trip so far we have enjoyed placid ponds and lakes, glacial streams, dense rain forests, silent yet unforgiving stratovolcanoes and mountains, clashing ocean tides, wildlife, and so much more. Our National Parks, Forests, Grasslands, Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials provide evidence of a magnificent Creator. In addition, by enjoying these lands, I have gained greater appreciation for the conservationists, preservationists, and politicians who sought their designation and protection. This Fourth of July at Devil’s Tower ignited a more informed level of gratitude for the United States facilitated by the Covid Wagon experience.
Thanks for reading.
